Country Guide: Greece
Updated: November 25, 2015
Household Goods and Personal Effects
Documents Required
- Copy of Passport for each family member entering with shipper (persons entering from nonEuropean Union countries (EU) must present an original Passport issued within the 2 years preceding entry; otherwise, the previous Passport must also be presented)
- Copy of Packing list
- Original Bill of Lading (OBL) – or copy if Express Release / Convention Marchandises Routiers (CMR) / Air Waybill (AWB)
- Original T2L Form (page 4), if applicable
- Shipper’s contact information
- Certificate of Repatriation (persons entering from non-EU countries requesting duty-free entry)
- Shipper’s value added tax (VAT) ID Number obtained at a Greek Tax office closest to new residence [persons entering from non-EU countries requesting duty-free entry] Residence Permit issued by Greek authorities (foreigners)
- Copy of Diplomatic Passport (Diplomats)
- Diplomatic Franchise (Diplomats)
- T1 Form (Diplomats)
Specific Information
- Shipments arriving from non-EU countries have three options for Customs clearance: dutyfree entry, the payment of duties and taxes, or diplomatic shipment.
- The shipper must have lived abroad for a period of 2 years preceding entry and cannot have any financial ties during this time period in Greece; proof of residency may be required, such as utility bills, tax forms, rental receipts, etc. (entering from non-EU countries requesting dutyfree entry).
- Shippers from non-EU countries who qualify for duty-free entry should contact the Greek Embassy or Consulate in the country of origin prior to departure.
- The shipper must be present for Customs clearance at the port of Piraeus.
- An authorization form and an affidavit form may be required by agent; contact agent for details.
Motor Vehicles
Documents Required
- Vehicle ownership documents
- Proof of car insurance
- Driver’s License
- Diplomatic Franchise (Diplomats)
- Diplomatic ID (Diplomats)
- Letter from Embassy certifying Diplomat’s employment, including beginning and ending dates
Specific Information
- Shippers importing vehicles using a Tourist Status may temporarily import vehicles duty free for a period of up to 6 months.
- Shippers possessing a Certificate of Repatriation for Primary Residence may import vehicles duty free; shipper must be present for Customs clearance at the port of entry.
- The shipper may be required to pay for a Greek license plate and a luxury tax (persons holding a Certificate of Repatriation).
- For persons importing a vehicle who hold a Certificate of Repatriation, the vehicle must be in the shipper’s possession and in use for at least 6 months in the country of origin prior to import.
- Diplomats can import vehicles with temporary duty-free entry.
Pets
Documents Required
- Vaccination Record
- Veterinarian Health Certificate
- Pet Passport
Specific Information
- Pets must have a microchip.
- A rabies test must be performed by a certified European Union (EU) laboratory a minimum of 2 months prior to entry into Greece.
- Documentation must be issued by a licensed veterinarian at the time of export from Customs in the origin country, granting permission to enter an EU country.
- No quarantine period is required.
- Duties and taxes do not apply to pets owned by the shipper for at least 1 year.
Restricted/Dutiable Items
- Alcohol and spirits (only a small quantity is permitted; items must be identified as kitchenware and loaded first in the container or truck)
- Hunting weapons (authorization from the Ministry of Interior is required)
- Duties apply to the assessed Customs values as follows:
- Electrical items 23%
- Electronic items 35%
- Furniture 18%
- Carpets 30%
- Computers and fax machines 18%
- Antiques (over 100 years) 8%
Prohibited Items
- Drugs
- Alcohol
- Cigarettes
- Explosive materials
- Guns
Consignment Instructions
Recommended: Contact the destination agent to ensure all requirements have been met prior to import, especially for differences regarding air / sea shipments.
Helpful Website(s): http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1127.html http://www.mfa.gr/usa/en/the-embassy