Greece
GR · GRC
Maritimes Drehkreuz und Tor Südosteuropas
Capital: Athens
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
Unabhängige Behörde für öffentliche Einnahmen (AADE)Import system
EU-Zollunion nach UZK; elektronische Einfuhranmeldung über ICISnet (AADE), TARIC-gestützt. Drittlandwaren werden zum freien Verkehr abgefertigt, mit ENS-Vorabanmeldung vor Ankunft.
Export system
Ausfuhr über ICISnet/ECS (AADE) nach UZK Art. 269; Ausfuhranmeldung obligatorisch für Unionswaren, die das EU-Zollgebiet verlassen.
Import VAT
- Einfuhr-VAT (FPA) 24 Prozent Standard
- ermässigt 13 und 6 Prozent
- reduzierte Sätze für 24 kleine Inseln ab Januar 2026.
Import documents
- Handelsrechnung
- Packliste
- Frachtbrief (CMR/B-L/AWB)
- Einfuhranmeldung (ICISnet)
- ggf. Präferenznachweis
- ggf. Einfuhrgenehmigungen
Export documents
- Handelsrechnung
- Packliste
- Ausfuhranmeldung (ICISnet/ECS, MRN)
- Frachtdokument
- Ursprungsnachweis (EUR.1/REX)
- ggf. Ausfuhrgenehmigung
Origin proofs / FTA
EU-Präferenznachweise: Warenverkehrsbescheinigung EUR.1, Ursprungserklärung bzw. registrierter Ausführer (REX).
Restricted & prohibited goods
EU-weite Verbote und Beschränkungen: Waffen, Dual-Use-Güter, Kulturgüter, CITES-Arten, bestimmte Lebensmittel und Tierprodukte.
Export controls & sanctions
EU-Dual-Use-VO (EU) 2021/821; EU-Sanktionsregime (u.a. Russland) unmittelbar anwendbar; nationale Aufsicht über AADE und Aussenministerium.
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
- Piräus (PCT / COSCO)
- Thessaloniki
- Patras
- Heraklion
- Volos
Road corridors & border crossings
- A1 PATHE (Athen-Thessaloniki-Evzoni)
- A2 Egnatia Odos (Igoumenitsa-Kipoi)
Rail corridors
- Piräus-Thessaloniki-Idomeni
- Thessaloniki-Belgrad (TEN-T Orient/East-Med)
Top trade lanes
- Asien-Europa Transshipment via Piräus
- Intra-EU (DE, IT)
- Balkan-Hinterland
Risk & Operational Notes
Risk notes
Stabiler EU-Rechtsraum. Verzögerungen vor allem durch Inselverkehr, saisonale Touristikspitzen und Umleitungseffekte der Rotmeer-Krise auf Piräus.
Seasonal & weather risks
Mediterranes Klima mit heissen, trockenen Sommern und milden Wintern. Meltemi-Winde in der Ägäis sowie Starkregen und Hochwasser im Herbst.
Current logistics notes
Piräus-Containerumschlag 2025 rund 3,65 Mio TEU Jan-Nov (minus 5,6 Prozent, Rotmeer-Krise). Juli 2026: Fähr-Hochsaison mit Kapazitätsspitzen und punktuelle Streikaktionen im Hafen Piräus (u.a. 14.-16.7.), kein landesweiter Störungseffekt für Containerfracht verifiziert. Lkw-Saisonfahrverbote ab 2026 neu geregelt (Fr/Sa/So in der Saisonperiode, >3,5 t). (Stand 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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