When you are planning to send packages to Greece, it’s really important to know the rules about what you can send. Knowing these guidelines helps to follow the law and prevents your package from being delayed or confiscated. Here’s a detailed look at the items you can’t send and the regulations you need to keep in mind when shipping to Greece.
Items Not Allowed
There are some specific items that you absolutely cannot send to Greece. Here’s a brief list of these prohibited items:
1. Weapons and Ammunition
- You can’t send guns, bullets, or explosives.
2. Money and Precious Items
- Sending cash, coins, or valuable items like jewelry and precious metals is not allowed.
3. Illegal Drugs
- Any type of illegal drugs or controlled substances cannot be shipped.
4. Dangerous Goods
- Items that are flammable, explosive, or corrosive can’t be sent. This includes things like lighter fluid or certain chemicals.
5. Human Remains
- You cannot send any human bodies, body fluids, or organs.
6. Some Food Products
- Certain foods that need special handling, or those that are of animal origin (unless they are pre-packed), are not allowed to be sent.
7. Fake Goods
- No counterfeit items or pirated copies can be shipped to Greece.
8. Live Animals
- Live animals cannot be sent unless you have the right permits.
Limited Items
Some items can be sent but have specific conditions that need to be met, including permits or proper paperwork:
1. Medication
- Only prescribed medicine in its original format is allowed, and it has to comply with Greek rules.
2. Used Clothes and Bedding
- These must come with a certificate showing they have been thoroughly cleaned.
3. Alcohol and Tobacco
- Alcohol might need special tax labels, and there are limits on the quantity and type of tobacco you can send.
4. Plants and Seeds
- If you want to ship plants, seeds, or agricultural items, you need a special certificate to make sure no pests are introduced.
Necessary Documents
To send your packages to Greece, you need to prepare certain documents:
- Commercial Invoice: This is needed for all business-related shipments, regardless of how much they cost.
- Customs Forms: The type of shipment will determine which customs forms you need (like PS Form 2976 for letter-service).
- Certificates for Restricted Items: If you’re sending things like medicine or used clothing, you must include the relevant certificates with your package.
Guidelines on Size and Weight
While preparing to ship your items to Greece, it’s equally important to know the acceptable sizes and weights for parcels:
| Service Type | Max Length | Max Length + Girth |
|---|---|---|
| Air Parcel Post | 60 inches | 108 inches |
| Economy Parcel Post | 42 inches | 79 inches |
Following these size rules helps ensure that your parcels can easily move through the mail system.
Taxes and Duties When Shipping
When you bring goods into Greece, you might need to pay a Value Added Tax (VAT) at a rate of 24% on products and services. There could also be extra customs charges depending on the kind of products you’re sending. Therefore, it’s wise to check the most recent customs rules before shipping anything.
Tips for Shipping
To have a seamless shipping experience when you want to send a cheap parcel to Greece, here are some best practices to keep in mind:
- Stay Updated: Always check the latest rules about what you can and cannot send.
- Pack Well: Be sure that your items are packed securely so they do not get damaged during transport.
- Fill Out Forms Clearly: Make sure all customs documentation is filled out correctly to prevent issues.
- Inform Recipients: Let the people receiving your package know if they may have to pay any customs fees or taxes.
Final Thoughts
Knowing the do’s and don’ts of sending packages to Greece is key for hassle-free international shipping. By recognizing what items are restricted or prohibited and making sure the paperwork is appropriately filled out and ready, you can make the shipping process much easier. Always keep an eye on local regulations too, as rules can change often.