My workaround for the Spanish keyboard delay and why I'm using a freight forwarder for my Framework Laptop 13
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Why I'm importing the Framework 13 Core Ultra Series 2 right now
It is March 2026, and the tech world is buzzing about the Intel Core Ultra Series 2. I have been following the Framework project for years because I love the idea of a laptop I can actually repair. When they announced the new Series 2 configuration for the Framework Laptop 13, I knew I wanted it immediately. The performance jump and battery efficiency of these new chips are exactly what I need for my freelance work in Madrid.
The problem is that even in 2026, localized releases for Spain often lag behind the US launch. While the US store is fully stocked, the European warehouses are still catching up with the specific Spanish ISO keyboard layouts. I decided I'd rather have the power of the new processor now and just use a US layout (or swap the keyboard later) than wait until summer.
The hidden barrier for Spanish techies
The biggest obstacle I found wasn't the price—it was the shipping restriction. The Framework US store doesn't ship directly to Spain. Usually, we have to wait for the local EU store to update, which can take months. Plus, I noticed that once these items hit the EU market, the price often jumps significantly due to local distribution costs. I realized that if I wanted to shop us store prices, I needed a different strategy. Read more: Why importing the Framework Laptop 13 (Intel Core Ultra Series 2) from the US is my preferred strategy for Spanish professionals.
How I shipped it from the US to Spain
To get around the shipping block, I signed up for a tax-free us address through a freight forwarder. I chose comGateway because their warehouse is in Oregon, which means I didn't have to pay US sales tax on my purchase. This saved me about 8-10% right off the bat.
If you find that your Spanish credit card is being declined at checkout on the US site, I recommend checking out the proxy shopping options. I've used the BuyForMe service before when US retailers were picky about international billing addresses, and it makes the assisted purchase process very simple.
Shipping Estimates for the Framework 13
Before I committed, I used the shipping calculator to estimate shipping cost. Here is the breakdown based on my specific order of the Framework 13 (Intel Core Ultra Series 2):
| Factor | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Box Weight | Approx. 2.7 kg (6 lbs) including packaging and expansion cards. |
| Box Dimensions | Medium-sized (Approx. 36 x 29 x 9 cm). |
| Volumetric Warning | Low. The box is quite dense and slim, so you likely won't be charged extra for volume unless you add many bulky accessories. |
| Battery Check | Yes. This laptop contains a 61Wh lithium battery. It must be shipped via a carrier that handles PI967 (lithium ion batteries contained in equipment). |
When you use an international shipping service, they will handle the dangerous goods labeling for the battery, but it's good to keep in mind that this might limit you to DHL international shipping or FedEx international shipping rather than cheaper postal options.
Dealing with import tax and Spanish customs
One thing I always tell my friends is that you cannot ignore the import tax. In Spain, we have to pay IVA (21%) on electronics coming from outside the EU. When my package arrived at the border, the Spanish customs agency (Agencia Tributaria) contacted me to settle the duties. Check our guide on import duties to see how these are calculated for Spain. Even after paying the customs tax, I found that I still saved money compared to the projected Spanish retail price for the 2026 model. Read more: Ship the Framework Laptop 13 (Intel Core Ultra Series 2) from the US to Spain to avoid local price hikes.
My tips for a smooth arrival
If you are planning to shop us ship international for the first time, don't panic if the tracking doesn't update for a couple of days while it's in the air. I always check the FAQ if I have questions about how consolidation works. I actually bundled my Framework with a few expansion cards I bought separately, which helped me save on international shipping costs by putting them all in one box.
My experience getting the Framework 13 (Intel Core Ultra Series 2) to Spain was surprisingly fast. From the moment it hit my international shipping service warehouse to arriving at my door in Madrid, it only took 5 business days. Now, I have the latest modular tech months before my neighbors!
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