Greece is introducing a new charge on small-value online purchases from non-EU countries, a move that is already prompting many consumers to reconsider or cancel orders from abroad, according to reports from Athens.
From tomorrow, shipments valued under 150 euros arriving from outside the European Union will be subject to a fixed 3-euro duty, the Greek Finance Ministry announced. The fee will be applied through online platforms, meaning it will be collected directly at the point of purchase alongside existing charges already paid by consumers.
Authorities say the Customs Agency will integrate the new levy into the standard import process. Officials explained that buyers currently pay tax when ordering, and the additional duty will now be added on top of those costs.
The Finance Ministry emphasized that the measure is not intended to discourage e-commerce but to ensure what it describes as fairer competition conditions between domestic and foreign sellers. However, media reports suggest that Greek consumers are increasingly refusing orders from non-EU countries ahead of the new system taking effect.
A consumer survey indicates that a large share of online purchases from third countries involves Chinese products, ranging from clothing and accessories to household appliances and furniture. Despite the new charges, some buyers say they will continue ordering from China, arguing that prices remain lower than alternatives even after taxes and fees are applied.
