EU warns Greece over illegal duty-free shops at land borders
The European Commission has issued a reasoned opinion to Greece for failing to comply with Council Directive (EU) 2020/262 on excise duty regulations.
Greece exempts goods sold to travelers at tax-free shops located at its land borders with Albania, North Macedonia, and Turkey from excise duty. Until January 2017, EU law allowed member states with tax-free shops outside airports or ports before July 1, 2008, to continue such exemptions.
“Although this is no longer permitted under EU legislation, Greece continues to maintain duty-free shops at its land borders with non-EU countries,” the Commission said.
After deeming Greece’s response to an earlier formal notice unsatisfactory, the Commission escalated the case with a reasoned opinion on Wednesday. Greece now has two months to comply or risk referral to the Court of Justice of the European Union.
Kathimerini
