Importing and Exporting to Greece

Population

10 million

Biggest Industry by Export

Mineral Fuels and Oils

Capital City

Athens

Biggest Industry by Import

Crude Oil

Import to Greece

Greece welcomes over 30 million tourists annually. Its location at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa makes it attractive to both tourists and traders. In 2023, Greece exported approximately $52.7 billion and imported around $83.5 billion of goods.

Greece can be a complicated import destination as it follows EU trade regulations while enforcing its own requirements. However, its EU membership also opens Greece’s trade market to free trade movement between the 26 other member states. Seamless customs clearance in Greece requires a range of compliance documents and meticulous preparations, so utilizing an IOR like TecEx is advisable for imports to Greece.

Greece Digital Economy

Greece has recently experienced significant growth in its digital economy. With its Digital Transformation Bible (DTB) for 2020-2025, Greece has been striving to embrace emerging technologies to transform its public sector with advanced solutions. The projects cover tech advancements in sectors like artificial intelligence (AI), digital infrastructure, data centers, cybersecurity, connectivity, and high-performance computer systems.

In 2025, the Greece ICT market was valued at approximately $8.72 billion and is estimated to reach $15.71 billion by 2030. The Greece data center colocation market is expected to be valued at $125 billion by 2029. As a “regional data and innovation hub,” Greece has opportunities for a range of tech importers. According to the ITA, it has already attracted investments and initiatives from companies like Microsoft, Deloitte, and Accenture.

Unique Pain Points

Greece has a rich trade history and promising potential, but several pain points hinder its commercial potential. Navigating Greek bureaucracy can be cumbersome and time-consuming for businesses. Unclear and contradictory regulations can create uncertainty and compliance burdens for exporters and importers.

Greece enforces complex administrative regulations. For example, it has a law to prevent triangular trade transactions where third countries have lower tax rates than Greece, as this implies the exploitation of the tax rate difference. An importer of goods from another country with lower taxes into Greece must prepay 26% “withholding tax,” which can be refunded if the importer can prove that the transaction was not triangular within three months.

As a member of the European Union, Greece adheres to various EU regulations on tech trade, particularly regarding product safety, environmental protection, and data privacy. An EORI number is also mandatory for any entity involved in customs procedures within the European Union, including Greece.

Greece also has its own national regulations governing tech trade in addition to EU requirements. These regulations cover import/export controls, technical specifications, and market access. Don’t hesitate to contact the TecEx team for quick and reliable importer of record (IOR) solutions and customs clearance in Greece.

Countries Associated with Greece

Europe

Italy

Europe

Germany

Asia

China

Specific Compliance Regulations

Greece Dangerous Goods (IMO) Declaration

Dangerous goods, like lithium batteries, require an IMO declaration to be imported to Greece. This declaration must be in Greek and sent to Greek authorities before the goods are imported. Failure to produce this declaration on time can result in fines or even the prohibition of vessels from port entry.

EORI Number Greece

Non-EU companies need an Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number to export and import to the EU. Acquiring this number can be time-consuming, but TecEx can streamline the process.

With an EORI number, a company can acquire Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) status, simplifying future customs processes. An application and submission can take up to a year, with an additional 120 days for site visits and customs assessments afterward.

EU Regulations in Greece

Single Administrative Document (SAD)
The SAD is vital for customs clearance in Greece, the EU, Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, Serbia, and the Republic of North Macedonia. It minimizes administrative hassle by describing goods and their movement.

It applies to any goods undergoing any customs procedure – export, import, warehousing, temporary import.

EU Batteries Directive

As an EU member, Greece follows the EU Batteries Directive. The regulation stipulates specific labeling and packaging requirements when importing batteries and requirements for facilitating their repair and reuse. You can learn more about shipping batteries here.

Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH)

REACH restricts certain chemicals imported into EEA members to more than one metric ton.

Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) requirements under the WEEE Directive stipulate that certain products must be registered before they can clear customs. This is arranged with a national authority or local partner. The products or packaging must also display the universal recycling icon, as consumers must be informed that their purchase should be recycled.

The Restriction on Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment (RoHS) Directive

Certain chemicals may not be used in electrical and electronic equipment, which must be marked CE to certify compliance before being imported to Greece.

Mill Test Certificate (MTC)

Also known as a Material Test Report (MTR), a MTC is required when importing iron and steel goods to the EU. This prevents goods made from materials originating from Russia from entering the EU. Ideally, this is sourced from a manufacturer, but TecEx can help you navigate this complex requirement.

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