Greece, located in southeastern Europe, is a member of the European Union (EU) and part of the Eurozone. As an EU member state, Greece follows the EU’s Common Customs Tariff (CCT) when it comes to imports from non-EU countries. The tariff rates for imports into Greece are determined by the Harmonized System (HS) code classification and can vary depending on the product category and its country of origin. Goods imported from other EU countries are not subject to customs duties, while products from non-EU countries may face varying tariff rates, including special import duties.
Tariff Structure in Greece
Greece adheres to the European Union’s Common Customs Tariff (CCT), meaning that products imported from non-EU countries are subject to the same tariff rates that apply across all EU member states. The types of tariffs applied include:
- Ad Valorem Duty: A percentage based on the value of the imported goods (e.g., 10% of the product’s value).
- Specific Duty: A fixed amount based on the quantity or weight of the imported goods (e.g., €2 per kilogram).
- Combined Duty: A mix of ad valorem and specific duties, depending on the product.
In addition to customs duties, imported goods are also subject to Value-Added Tax (VAT) and may face excise duties, particularly on items like alcohol, tobacco, and energy products.
Greece also benefits from preferential trade agreements as part of the EU, including the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), which offers lower tariffs or duty-free access to certain products from developing countries.
Tariff Rates by Product Category
1. Agricultural Products and Foodstuffs
Agricultural products and foodstuffs often face higher tariffs due to their importance to Greece’s economy, especially since agriculture plays a key role in the country’s domestic production. Imports of food products are highly regulated to protect local producers.
1.1. Fruits and Vegetables
- Fresh fruits: Import tariffs for fresh fruits range from 5% to 15%, depending on the type of fruit. Citrus fruits, for instance, are taxed at around 10%, while tropical fruits such as bananas are subject to higher rates.
- Vegetables: Fresh and frozen vegetables face import duties between 0% and 14%.
- Processed fruits and vegetables: Canned or frozen fruits and vegetables are generally taxed at 10% to 20%.
Special Import Duties:
- Bananas from non-EU countries: A specific tariff of approximately €75 per tonne is applied.
- Certain fruits from specific countries: Special tariffs may be imposed on products like citrus fruits from non-preferential countries, depending on quotas.
1.2. Dairy Products
- Milk: Milk imports are taxed at rates between 20% and 30%, depending on the type and whether it is fresh or powdered.
- Cheese: Cheese imports face tariffs ranging from 5% to 25%, with soft cheeses such as feta typically taxed at lower rates compared to hard cheeses.
- Butter and cream: These products are subject to tariffs ranging from 10% to 30%.
Special Import Duties:
- Cheese from non-EU countries: Cheese from countries without free trade agreements may face higher duties, sometimes exceeding €140 per 100 kilograms.
1.3. Meat and Poultry
- Beef: Imported beef is taxed at 12% to 30%, depending on whether it is fresh, frozen, or processed.
- Pork: Pork imports are generally subject to tariffs ranging from 10% to 20%.
- Poultry: Poultry products face tariffs between 15% and 20%, with higher rates for processed poultry.
Special Import Conditions:
- U.S. beef: Imports of beef from the U.S. face additional restrictions and tariffs due to EU regulations on hormone-treated meat, with over-quota beef subject to significant tariffs.
2. Manufactured Goods
Manufactured goods are one of the main imports into Greece, including textiles, machinery, and consumer electronics. The tariff rates for these goods are determined by their classification and often vary based on the level of processing.
2.1. Textiles and Apparel
- Cotton textiles: Cotton fabrics and clothing typically face tariffs of 8% to 12%, depending on whether they are raw materials or finished products.
- Synthetic textiles: Products made from synthetic fibers, such as polyester or nylon, are taxed at rates between 5% and 10%.
- Footwear: Footwear, both leather and synthetic, is generally subject to 12% to 17% tariffs.
Special Import Duties:
- Textiles from developing countries (e.g., Bangladesh): Preferential tariffs or duty-free access may apply under the EU’s Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), benefiting imports from specific developing countries.
2.2. Machinery and Electronics
- Industrial machinery: Imports of industrial and agricultural machinery are typically taxed at 0% to 5%, reflecting their importance for Greece’s industrial base.
- Consumer electronics: Televisions, radios, and mobile phones face tariffs of 5% to 10%, depending on the product.
- Computers and peripherals: Computers and related equipment are generally subject to 0% tariffs due to the Information Technology Agreement (ITA), which eliminates tariffs on many high-tech products.
Special Import Conditions:
- Machinery from developing countries: Reduced tariffs may apply to machinery imported from developing countries, promoting industrial development.
2.3. Automobiles and Automotive Parts
- Passenger vehicles: Import duties on cars are set at 10%, with additional taxes imposed on luxury vehicles.
- Trucks and commercial vehicles: Tariffs for trucks and other commercial vehicles range between 5% and 10%, depending on engine size and capacity.
- Automotive parts: Automotive components such as engines and brakes are subject to 4% to 8% tariffs.
Special Import Duties:
- Japanese automobiles: Under the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), tariffs on certain Japanese cars have been reduced, with some categories now duty-free.
3. Chemical Products
Chemical products, including pharmaceuticals and plastics, are vital imports to Greece. Tariffs on these products vary depending on their use—whether for industrial purposes or as finished consumer goods.
3.1. Pharmaceuticals
- Medicines: Pharmaceutical products generally enjoy 0% tariffs, ensuring affordable access to essential drugs.
- Non-medicinal chemical compounds: Imports of chemicals for industrial use face tariffs between 3% and 6%, depending on their classification.
Special Import Duties:
- Pharmaceuticals from non-EU countries: Some restrictions or higher tariffs may apply if products do not meet EU health and safety regulations.
3.2. Plastics and Polymers
- Raw plastic materials: Tariffs on raw plastic inputs, such as polymers, are usually set at around 6.5%.
- Plastic products: Finished plastic goods, including packaging and consumer products, are taxed at 3% to 8%.
4. Wood and Paper Products
4.1. Lumber and Timber
- Raw wood: Import duties on unprocessed timber range from 0% to 2%, encouraging its use in construction and manufacturing.
- Processed wood: Tariffs on processed wood products, such as plywood and veneer, are typically between 4% and 6%.
Special Import Duties:
- Timber from specific countries: Additional duties may apply to wood imports from countries with unsustainable logging practices.
4.2. Paper and Paperboard
- Newsprint: Newsprint imports are often duty-free to support the local publishing industry.
- Coated paper: Coated or glossy paper products face import tariffs of 3% to 7%.
- Packaging materials: Paperboard and packaging materials are generally taxed at 5% to 8%.
5. Metals and Metal Products
5.1. Iron and Steel
- Raw steel: Imports of raw steel are typically subject to 0% to 3% tariffs.
- Finished steel products: Tariffs on processed steel products, such as beams and pipes, range between 3% and 6%.
- Stainless steel: Stainless steel products face tariffs of 0% to 5%, depending on the product type.
Special Import Duties:
- Steel imports from China: Certain steel products from China face anti-dumping duties of up to 25%, due to concerns about market flooding with underpriced products.
5.2. Aluminum
- Raw aluminum: Tariffs on raw aluminum are generally set at 2% to 4%.
- Aluminum products: Finished aluminum items, including cans and packaging, face 5% to 8% tariffs.
6. Energy Products
6.1. Fossil Fuels
- Crude oil: Crude oil imports generally face 0% tariffs, as energy imports are critical to Greece’s economy.
- Natural gas: Natural gas is often duty-free, particularly under specific trade agreements.
- Coal: Coal imports are typically taxed at 0% to 2%, depending on the country of origin.
6.2. Renewable Energy Equipment
- Solar panels: Imports of solar panels are generally subject to tariffs between 0% and 2%, in line with Greece’s efforts to encourage renewable energy.
- Wind turbines: Wind energy equipment is usually exempt from tariffs to promote renewable energy investments.
Special Import Duties by Country
1. European Union (EU)
As a member of the European Union, Greece does not impose customs duties on imports from other EU countries due to the European Single Market, which allows for the free movement of goods.
2. United States
Products from the United States are subject to standard EU tariffs. However, due to trade disputes, certain U.S. goods, especially steel and aluminum, may face additional tariffs, ranging from 10% to 25%.
3. China
Chinese imports are subject to standard CCT tariffs, but certain goods, such as textiles and steel, face anti-dumping duties of up to 25%, due to concerns over unfair trade practices and the dumping of low-cost products.
4. Developing Countries
Greece, as part of the EU, applies preferential tariff rates for imports from developing countries under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP). This allows for reduced or zero tariffs on goods from eligible countries, particularly for textiles, agricultural products, and raw materials.
5. Japan
Under the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), many Japanese products, including automobiles and electronics, enjoy reduced tariffs or duty-free access to the Greek market.
Country Facts: Greece
- Formal Name: Hellenic Republic (Ελληνική Δημοκρατία)
- Capital City: Athens
- Largest Cities:
- Athens
- Thessaloniki
- Patras
- Per Capita Income: $22,000 (2023 estimate)
- Population: 10.4 million (2023 estimate)
- Official Language: Greek
- Currency: Euro (€)
- Location: Southeastern Europe, bordering Albania, North Macedonia, Bulgaria, and Turkey, with coastlines along the Aegean, Ionian, and Mediterranean Seas.
Description of Greece’s Geography, Economy, and Major Industries
Geography
Greece is located in southeastern Europe, with a mountainous mainland and an extensive coastline along the Aegean, Ionian, and Mediterranean Seas. It is renowned for its numerous islands, with Crete, Rhodes, and the Cyclades being some of the most famous. Greece’s rugged terrain has historically shaped its agriculture and trade, and its strategic location makes it a critical hub for trade and commerce between Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Economy
Greece’s economy is a mixed and developed one, largely service-based, with tourism and shipping being the two most critical sectors. The country has a rich cultural history, making it a prime destination for international visitors. In addition, Greece has a robust agricultural sector, with olives, olive oil, wine, and seafood among its key exports.
However, the Greek economy has also faced significant challenges, including the debt crisis that began in 2009. Following this, Greece underwent strict austerity measures, economic reforms, and financial assistance programs to stabilize its economy. As a member of the European Union, Greece benefits from the single market, allowing the free flow of goods and services across borders.
Major Industries
- Tourism: Greece’s rich historical heritage and natural beauty attract millions of tourists every year. The sector contributes significantly to the country’s GDP and provides employment for a large portion of the population.
- Shipping: Greece has one of the largest merchant fleets in the world. The country’s strategic location makes it a key player in global shipping and logistics.
- Agriculture: Greece is known for its production of olives, olive oil, fruits, vegetables, and wine. The agricultural sector is vital for both domestic consumption and export.
- Manufacturing: The manufacturing sector in Greece includes food processing, textiles, and chemicals. It is an important contributor to the national economy.
- Energy: Greece has been increasing its investments in renewable energy, particularly in solar and wind power. The country’s sunny climate and windy islands provide ideal conditions for these industries to flourish.
