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After 3-euro fee, Piraeus Merchants call for sweeping checks on parcels from outside EU
๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ท Greece /Economy & Trade

After 3-euro fee, Piraeus Merchants call for sweeping checks on parcels from outside EU

From Ta Nea · () Greek

Translated from Greek, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • The Piraeus Merchants Association views the new 3-euro fee on small parcel imports from outside the EU as a positive first step against e-commerce distortions.
  • However, the association argues the measure is insufficient for equal competition and calls for a national control mechanism for imported goods.
  • Greece is urged to adopt stricter policies, similar to France, with systematic checks and severe penalties for non-compliance to protect consumers and local businesses.

The Piraeus Merchants Association (ESP) considers the recently implemented 3-euro fee on small parcel imports from non-EU countries a positive initial move. The association believes this measure addresses some of the market distortions caused by cross-border e-commerce.

Despite this initial step, the ESP argues that the fee alone does not create a level playing field for Greek businesses competing with major international online platforms. They are calling on the Greek state to establish a National Control Mechanism for Imported Products. This mechanism would involve systematic and targeted inspections of all goods entering Greece via e-commerce platforms.

It is not possible for Greek businesses to bear the daily cost of compliance with dozens of European regulations, while products imported from third countries reach the consumer without effective control.

โ€” Piraeus Merchants AssociationHighlighting the disparity in regulatory burden between local and imported goods.

The proposed inspections would focus on product safety, consumer health protection, environmental standards, correct labeling and traceability, and quality and certification requirements that European businesses must adhere to. The ESP highlights the unfair burden on Greek businesses, which face daily compliance costs with numerous EU regulations, while products from third countries enter the market with minimal oversight.

Drawing lessons from other European countries, the ESP points to France's adoption of a stricter policy against ultra-low-cost platforms, including significant financial sanctions. The association urges Greece to follow a similar path by strengthening customs and supervisory bodies, conducting systematic sample and targeted checks, and imposing strict penalties for violations. This, they argue, is crucial for consumer protection, public health, fair competition, and the sustainability of Greek commerce.

The 3-euro fee was the beginning. The next necessary step is the effective implementation of the rules. Only then will it be ensured that every product sold in the Greek market is subject to the same rules, regardless of its country of origin or the platform through which it is traded.

โ€” Piraeus Merchants AssociationStating the need for further action beyond the initial fee.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Ta Nea in Greek. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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