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International Trade Law in Vouliagmeni operates within the legal framework of Greece and the European Union, with additional obligations that stem from international agreements and World Trade Organization rules. Businesses and individuals in Vouliagmeni typically trade through nearby logistics hubs such as the Port of Piraeus and Athens International Airport, so customs, transport, and regulatory procedures are highly operational and time sensitive. Key topics include customs classification and valuation, import VAT and duties, rules of origin, export controls and sanctions, product compliance and CE marking, contracts that use Incoterms, and dispute resolution through courts or arbitration. Because Greece is an EU Member State, EU customs and trade regulations apply directly, while Greek authorities enforce and administer those rules locally.
You may need a lawyer when you are setting up import or export operations and want to avoid costly errors in customs and tax. Legal support is important when you need licenses for dual-use items, defense materials, chemicals, medical devices, or other regulated goods. A lawyer can help you navigate EU sanctions and embargoes to ensure you do not breach restrictions involving certain countries, persons, or sectors. Legal advice is valuable when drafting contracts that use Incoterms, choosing governing law and jurisdiction, and structuring letters of credit or bank guarantees. If customs detains goods, reassesses duties, or challenges declared origin or value, a lawyer can manage audits and appeals. Counsel can also address product safety and market surveillance actions, advertising and labeling requirements, parallel imports, and intellectual property protection. In case of non-payment, delivery failures, or quality disputes, a lawyer can guide negotiation, mediation, arbitration, or litigation.
Customs and duties are governed by the EU Union Customs Code, with procedures administered in Greece by the Independent Authority for Public Revenue customs services. Importers and exporters must use an EORI number for customs declarations, and should ensure proper tariff classification, customs value, and origin documentation. Preferential duty treatment may be available under EU trade agreements if origin is proven with the correct statements or certificates.
Import VAT is charged at the Greek rates, with a standard rate that is commonly 24 percent, and can be recovered by VAT-registered businesses subject to rules. Intra-EU trade requires VIES recapitulative statements and Intrastat reporting. Customs guarantees, temporary storage, inward and outward processing, and customs warehousing are available to improve cash flow when structured correctly.
Export controls apply to dual-use items under EU Regulation 2021-821 and to military goods under national rules. Licenses are issued by the competent Greek authorities, and screening against EU sanctions lists is mandatory. Financial institutions and companies must observe anti-money laundering and know your customer obligations.
Product compliance for goods placed on the EU market includes CE marking and conformity assessment under the New Legislative Framework, as well as sector-specific rules for food, chemicals, cosmetics, medical devices, machinery, electrical equipment, toys, and radio equipment. Greek market surveillance authorities and specialized regulators enforce safety, labeling, and environmental requirements such as packaging and waste obligations.
Contracts are governed by Greek law or another chosen law consistent with Rome I rules, and cross-border disputes can be resolved in Greek courts or through arbitration, with enforcement supported by EU regulations and the New York Convention for arbitral awards. Local logistics in Vouliagmeni typically interface with Athens and Piraeus, so port, terminal, and carrier rules and liabilities are practically important.
You will need a Greek tax number and business registration, plus an EORI number to interact with EU customs. Depending on your goods, you may need sector licenses or registrations, such as for food, chemicals, medical devices, or dual-use items. A customs broker can assist with formalities, but legal review helps ensure your registrations match your actual operations.
Duties are based on tariff classification, customs value, and origin. The declared customs value usually starts with the transaction price plus certain costs such as freight and insurance to the EU border. Import VAT is calculated on the customs value plus duty and certain other charges, at Greek VAT rates. Preferential tariffs may apply if you meet the rules of origin under an EU agreement.
An EORI is an Economic Operators Registration and Identification number used across the EU for customs activities. Greek businesses apply through the Independent Authority for Public Revenue systems. Non-EU businesses can obtain an EORI in the member state where they first interact with customs. Your lawyer or customs broker can coordinate the application.
Licensing depends on the goods and destination. Dual-use items often require a license under EU rules, military or defense items are strictly controlled, and certain chemicals, cultural goods, endangered species, or medical products may need permits. Screening the product list and technical specifications against control lists is the first step.
EU sanctions can restrict exports, imports, services, financing, and dealings with specific persons or sectors. Sanctions apply directly in Greece, and violations can lead to seizures, fines, criminal liability, and reputational damage. A risk-based sanctions screening process, including ownership and vessel screening, is essential for every deal.
Incoterms are standard trade terms published by the International Chamber of Commerce that allocate delivery obligations, cost, and risk between seller and buyer. The right term depends on your logistics capabilities and leverage. For example, FCA is often efficient for containerized exports, while DDP can be risky for sellers because it shifts import compliance to them.
EU agreements may grant reduced or zero duties if your goods qualify as originating. You must follow the agreement-specific rules of origin and present the appropriate proof such as a statement on origin by a registered exporter or a certificate. Accurate supplier declarations and bill of materials mapping are key to eligibility.
Authorized Economic Operator status is an EU trust program that can offer benefits such as fewer physical and document checks, priority treatment, and simplified procedures. It requires robust compliance systems. For companies with regular trade through Piraeus or Athens Airport, AEO can reduce delays and costs.
Many contracts choose arbitration under institutions such as ICC, or litigation in a selected court. Within the EU, jurisdiction and enforcement are streamlined by EU regulations. Arbitral awards are enforceable in Greece under the New York Convention. A lawyer can help draft clear dispute resolution clauses before disputes arise.
Typical documents include commercial invoice, packing list, transport document such as bill of lading or airway bill, certificates of origin or statements on origin where relevant, licenses or permits for controlled goods, insurance certificate, and any product compliance documentation such as declarations of conformity. Accurate data must also be filed in the customs systems through your broker.
Independent Authority for Public Revenue - Customs Services in Greece for EORI, customs procedures, duties, and AEO.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Strategic Export Controls directorate for dual-use and military export licensing and sanctions implementation guidance.
Ministry of Development and Investments - General Secretariat of Commerce and Consumer Protection for product compliance and market rules.
Interagency Market Control Unit DIMEA for market surveillance and product safety enforcement.
General Chemical State Laboratory for chemicals compliance, REACH and CLP support, and testing.
Hellenic Food Authority EFET for food safety and labeling requirements.
National Organization for Medicines EOF for medicines and medical devices compliance.
Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Piraeus Chamber of Commerce and Industry for trade support services and documentation assistance.
Enterprise Greece for trade and investment promotion services.
European Commission services such as DG TAXUD and DG TRADE, the EU Customs Tariff TARIC, and the EU Safety Gate for product alerts.
Map your supply chain and product list, including detailed descriptions, HS codes, components, and origin. Gather contracts, invoices, transport plans, and any technical specifications. Identify whether your goods may be controlled or licensed, and list all counterparties for sanctions screening. Confirm your tax and customs registrations, including EORI and VAT status.
Engage a customs broker that regularly operates through Piraeus or Athens Airport, and align on data quality, Incoterms, and document workflows. Ask a lawyer to review your contracts, compliance processes, and product regulatory obligations. Consider applying for simplifications such as AEO or customs special procedures if you trade frequently.
If you face a customs detention, reassessment, or penalty, act quickly. There are strict and short deadlines for providing information, appealing decisions, and preserving rights. Keep all communications and evidence organized, and seek legal assistance immediately.
For ongoing operations, implement internal controls such as tariff classification protocols, origin management, sanctions screening, and supplier onboarding checks. Train staff in Vouliagmeni who coordinate with freight forwarders and warehouse operators so that procedures remain compliant and delays are minimized.
This guide is for general information only. For advice tailored to your situation in Vouliagmeni, consult a qualified lawyer who practices international trade and customs law in Greece.
