From Monday two new inspection agencies will be activated that will aim to control the import and export of products. According to information, for 2025, revenues of 500 million euros from smuggling are estimated, which are estimated to triple by the end of 2027.
The Customs Inspection Centers of Attica and Thessaloniki get to work and, as the head of the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE), Giorgos Pitsilis, has emphasized, the goal is to modernize, centralize and upgrade the quality of customs control and in general the customs procedures carried out by customs throughout Greece.
The Attica and Thessaloniki Customs Inspection Offices are based at regional authority buildings, but will carry out inspections throughout the country.
According to Pitsilis’ decision, the centers will have direct access to the tax records of AADE in real time to obtain information, while their operational objectives will be the following:
• Ensuring the public interest, through the exercise of centralized customs control, during the customs clearance process.
• Compliance with formalities, prohibitions and restrictions on the movement of goods from third countries, for the protection of public health, safety, the environment and cultural heritage.
• The exercise of customs control, at a central level, for the verification of customs documents based on accompanying documents or other available information, during the processing of customs procedures.
• Sending a “request for physical control of documents” to the competent customs office.
• The exchange of information between the center and the customs office responsible for the physical control of documents/goods on matters of verification of customs documents indicated for control by the risk analysis subsystem.
• Upgrading the control risk analysis subsystem from “documentary control” to “physical control of goods,” in cases where deemed necessary by the Customs and Excise Department or where there is information that requires upgrading the type of control.
• Identifying violations of customs and related legislation, imposing penalties for inaccurate declarations, as well as forwarding the relevant documents to the competent customs office.