🇬🇷 Import Customs & Duties: Greece
Quick Facts
Duty-free threshold
$0
Duty applies from $0
VAT / Sales Tax
24%
CIF value + duty. Reduced rate of 13% for food, energy, water, hotel accommodation. Super-reduced 6% for books, newspapers, pharmaceuticals, theater tickets.
Clearance Time
1-5 days
typical processing
Duty Rates by Category
| Category | Duty Rate | HS Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 0-3.7% (smartphones 0%, laptops 0%, TVs 14%) | HS 85 |
| Clothing | 12% (knitted garments 12%, woven shirts 12%) | HS 61-62 |
| Footwear | 8-17% (leather shoes 8%, synthetic footwear 16.9%) | HS 64 |
| Food products | 0-26% (meat 12.8%, olive oil 5.1%, cheese 9-36%) | HS 01-24 |
| Machinery | 0-4% (industrial machinery 0%, air conditioners 2.2%) | HS 84 |
| Cosmetics | 2.5-6.5% (perfumes 6.5%, skincare 2.5%) | HS 33 |
| Books | 0% | HS 49 |
| Toys | 0-4.7% (video game consoles 0%, dolls 4.7%) | HS 95 |
Rates shown are for standard goods. Exact rate depends on the HS code of your item.
Import Duty Calculator
Customs Clearance Process
Greek customs (AADE, Independent Authority for Public Revenue) follows EU Union Customs Code. ICISnet (Integrated Customs Information System) for electronic declarations. Piraeus port (largest in Mediterranean, operated by COSCO) and Athens Eleftherios Venizelos airport are major entry points. ELTA (Hellenic Post) handles postal customs. IOSS for low-value VAT.
What to Actually Expect
EU customs but can be slower than Northern Europe. Piraeus port (operated by COSCO) handles enormous Asian cargo volumes but commercial throughput is efficient. ELTA postal parcels can take 3-7 days for customs clearance, bureaucratic delays common. Express couriers significantly faster (1-2 days). Island deliveries add extra time.
Required Documents
Commercial Invoice
Item description, quantity, value, sender and receiver details
Packing List
Detailed description of contents in each package
Customs Declaration (CN22/CN23)
Required for postal shipments
Air Waybill (AWB)
Generated by the carrier when booking the shipment
Certificate of Origin
May be required for reduced duties (FTA/preferential rates)
Export/Import License
For restricted goods (electronics, medicines, chemicals)
Import License Requirements
EU-standard licensing. Required for agricultural quotas, dual-use goods, weapons. Strict controls on antiquities exports (Law 3028/2002). Pharmaceutical imports require EOF (National Organization for Medicines) approval. Phytosanitary certificates for agricultural products.
Certificate of Origin
Issued by Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) and regional chambers. EUR.1 movement certificate for EU FTA partners. REX system for registered exporters.
Learn more →Prohibited & Restricted Items
Prohibited
- xNarcotics and illegal drugs
- xExplosives and flammable materials
- xWeapons and ammunition
- xCounterfeit goods
- xCounterfeit currency and documents
Restricted (permit required)
- !Medicines and pharmaceuticals
- !Food and beverages
- !Plants and seeds
- !Electronics (lithium batteries)
- !Perfumes and cosmetics (volume limits)
Useful Links
Duty & Tax Estimate
Estimated import charges when shipping goods to Greece:
| Goods Value | Duty | VAT/Tax | Total Charges |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50 | $2 | $13 | $15 |
| $100 | $4 | $25 | $29 |
| $200 | $8 | $50 | $58 |
| $500 | $21 | $125 | $146 |
| $1000 | $42 | $250 | $292 |
Estimates only. Actual duties depend on product category and HS code.
Popular routes to Greece
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duty-free threshold for Greece?
Greece has no duty-free threshold. All imported goods are subject to duties regardless of their value.
What is the VAT rate on imports to Greece?
The VAT/tax rate on imports to Greece is 24%. VAT applies to: CIF value + duty. Reduced rate of 13% for food, energy, water, hotel accommodation. Super-reduced 6% for books, newspapers, pharmaceuticals, theater tickets.
How long does customs clearance take in Greece?
Typical customs clearance in Greece takes 1-5 days. Express shipments usually clear faster.
What documents are needed to import into Greece?
To import into Greece, you typically need: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading/airway bill, and customs declaration. Some goods may require a certificate of origin or import license.
What items are prohibited from import into Greece?
Greece prohibits the import of narcotics, weapons, counterfeit goods, certain animal products, and hazardous materials. Restrictions may also apply to alcohol, tobacco, pharmaceuticals, and certain electronics.