How to Ship from the US to Greece: Complete 2026 Guide

Shipping from the US to Greece involves navigating EU customs regulations, VAT, and choosing the right carrier for your needs. This guide covers everything you need to ensure smooth, cost-effective deliveries to Greece.

Why Ship to Greece?

Greece is a member of the European Union with a rapidly expanding e-commerce market. The demand for American products, especially in sectors like fashion, technology, and health supplements, continues to grow. Understanding the logistics of shipping to Greece can open up significant opportunities for your business.

Key Facts

Shipping to Greece involves several considerations. The distance from the US, particularly from the East Coast, is around 5,500 miles. Greece operates in the Eastern European Time Zone (UTC+2), switching to Eastern European Summer Time (UTC+3) during daylight saving time. The currency is the Euro (EUR), and the official language is Greek. As Greece is part of the Eurozone, any shipment valued over EUR 150 is subject to import duties. Familiarizing yourself with these basics can help streamline the shipping process.

Carrier Options & Transit Times

Choosing the right carrier depends on your shipping needs, whether you prioritize speed, cost, or a balance of both. Here’s a breakdown of options:

Express Shipping (2-5 Business Days)

For urgent deliveries, express shipping is the best choice. Carriers like FedEx, UPS, DHL, and USPS offer reliable express services. For instance, FedEx International Priority can deliver packages in 2-4 days at rates ranging from $50 to $72 for a 1-pound package. DHL Express Worldwide might offer a slightly quicker service of 2-3 days with competitive pricing. Express options ensure your package reaches Greece swiftly, though at a premium price.

Standard Shipping (7-14 Business Days)

Standard shipping is a middle-ground option, offering a balance between cost and speed. USPS Priority Mail International, for example, typically takes 8-14 days at a rate of $35 to $50 for a 1-pound package. FedEx International Economy and UPS Worldwide Expedited offer similar transit times, providing dependable service for less urgent packages.

Economy Shipping (14-30 Business Days)

For shipments that are not time-sensitive, economy shipping is the most cost-effective choice. USPS’s First-Class Package International and DHL’s eCommerce Packet are popular options. These services are budget-friendly, with prices as low as $12 for a 1-pound package, though transit times can extend from 14 to 30 days.

Customs & Duties (EU Rules)

Shipping to Greece means dealing with EU customs regulations, particularly the Import One-Stop Shop (IOSS) system introduced in July 2021. Understanding these rules is crucial for seamless shipping.

IOSS & VAT

For goods valued under EUR 150, customs duties are not applicable, but VAT is collected either at the point of sale through IOSS or at import. For items valued over EUR 150, both customs duties and VAT are due upon import. Using IOSS can simplify VAT collection and potentially speed up customs clearance.

Greek VAT Rate

VAT rates in Greece vary depending on the product category. The standard VAT rate is 24%. Reduced rates of 13% apply to essentials like food and books, while a super-reduced rate of 6% is applicable to items such as newspapers and pharmaceuticals. Knowing these rates will help you price your products accurately.

Common Duty Rates

Duty rates differ by product category. For instance, electronics typically have a low duty rate of 0-3.7%, while clothing can attract a higher rate of 12%. Understanding these rates can help in calculating the total cost of shipping your products to Greece.

Required Documentation

Proper documentation is vital for customs clearance in Greece. This includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and customs forms like CN22/CN23 for USPS shipments. If applicable, an EUR.1 certificate can be used to prove preferential origin, potentially reducing customs duties. Additionally, ensuring the recipient has an EORI number, which is the EU's registration and identification number for businesses, is essential.

Prohibited & Restricted Items

Shipping to Greece requires awareness of prohibited and restricted items. Prohibited items include narcotics, counterfeit goods, and weapons. Restricted items, such as meat and dairy products, require specific certifications, while medications need prescriptions. Ensuring compliance with these regulations is critical to avoid delays or legal issues.

Packaging Tips

Proper packaging protects your goods during transit. Use moisture-proof inner linings to guard against weather-related damage. Double-walled corrugated boxes add durability. For fragile items, use extra cushioning and clearly label packages as "Fragile." Heat-sensitive items should be insulated, especially during summer shipments. Lastly, always use clear labeling in English, including the correct postal code.

DIM Weight

Understanding dimensional (DIM) weight is essential for calculating shipping costs. Carriers charge based on the greater of actual weight or DIM weight, calculated by:

• FedEx/UPS: (L x W x H) / 139
• USPS: (L x W x H) / 166
• DHL: (L x W x H in cm) / 5000

Being aware of DIM weight helps in optimizing packaging to reduce shipping costs.

Cost-Saving Strategies

Shipping costs can add up, but there are ways to save:

• Use atoship for discounted rates, offering savings of up to 89% off retail prices.
• For packages under 4 pounds, USPS often provides the most economical option.
• Keeping shipment values under EUR 150 avoids customs duties.
• Utilize IOSS to streamline VAT collection.
• Consolidate multiple orders to reduce the number of shipments.
• Opt for economy shipping for non-urgent deliveries to save 40-60%.

Greece-Specific Tips

Shipping to Greece involves unique considerations:

Greek addresses: Include both Greek and transliterated English versions if possible.

Postal codes: Use the 5-digit format, such as 10431 for central Athens.

Island deliveries: Account for an additional 1-3 days for deliveries to Greek islands like Mykonos and Santorini.

Phone number: Include a +30 phone number for coordination.

Customs delays: Allow for potential 2-5 day delays in Greek customs.

Holidays: Avoid shipping around Greek Orthodox Easter and August holidays.

Name days: Be aware of volume spikes around popular name days.

Address Format

Ensure accurate address formatting for successful deliveries:

Recipient Name
Street Name and Number
Postal Code, City
GREECE
Phone: +30 XXX XXX XXXX

Tracking & Delivery

Reliable tracking and delivery options are available with most carriers. They provide international tracking, with USPS handing off to ELTA, the Greek postal service, for local delivery. Express services typically include delivery confirmation and may offer 1-2 delivery attempts. Be mindful of additional transit time for island deliveries.

Ship to Greece with atoship

atoship simplifies your US-to-Greece shipping:

Compare all carriers to find the best rate instantly.

Discounted pricing offers savings of up to 89% off retail rates.

Auto-generated customs forms streamline documentation.

IOSS support ensures efficient VAT handling.

Full tracking from the US to the Greek doorstep provides peace of mind.

With the right preparation and resources, shipping to Greece can be a seamless process. Use USPS for budget-friendly options, opt for express carriers for faster deliveries, and leverage atoship for competitive rates and comprehensive support.