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International trade activity in and around Thivais takes place within the legal framework of Greece and the European Union. That means businesses in Thivais benefit from the EU single market for trade with other EU member states and follow EU customs law for trade with non EU countries. The area around Thivais, including the industrial zone of Boeotia and nearby Oinofyta, is well linked to major gateways such as the Port of Piraeus, the Port of Thessaloniki, and Athens International Airport. Companies here often trade machinery, chemicals, metals, food products, and consumer goods, and must comply with EU product standards, customs procedures, VAT rules, and export controls.
International trade law covers how goods and certain services cross borders, how they are classified and taxed, which standards they must meet, what contracts govern the sale and transport, and how disputes are resolved. In Greece, customs administration is carried out by the Independent Authority for Public Revenue, while trade policy and export promotion are guided by national ministries in harmony with EU institutions. Because EU law has direct effect and often primacy, many trade rules that apply in Thivais are shared by all EU members. Local practice still matters, including how to clear customs efficiently, how to prepare documents for Greek authorities, and how to navigate sector specific permits common to businesses in the region.
International trade can be complex even for experienced companies. A lawyer helps you select appropriate Incoterms, allocate risk, and draft contracts that clearly address delivery, inspection, payment, insurance, and dispute resolution. If you are setting up a distributor or commercial agent in Greece, a lawyer will protect you on termination rights and indemnities that arise under Greek and EU commercial agency law. When you import or export, counsel can advise on tariff classification, valuation, rules of origin, and duty relief procedures such as inward processing or customs warehousing to reduce costs.
Trade with non EU countries triggers EU customs law, sanctions, and export controls. If your goods are dual use, military, or sensitive technologies, you likely need licensing and internal compliance policies. A lawyer can assess licensing, screening obligations, and the impact of EU restrictive measures on your counterparties. For intra EU trade, counsel can guide you on VAT registration, invoicing, VIES listings, and Intrastat reporting. Product compliance and labeling also matter. Many goods require CE marking, safety documentation, and Greek language labeling before they can be placed on the Greek market. A lawyer coordinates with technical experts to ensure conformity assessments and declarations are correct.
Disputes happen in cross border deals. A lawyer based in Greece can help you choose governing law and jurisdiction or arbitration that are enforceable, manage urgent measures such as cargo arrests or injunctions, and recognize or enforce foreign judgments and arbitral awards in Greek courts. If customs audits or inspections occur, legal support ensures responses are timely, evidence is organized, and appeals against customs decisions are filed correctly.
EU membership sets the baseline for trade rules in Thivais. Imports from outside the EU are governed by the EU Customs Code and its implementing rules. You will need an EORI number to interact with customs. Goods are classified under the EU tariff using HS and Combined Nomenclature codes that determine duty rates and trade measures. For trade with countries that have EU free trade agreements, preferential duty may apply if you can prove origin with EUR.1 movement certificates or approved origin statements. For GSP beneficiaries and certain FTA regimes, the REX system may be used to self certify origin.
VAT applies to most stages of trade. The standard Greek VAT rate is commonly 24 percent, with reduced rates for certain categories. In intra EU supplies to VAT registered buyers, VAT is generally zero rated by the supplier if the buyer provides a valid VAT number and goods are transported to another member state, with recapitulative statements submitted through VIES and Intrastat reporting based on thresholds set by the Hellenic Statistical Authority. For imports from outside the EU, import VAT is collected at customs, with possible deferment or offset depending on your status. Accurate invoicing and documentation are critical to avoid assessments and penalties.
Export controls and sanctions are enforced under EU law and Greek implementing measures. Dual use items are controlled under the EU Dual Use Regulation and may require export licenses. Military items follow national licensing aligned with the EU Common Position on arms exports. EU restrictive measures apply across Greece and cover goods, services, financing, and asset freezes for designated persons and entities. Financial sanctions compliance must be coordinated with Greek financial institutions and the Bank of Greece where reporting obligations exist.
Commercial contracts are shaped by EU private international law. The Rome I and Rome II Regulations govern choice of law for contractual and non contractual obligations. The Brussels Ia Regulation addresses jurisdiction and recognition of judgments among EU states. Arbitration is widely used in international trade, and Greece has modern arbitration legislation and is a party to the New York Convention, allowing recognition and enforcement of foreign arbitral awards in Greek courts.
Transport and logistics are governed by international conventions and Greek law. Carriage of goods by sea to or from Greek ports often engages established maritime rules. Road transport in and out of the region follows European regulations on road safety and transport of dangerous goods. Thivais based exporters and importers typically route goods through Piraeus or Thessaloniki or via Athens International Airport, coordinating with customs offices that serve Boeotia.
Product compliance follows the EU New Legislative Framework. Many goods require CE marking and conformity assessment. Market surveillance authorities in Greece can inspect and order withdrawals or recalls where necessary. Consumer facing products usually require Greek language labeling and user instructions. Food and agricultural exports need veterinary or phytosanitary certificates issued by competent Greek authorities. Chemicals and related products must comply with EU REACH and CLP rules, with obligations for registration, safety data sheets, and classification.
If you plan to operate with an agent or distributor in Greece, EU and Greek rules on commercial agency protect agents with goodwill indemnities on termination in many cases, and restrict post termination non compete clauses. Franchising, selective distribution, and vertical agreements should be aligned with EU competition rules to avoid prohibited restrictions.
Yes. Any business interacting with EU customs needs an EORI number. If your company is established in the EU, you apply for it in the member state of establishment. If you are established outside the EU but use Greek customs, you will obtain a non resident EORI. You cannot lodge customs declarations without it.
Start with the Harmonized System code and then identify the 8 digit Combined Nomenclature code used in the EU. Classification should be based on the goods material composition, function, and objective characteristics. Seek Binding Tariff Information from customs if classification is uncertain. The correct code determines duty rates, import restrictions, and whether preferential origin can reduce duties under an EU trade agreement.
Typical documents include the commercial invoice, packing list, transport document such as bill of lading or airway bill, customs declaration, origin evidence such as EUR.1 or origin statement where applicable, product certificates such as CE declarations, and any licenses or permits for controlled goods. For food and agricultural goods, veterinary or phytosanitary certificates may be required.
Sales to VAT registered customers in other EU countries are generally zero rated in Greece if the buyer VAT number is valid and the goods move to another member state. You must issue a compliant invoice, keep transport proof, submit recapitulative statements through VIES, and file Intrastat declarations if you exceed annual thresholds. Purchases from EU suppliers are usually subject to the reverse charge in Greece.
Many categories such as electronics, machinery, toys, medical devices, and PPE require CE marking before being placed on the EU market. You must complete conformity assessment, technical files, and declarations of conformity. Consumer products typically must have labels and instructions in the Greek language, including safety warnings and importer details. Non compliant goods can be stopped by customs or withdrawn from the market.
Authorized Economic Operator status is an EU wide certification for compliant, secure traders. AEO holders may receive benefits such as fewer physical checks, priority treatment, and simplified customs procedures. It is useful for frequent importers and exporters in Thivais who want to reduce delays and improve supply chain reliability. The application requires strong compliance records and internal controls.
EU restrictive measures can prohibit certain exports, imports, services, and financial dealings with designated persons, entities, and countries. You should screen counterparties and banks, and assess whether goods or services are covered by sectoral bans or licensing requirements. Contracts should contain sanctions clauses. Greek customs and financial institutions will enforce these measures, and violations can lead to penalties and confiscations.
Yes. The EU Customs Code allows special procedures such as inward processing to import goods for processing without paying duty or VAT immediately, outward processing for repair or processing abroad with duty relief, customs warehousing to store goods under customs control, and temporary admission for specific uses. You must apply for authorization and follow strict accounting and end use rules.
Parties can choose courts or arbitration. Within the EU, jurisdiction and recognition of judgments are governed by EU rules, which simplify enforcement in Greece. For arbitration, Greece is a party to the New York Convention, so foreign arbitral awards are generally recognized and enforceable in Greek courts, subject to limited defenses. Contracts should include clear governing law and dispute resolution clauses.
Non preferential certificates of origin are commonly issued by local chambers of commerce. Preferential movement certificates such as EUR.1 are issued in coordination with customs where the relevant EU trade agreement requires them. Exporters in Thivais can coordinate through the chamber serving Boeotia and the customs offices that handle their shipments.
Independent Authority for Public Revenue AADE - Customs and Excise Department
Ministry of Finance - General Directorate of Customs and Excise
Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Economic Diplomacy and Export Controls
Enterprise Greece - Hellenic Investment and Foreign Trade Company
Hellenic Statistical Authority ELSTAT - Intrastat and trade statistics
Bank of Greece - financial sanctions reporting and trade finance guidance
Viotia Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Panhellenic Exporters Association
Hellenic Federation of Enterprises SEV
Customs offices serving Boeotia and Thivais area including those responsible for the Oinofyta industrial zone
Port of Piraeus and Athens International Airport cargo services for logistics coordination
Hellenic Food Authority EFET and Ministry of Rural Development and Food for food and agricultural certifications
Define your trade plan. Identify target markets, product lists, and shipment routes through Greek gateways such as Piraeus or Athens International Airport. Confirm whether your trade is intra EU or involves non EU countries since the procedures differ.
Secure core registrations. Obtain or validate your EORI number and Greek VAT status as needed. Set up VIES access and confirm your Intrastat obligations with the Hellenic Statistical Authority thresholds.
Classify and document your goods. Determine HS and Combined Nomenclature codes, assess duty rates, and check whether EU trade agreements offer preferential origin. Prepare technical files, CE declarations, Greek labeling, safety data sheets, and any sector specific certificates.
Assess licensing and sanctions. Screen counterparties and destinations. Determine if your goods are controlled as dual use, military, or otherwise restricted and apply for licenses where required. Incorporate sanctions clauses and compliance checks into onboarding and contracting.
Structure contracts and logistics. Choose Incoterms that match your risk and insurance appetite. Draft sales, distribution, or agency contracts with clear governing law, jurisdiction or arbitration seat, dispute resolution language, and compliance obligations. Coordinate with a freight forwarder and customs broker familiar with Boeotia and Thivais operations.
Optimize customs and tax. Consider special procedures such as inward processing or customs warehousing to defer or reduce duty and VAT. Align your invoicing, transport proofs, and record keeping to withstand audits. Plan for VAT treatment on intra EU sales and purchases.
Engage professional support. Consult an international trade lawyer experienced in Greek and EU law to review contracts, compliance programs, and customs strategies. Work with a licensed customs broker and a reputable logistics provider. For food or chemical products, include technical consultants to verify conformity.
Prepare for contingencies. Map out dispute and enforcement pathways, including interim measures and enforcement of foreign judgments or awards in Greece. Build internal procedures for recalls, market surveillance inquiries, and customs inspections. Revisit your compliance program regularly as EU and Greek rules evolve.
With the right preparation and local guidance, businesses in Thivais can trade efficiently, comply with EU and Greek requirements, and reduce legal and operational risk across their supply chains.
