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BIEMH – Bienal Internacional de…: dates, what is exhibited and how to prepare

BIEMH is Spain's leading biennial trade show for machinery, machine tools, automation, and advanced manufacturing. Held at Bilbao Exhibition Centre, it…

Published on 27 September 2026Updated on 27 September 2026

BIEMH is Spain's leading biennial trade show for machinery, machine tools, automation, and advanced manufacturing. Held at Bilbao Exhibition Centre, it draws buyers from the automotive, aerospace, and industrial sectors. For Spanish machinery exporters, it's a direct channel to domestic and European customers without travel costs.

Fact sheet

Dates
No date published
City
Barakaldo, Spain
Venue
Bilbao Exhibition Centre (BEC)
Organiser
AFM, AIMHE y Bilbao Exhibition Centre (BEC)
Frequency
bienal
What is exhibited
nuevas tecnologías, maquinaria y soluciones para fabricación avanzada, incluyendo maquinaria‑herramienta, herramientas, automatización, metrología y control de calidad.
Official website
https://www.biemh.com/

Source: AFM, AIMHE y Bilbao Exhibition Centre (BEC)Data for 2026-09-21Verified on 21 September 2026

Sector imports in the country

USD · 2025
ChapterImports (USD)
87 · Vehicles; other than railway or tramway rolling stock, and…53,279,975,581
84 · Machinery and mechanical appliances, boilers, nuclear…46,814,136,049
39 · Plastics and articles thereof16,587,931,947
72 · Iron and steel11,110,870,488
73 · Iron or steel articles7,693,293,453
76 · Aluminium and articles thereof6,217,722,132
88 · Aircraft, spacecraft, and parts thereof5,444,696,878
40 · Rubber and articles thereof5,380,884,012
48 · Paper and paperboard; articles of paper pulp, of paper or…5,076,048,381
74 · Copper and articles thereof4,820,497,025
83 · Metal; miscellaneous products of base metal2,295,481,765
82 · Tools, implements, cutlery, spoons and forks, of base…1,587,865,907
47 · Pulp of wood or other fibrous cellulosic material…1,045,624,332
86 · Railway, tramway locomotives, rolling-stock and parts…1,028,561,750
89 · Ships, boats and floating structures666,374,067

Imports declared by each country from the world. Countries report with a delay: the period is the latest with consolidated data.

Source: UN ComtradeData for 2025Verified on 21 September 2026

What to know before exhibiting

BIEMH runs every two years at Bilbao Exhibition Centre, in the Basque Country's industrial heartland. The fair covers machine tools, industrial machinery, automation systems, measurement and quality control equipment, and related technologies for advanced manufacturing. The dates for the next edition have not yet been published on the official website.

Spain's machinery sector imported over 46 billion USD in 2025, with the largest volumes in vehicles, machinery, and metal products. This import intensity reflects the strength of automotive, aerospace, and industrial manufacturing in Spain and Europe. Exhibiting at BIEMH puts you in front of buyers actively sourcing advanced equipment.

The fair is organized by AFM, AIMHE, and Bilbao Exhibition Centre. Check the official website for the exact dates, booth options, and application deadlines, which typically open six to nine months before the show. Early commitment often secures better booth placement and pricing.

Prepare your booth with technical specifications, performance data, and your export terms clearly displayed. Bring samples or working demonstrations if logistics allow: machinery buyers need to see operation. Ensure your team speaks English and Spanish, or arrange a translator for booth coverage.

Follow up on leads within two weeks of the fair. Document which prospects asked about what, their sector, and their production volumes or buying timelines. This clarity shapes your next steps—whether it's a formal quote, a demo at their site, or a plan to meet at another European fair.

Common questions

Do I need to be a Spanish company to exhibit?

No. BIEMH is open to exhibitors from across Europe and beyond. However, if you export from Spain, you avoid tariffs and shipping delays. If you export from another EU country, check whether the fair attracts your target buyer profile—look at past attendee lists on the organiser's website.

What is the typical cost to exhibit?

Booth fees depend on size, location, and whether you book early. The organiser's website will publish current rates closer to the show date. Budget also for stand design, transportation of equipment, travel, and personnel. Smaller booths or shared stands are often available for first-time exhibitors.

What import duties apply to machinery I sell into Spain?

Import duties on machinery depend on the HS code of each product and the agreement in force. Check the tariff classification and applicable rate on Access2Markets or TARIC using your product's HS code. Most machinery within chapters 84–87 enters under EU agreements with low or zero duties, but rates vary.

How do I find similar fairs in Europe?

BIEMH is one of several major machinery fairs in Europe. Other major events in the sector include bauma in Munich, EMO in Hannover, and Hannover Messe. Each attracts different buyer profiles and regions. Choose based on your target markets and product fit—a laser-cutting systems maker might prioritize different shows than a hydraulics supplier.

What certifications or standards do I need to meet?

Machinery sold into the EU must comply with the Machinery Directive (2006/42/EC) and carry the CE mark, along with technical documentation and a declaration of conformity. The exact standards depend on your machine's function and risk level. Consult your product's relevant harmonised standards on NANDO, the NACE Directive database.

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