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