Greece

Specific Information

Owners of goods from non-EU countries who qualify for duty-free entry should contact the Greek Embassy or Consulate in the country of departure prior to shipping to obtain a certificate of repatriation.

Intra-EU shipments: Household goods moving between EU member states are generally not subject to customs duties or VAT. A T2L form (proving EU community status of the goods) may be required.

Customs clearance options (non-EU): Shipments arriving from non-EU countries have three clearance options: (1) duty-free entry with certificate of repatriation, (2) payment of duties and taxes at applicable rates, or (3) diplomatic clearance.

Owner presence required: The owner of the goods must be present for customs clearance at the port of Piraeus (for sea shipments) or at the relevant customs office. An authorization form and affidavit form may be required if the owner cannot attend; contact the destination agent for details.

EORI number: An EORI (Economic Operators Registration and Identification) number is required for all customs declarations involving non-EU goods. The destination agent can assist with the application.

VAT registration: The owner must obtain a Greek VAT identification number (AFM/TIN) at the nearest tax office (DOY) before customs clearance can proceed.

ISPM 15: All wood packaging materials (pallets, crates, dunnage) used in international shipments must comply with ISPM 15 standards (heat-treated or fumigated and marked accordingly). This applies to all shipments entering the EU.

Resale/disposal restriction: Goods imported duty-free under a certificate of repatriation may not be sold, lent, pledged, rented, or otherwise disposed of for a period of 12 months from the date of customs clearance without prior notification to customs and payment of applicable duties and taxes.

Duty rates on non-exempt goods: If the owner does not qualify for duty-free entry, duties are assessed on the customs value of goods at the following approximate rates (per IAM 2016 guide; confirm with destination agent as rates may have been updated):

• Electrical items: 23%
• Electronic items: 35%
• Furniture: 18%
• Carpets: 30%
• Computers and fax machines: 18%
• Antiques (over 100 years): 8%

Note: These percentage rates from the 2016 IAM guide may represent combined duty + VAT. Greece's standard VAT rate is 24%. Actual duty rates for used household goods within the EU Common External Tariff are typically much lower. Confirm current rates with the destination agent.

Pre-arrival import exception: Shipments may arrive before the owner under certain circumstances, but a bank guarantee or deposit equivalent to the duties and taxes may be required until the owner arrives and completes clearance formalities.

Duties & Taxes

Duty-free conditions (non-EU origin shipments): The owner of the goods must have lived abroad for a continuous period of at least 2 years immediately preceding entry into Greece. During this time, the owner must not have had any financial ties (business interests, tax obligations, or significant assets) in Greece. Proof of foreign residency is required and may include utility bills, tax returns, rental agreements, or similar documentation.

Prohibited & Restricted Items

Importing a Used Personal Vehicle

Required Documents

• Vehicle ownership/title documents
• Vehicle registration card
• Proof of car insurance (valid in Greece/EU)
• Copy of owner's driver's license
• Certificate of conformity (COC) or equivalent for homologation
• Proof of ownership and use in origin country for at least 6 months prior to import (for duty-free entry)
• Certificate of repatriation (for duty-free import by returning Greek nationals from non-EU countries)
• Diplomatic franchise **For Diplomats:**
• Diplomatic ID **For Diplomats:**
• Letter from embassy confirming employment with start and end dates **For Diplomats:**

Specific Information

Tourist/temporary import: Non-residents may temporarily import a vehicle for personal use duty-free for up to 6 months within any 12-month period. The vehicle must be re-exported at the end of this period or duties and taxes become payable.

Permanent import (duty-free with certificate of repatriation): Greek nationals or persons establishing permanent residence who hold a certificate of repatriation may import one vehicle duty-free, provided the vehicle has been in the owner's possession and in regular use for at least 6 months in the country of origin prior to import. The owner must be present for customs clearance at the port of entry.

Registration tax and luxury tax: Even with duty-free import, the owner may be required to pay a registration tax and, depending on engine size and CO2 emissions, a luxury tax. Greek license plates must be obtained.

Technical inspection (KTEO): Imported vehicles must pass a Greek roadworthiness inspection (KTEO, the Greek equivalent of MOT/ITV) before registration. The KTEO test covers emissions, brakes, lights, steering, and structural integrity.

Homologation: Vehicles originating from outside the EU may require homologation (type approval) to meet EU safety and emissions standards. This can be costly and time-consuming. Vehicles with a valid EU Certificate of Conformity (COC) are generally exempt from additional homologation.

Registration deadline: Vehicles must be registered with the Greek authorities within a reasonable period after customs clearance. Contact the local transport authority for current timelines.

Diplomat vehicles: Diplomats may import vehicles with temporary duty-free status for the duration of their posting.

Intra-EU transfers: Vehicles transferred from another EU member state are not subject to customs duties but may be subject to Greek registration tax based on CO2 emissions and vehicle age.

Pets

• EU Pet Passport (issued by an authorized veterinarian in the country of origin) **From EU/EEA Member States:**
• Microchip implanted before or at the time of rabies vaccination **From EU/EEA Member States:**
• Valid rabies vaccination (administered at least 21 days before travel for primary vaccination) **From EU/EEA Member States:**
• ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip (15-digit) **From Non-EU Countries:**
• Valid rabies vaccination certificate (vaccination must be administered after microchip implantation) **From Non-EU Countries:**
• Rabies antibody titer test performed at an EU-approved laboratory, with results of at least 0.5 IU/ml, taken at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 3 months before entry (for countries not listed in Annex II of EU Regulation 577/2013) **From Non-EU Countries:**
• Veterinary health certificate (EU format, issued within 10 days of travel by an official/licensed veterinarian) **From Non-EU Countries:**
• For pets from the US: USDA-endorsed health certificate **From Non-EU Countries:**
• The 3-month waiting period after the titer test is waived, but the titer test may still be required depending on the specific country's agreement with the EU. For the US, the titer test is currently required. **From Annex II listed countries (e.g., USA, Canada, Australia, etc.):**

Regulatory update (April 2026): EU pet movement is now governed by Regulation (EU) 2016/429 (Animal Health Law), effective 21 April 2026, replacing Regulation (EU) No 576/2013. Old-format health certificates issued under Reg. 576/2013 remain valid until 31 March 2027 if issued before 1 October 2026. The country classification system and core requirements below remain unchanged.

Regulatory note (2024 update): The US CDC updated its requirements for dogs entering the United States, which may affect return travel. The titer test requirement for entry into Greece from the US should be confirmed with the destination agent, as regulations around Annex II country status can change.

Microchip requirement: All dogs, cats, and ferrets must be identified with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip. The microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccination. If the microchip was implanted after the vaccination, the vaccination must be re-administered.

Minimum age: Puppies and kittens must be at least 15 weeks old to enter Greece (12 weeks minimum age for rabies vaccination + 21-day waiting period).

No quarantine: Greece does not impose a quarantine period for pets arriving with valid documentation.

Rabies titer test: For pets arriving from non-EU countries not on the Annex II list, a rabies antibody titer test must be conducted at an EU-approved laboratory at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 3 months before the date of entry. The test result must show at least 0.5 IU/ml. The titer test remains valid for the life of the pet, provided rabies vaccinations are kept up to date without any lapses.

Duties and taxes on pets: Pets owned by the owner of the goods for at least 1 year are generally exempt from duties and taxes.

Breed restrictions: Greece does not have a nationwide breed-specific ban, but some municipalities may have local muzzle or leash requirements for certain breeds. Confirm with the destination agent.

Number of pets: Up to 5 pets (dogs, cats, or ferrets) may be imported under the non-commercial pet travel rules. More than 5 animals may trigger commercial import requirements.

Common mistakes that cause delays:

• Microchip implanted after rabies vaccination (vaccination must be re-done)
• Titer test taken before the 30-day post-vaccination waiting period
• Health certificate issued more than 10 days before travel
• Expired or lapsed rabies vaccination invalidating a prior titer test
• Missing USDA endorsement on the health certificate (for US-origin pets)

CDC high-rabies-risk: Greece is NOT on the CDC's list of high-risk countries for dog rabies.

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