What is the EORI number?

The EORI number is a unique number issued by the competent customs authorities of the Member States to economic operators, who are involved in transactions governed by customs legislation in the course of their business activities.

By receiving an EORI number, the economic operator acquires a unique identification number, which is recorded in a central database, and used in all its transactions with the customs authorities of all EU Member States. The productive operation of this system has been initiated since July 1 ,st 2009.

Are postal shipments to and from a third country subject to customs procedures?

Yes, shipments of articles and goods are subject to customs supervision and formalities in accordance with EU customs legislation and national customs legislation.

Who is entitled to drive in Greece a car with foreign registration plates and for how long?

Entitled are:

People with habitual residence abroad temporarily visiting Greece (tourists), the duration of stay is set at six months continuous or not for every 12 months.

People who are residents in Greece but work abroad at least 6 months per year. The length of stay is the same as the above.

Which are the countries of the EUROPEAN UNION?

As from 1 January 2007, the customs territory of the EU shall comprise the territories of the following Member States:



  • the Kingdom of Belgium
  • the Kingdom of Denmark, with the exception of the Faroe islands and Greenland
  • the Federal Republic of Germany, with the exception of the island of Helgoland and
  • Bisingen
  • the Hellenic Republic
  • Spain, with the exception of Ceuta and Melilla
  • the French Republic, except for the overseas territories, Saint Pierre and Miquelon and Mayotte
  • Ireland
  • (1994) the European Parliament, the European Parliament, the European Parliament, the European Parliament, the European Parliament, the European Parliament, the European Parliament, the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission, the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission, the Council, the European Parliament, the Council, the European Parliament, the Council, the European Parliament, the Council, the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission, the European Parliament, the Council, the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission, the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission, the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission, the European Parliament, the European Parliament, the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission of the European Communities,
  • the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
  • the European territory of the Kingdom of the Netherlands
  • the Republic of Austria
  • the Portuguese Republic
  • the Republic of Finland
  • the Kingdom of Sweden
  • the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man
  • the Czech Republic
  • the Republic of Latvia
  • the Republic of Hungary
  • the Republic of Slovenia
  • the Republic of Malta
  • the Republic of Estonia
  • the Republic of Lithuania
  • the Republic of Poland
  • the Slovak Republic
  • the Republic of Cyprus
  • the Republic of Bulgaria
  • the Republic of Romania

What are travellers entitled to import from a trip to a third country?

Travellers from third countries are granted allowances for importing goods into the EU whose value must not exceed EUR 300.

For air and sea travellers the monetary threshold is set at 430 euros.

The quantities of goods which may be imported duty free of charge per traveller are as follows:

Α) Tobacco products
air

  • 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco. By other means of transport

Other means of transport

  • 40 cigarettes or 20 cigarillos or 10 cigars or 50g tobacco.

A total of 1 litre of alcohol and alcoholic beverages of an alcoholic strength exceeding 22 % vol, or undenatured ethyl alcohol of 80 % vol and over.
A total of 2 litres of alcohol and alcoholic beverages of an alcoholic strength not exceeding 22 % vol.
For travellers under 17 years old, no allowance is granted for tobacco and alcohol The quantities purchased must be such that they cannot be regarded as commercial .

Do customs checks take place on passengers buying items from duty-free shops?
On passengers travelling to a Third country sample checks are carried out based on their boarding pass and receipt. The rest of the passengers are supervised discreetly and in cases of suspicion, a check is carried out.

What is defined as customs clearance work?

Customs clearance operations are defined by the customs legislation in force and are the necessary formalities of all kinds before the Customs Authorities for the movement of foreign and domestic goods. In the context of the Internal Market of the European Union, which operates from 1-1-1993 as 'foreign' means goods originating in third countries, while 'domestic' means all EU goods, i.e. both Greek and other Member States of the European Union.

Customs clearance operations include procedures for the movement of excise goods (ATO)1 goods, as well as procedures for the payment of the ATO and the Registration Fee.

What is a Customs Agent-Customs Representative?

A customs agent is the natural or legal person who, in accordance with the terms and conditions of Law 718/1977, has a customs licence and a licence to practise and undertakes professional customs work on behalf of and as a representative of the proprietor of the goods.

Who are entitled to receive their personal belongings with allowances when they come to settle in Greece?

People entitled to receive with exemptions are natural persons (foreigners and Greeks) whose habitual residence is abroad but transfer their personal items for the purpose of their permanent establishment. These category also include Greek expatriates who are repatriated.

In order to exercise the right to move, it must meet certain conditions. Also have his usual residence abroad two years before moving.

  • What are the items for which exemption is provided when a person transfers his habitual residence?

Personal property means those intended for use of the beneficiary and members of his family or for the needs of the household. More specifically, household sissy furniture, home equipment, computer and clothes. The household items may be new provided, of course, that they were purchased by the beneficiary in the country from which he leaves and detailed in the certificate of settlement provided by the embassy.

With regard to means of transport we mean a passenger car up to 9 seats, motorcycle, pleasure boat, exemption is granted on the condition that the beneficiary purchased the vehicle and used it for at least six months before issuance of the repatriation certificate, this should be proved by data.