Greek products are in demand abroad, but many small businesses hesitate to export because the process looks complicated. In practice, with proper preparation, it is manageable.

Inside or outside the EU?

The first question is where the goods are going.

  • To another EU country: technically not an "export". There is no customs. A sale to a business with a VIES-valid VAT number is usually VAT-free (intra-community supply) and is reported in the recapitulative statements.
  • To a country outside the EU: this is an export and goes through customs with an export declaration.

What you need to export outside the EU

  • An EORI number, as for imports.
  • An export declaration, filed electronically in the customs system. Confirmation that the goods left the EU is the proof for the VAT exemption.
  • Commercial invoice and packing list.
  • Proof of origin, where needed: an EUR.1 certificate or an origin statement on the invoice for countries with an EU free-trade agreement (the buyer pays reduced or zero duty), or a general certificate of origin from the Chamber of Commerce.
  • Special certificates: for food, plant or animal products many countries require health or phytosanitary certificates.

Incoterms: who pays for what

Agree an Incoterm with the buyer from the start. With EXW the buyer handles almost everything. With FCA or FOB you handle export clearance and the buyer the transport. With CIF or DAP you also pay for transport. More in our Incoterms guide.

Finding buyers

Exporting is not just paperwork. You need to find buyers or distributors, vet them and agree payment terms that protect you, e.g. an advance payment or a letter of credit (L/C) for new customers.

We handle the whole process: finding buyers, documents, export clearance and transport to the destination. Tell us what you want to export and where.