Country profile
Greece
GR · GRCAs of: 7/23/2026Maritime hub and gateway of Southeast Europe
As an EU and eurozone member, Greece is fully integrated into the EU customs union. Piraeus is one of Europe's largest container transshipment hubs and a gateway for Asia-Europe supply chains, while Thessaloniki serves the Balkan hinterland. Import VAT is 24 percent (reduced 13 and 6 percent). Customs are cleared electronically via the AADE ICISnet system.
Overview
Greece is a parliamentary republic in south-eastern Europe on the Balkan peninsula, with thousands of islands in the Aegean and Ionian Seas. As an EU and eurozone member it is fully integrated into the EU single market and customs union, using the euro (EUR). Its economy centres on services, tourism, shipping, agriculture and manufacturing. Strategically located between Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, Greece is a key Mediterranean logistics hub: the port of Piraeus is one of Europe's largest container gateways, while Thessaloniki connects the Balkan hinterland. A developed road and rail network supports its transit and supply-chain role.
Glossary terms
Customs & Import/Export
Customs authority
Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE)Import system
EU customs union under the UCC; electronic import declaration via ICISnet (AADE), supported by TARIC. Third-country goods are released for free circulation, with a pre-arrival ENS filing before arrival.
Export system
Export via ICISnet/ECS (AADE) under UCC Art. 269; export declaration mandatory for Union goods leaving the EU customs territory.
Import VAT
- Import VAT (FPA) 24 percent standard
- reduced rates 13 and 6 percent
- reduced rates for 24 small islands from January 2026.
Import documents
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Transport document (CMR/B-L/AWB)
- Import declaration (ICISnet)
- if applicable, preference proof
- if applicable, import licences
Export documents
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Export declaration (ICISnet/ECS, MRN)
- Transport document
- Proof of origin (EUR.1/REX)
- if applicable, export licence
Origin proofs / FTA
EU preferential origin proofs: movement certificate EUR.1, origin declaration or registered exporter (REX).
Restricted & prohibited goods
EU-wide prohibitions and restrictions: weapons, dual-use goods, cultural goods, CITES species, certain foodstuffs and animal products.
Export controls & sanctions
EU Dual-Use Regulation (EU) 2021/821; EU sanctions regimes (including Russia) directly applicable; national supervision by AADE and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Without warranty — always verify with freight forwarder/customs agent and official authorities.
Customs / Import / Export (EU) — General process
Quick operational overview for shipments to the EU. The EU is a customs union; for imports from non‑EU countries, customs clearance and import VAT are typically key topics.
Documents (typical)
- Commercial invoice (description, value, Incoterms)
- Packing list (weights, dimensions, packages)
- HS code / tariff classification (duties/taxes and restrictions)
- Importer EORI and (where relevant) origin/preference documents
- Transport documents (AWB / Bill of Lading) depending on mode
Process (simplified)
Important: Requirements depend on goods, origin, Incoterms, value, and consignee. When in doubt, confirm with your broker/forwarder and official sources.
Official links
Note: regional/general sources. Country-specific authority links will be added iteratively.
Trade
Freight Infrastructure & Transport Network
Transport relevance
Cargo airports
- Athen International Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH)
- Thessaloniki Makedonia (SKG)
Seaports / access ports
- Piraeus (PCT / COSCO)
- Thessaloniki
- Patras
- Heraklion
- Volos
Road corridors & border crossings
- A1 PATHE (Athens–Thessaloniki–Evzoni)
- A2 Egnatia Odos (Igoumenitsa–Kipoi)
Rail corridors
- Piraeus–Thessaloniki–Idomeni
- Thessaloniki–Belgrade (TEN-T Orient/East-Med)
Top trade lanes
- Asia–Europe transshipment via Piraeus
- Intra-EU (DE, IT)
- Balkan hinterland
Risk & Operational Notes
Risk notes
Stable EU legal area. Delays mainly caused by island traffic, seasonal tourist peaks and diversion effects of the Red Sea crisis on Piraeus.
Seasonal & weather risks
Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters. Meltemi winds in the Aegean, as well as heavy rain and flooding in autumn.
Current logistics notes
Piraeus container handling 2025 approx. 3,65 million TEU Jan–Nov (minus 5,6 percent, Red Sea crisis). July 2026: ferry peak season with capacity peaks and isolated strike actions at the port of Piraeus (incl. 14.–16.7.), no nationwide disruption effect for container cargo verified. Truck seasonal driving bans newly regulated from 2026 (Fri/Sat/Sun in the season period, >3,5 t). (Status 2026-07-23)
As of: 2026-07-23
Operational notes – no claim to completeness. Verify with your freight forwarder and official sources.
Public holidays
| Date | Holiday | Type | Customs closed | Transport affected | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 1, 2026 | New Year's Day | National | |||
| Jan 6, 2026 | Epiphany | National | |||
| Feb 23, 2026 | Clean Monday | National | Heavy leisure traffic; holiday driving bans for trucks over 3.5 t on national roads under the annual decree. | ||
| Mar 25, 2026 | Independence Day | National | |||
| Apr 10, 2026 | Good Friday (Orthodox) | National | Easter exodus: holiday driving bans for trucks over 3.5 t on national roads. | ||
| Apr 12, 2026 | Easter Sunday (Orthodox) | National | |||
| Apr 13, 2026 | Easter Monday (Orthodox) | National | Easter return traffic: holiday driving bans for trucks over 3.5 t on national roads. | ||
| May 1, 2026 | May Day (Labour Day) | National | |||
| Jun 1, 2026 | Whit Monday (Holy Spirit Monday) | National | |||
| Aug 15, 2026 | Dormition of the Holy Virgin | National | Peak of the summer travel wave; holiday driving bans for trucks over 3.5 t on national roads. | ||
| Oct 28, 2026 | Ochi Day (National Holiday) | National | Holiday driving bans for trucks over 3.5 t on national roads under the annual decree. | ||
| Dec 25, 2026 | Christmas Day | National | Christmas travel; holiday driving bans for trucks over 3.5 t on national roads. | ||
| Dec 26, 2026 | Synaxis of the Mother of God | National |
New Year's Day
Jan 1, 2026
Epiphany
Jan 6, 2026
Clean Monday
Feb 23, 2026
Heavy leisure traffic; holiday driving bans for trucks over 3.5 t on national roads under the annual decree.
Independence Day
Mar 25, 2026
Good Friday (Orthodox)
Apr 10, 2026
Easter exodus: holiday driving bans for trucks over 3.5 t on national roads.
Easter Sunday (Orthodox)
Apr 12, 2026
Easter Monday (Orthodox)
Apr 13, 2026
Easter return traffic: holiday driving bans for trucks over 3.5 t on national roads.
May Day (Labour Day)
May 1, 2026
Whit Monday (Holy Spirit Monday)
Jun 1, 2026
Dormition of the Holy Virgin
Aug 15, 2026
Peak of the summer travel wave; holiday driving bans for trucks over 3.5 t on national roads.
Ochi Day (National Holiday)
Oct 28, 2026
Holiday driving bans for trucks over 3.5 t on national roads under the annual decree.
Christmas Day
Dec 25, 2026
Christmas travel; holiday driving bans for trucks over 3.5 t on national roads.
Synaxis of the Mother of God
Dec 26, 2026
Sources: https://publicholidays.gr/
Airports in this country
Seaports in this country
Popular Transit Time Routes
Latest News
Sources & Data Confidence
Official sources
- aade.gr
- ec.europa.eu
- statistics.gr
Source references without warranty. For legal/tax decisions consult official authorities.
FAQ
What import VAT applies in Greece?
The standard VAT (FPA) rate is 24 percent. Reduced rates of 13 and 6 percent apply to certain goods; from January 2026 lower rates apply on 24 small islands.
Do I need a customs declaration for EU shipments?
No. Greece is part of the EU single market and customs union; goods from other EU states move duty-free. A customs declaration is only required for trade with non-EU countries.
Which system handles customs clearance?
Customs are processed electronically via ICISnet, run by the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE), covering import, export (ECS) and entry summary (ENS) declarations.
What is Greece's most important port?
Piraeus is the largest port and one of Europe's biggest container transshipment hubs, operated by PCT/COSCO. Thessaloniki is the second-largest port and gateway to the Balkans.
Do export controls or sanctions apply in Greece?
Yes. The EU Dual-Use Regulation (EU) 2021/821 and EU sanctions regimes apply directly. Oversight lies with AADE and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
What currency is used in Greece?
Greece is a eurozone member; the legal tender is the euro (EUR).
Which trade partners are important for Greece?
Which logistics terms are especially relevant for Greece?
For international shipments, these terms are a good quick start:
Next steps
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