Greece Introduces New Licensing Framework for Customs Representatives

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The Greek government has published in the Government Gazette the joint decision of the Deputy Minister of National Economy and Finance, Georgios Kotsiras, and the Governor of the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE), Georgios Pitsilis (A.1110/2026), establishing a new regulatory framework for the licensing of professional customs representatives and their registration in the national Registry. The decision reshapes the operating environment of the profession, introducing clear procedures, digital workflows and certification standards aligned with European and international norms.

The framework defines in detail the licensing process for individuals, legal entities and associations, setting out the required qualifications, supporting documentation and compliance criteria. It also specifies the registration procedure for professionals established in Greece, in other EU Member States or in third countries, ensuring a unified and transparent system for assessing eligibility. A transitional mechanism is included for those who performed customsrelated activities under Law 718/1977 until 14 July 2022, safeguarding continuity and regulatory consistency.

Supervision of licensed professionals and maintenance of the Registry is assigned to the competent customs authorities, strengthening oversight and institutional accountability. All applications for registration and licensing are now submitted and processed digitally through AADE’s platform “My Requests”, accelerating administrative handling and reducing procedural complexity. The decision also introduces provisions allowing third parties to carry out specific customs formalities strictly in cases of force majeure and only under special authorization.

The new framework is built on internationally recognized certification principles, incorporating the ELOT EN 16992 standard for the professional competence of customs representatives and the ELOT EN 17024 standard for the accreditation of certification bodies, while also recognizing approvals granted by professional and commercial associations. With these reforms, Greece adopts a modern, transparent and fully harmonized licensing system that enhances service quality, supports the integrity of the customs sector and strengthens the country’s position within the international trade and logistics ecosystem.