Approximately 80% of export declarations in Greece are now processed in just 60 minutes, while at the same time the institution of Approved Economic Bodies (known internationally by the acronym AEO) “runs” at increased speed in our country, with Thessaloniki as the protagonist ( s.s. AEO are the reliable – and certified – business partners in the international supply chain, who are entitled to specific benefits, depending on the type of license granted to them).

The above was pointed out today by the head of the Independent Public Revenue Authority (AADE), Giorgos Pitsilis, speaking at an event organized by the Exporters’ Association – SEBE and the Thessaloniki Chamber of Commerce and Industry (EBETH), on the theme “The origin of goods”.

“In a European environment of stagnation in terms of Approved Economic Bodies, in Greece we have had 15 new licenses so far this year and we have now reached 339. In fact, Thessaloniki is the champion, with 151 such bodies, compared to 129 in Athens and the rest in other cities” pointed out Mr. Pitsilis and added that this saves significant time in export procedures.

He also noted that it is extremely important that today, despite the adverse international conditions, Greek exports follow a steady upward trend and have evolved into a driving force of the Greek economy. “The customs services of AADE”, he added, “contribute significantly to the development of exports by strengthening the extroversion of Greek businesses, increasing their international competitiveness, but also promoting and facilitating export trade”.

As he said, in this setting, the issue of the origin of goods, that is, the place of production or manufacture of a product, is of fundamental importance for customs procedures, because it affects the tariff classification of products, but also the application of trade measures, restrictions and prohibitions , which becomes even more complicated, due to the preferential agreements (s.p. the EU has established the Preferential Tariff Regimes, according to which it provides beneficial tariff treatment – reduced or zero duty – to goods from certain Third countries and for this it has concluded the so-called “preferential agreements” under which preferential tariff treatment is granted either unilaterally or on a reciprocal basis). AADE, he added, ensures the issuance and constant updating of the relevant framework.

Greek exports to 100 billion euros this year, with technological products claiming a significant share

Greek exports, including services, are expected to reach 100 billion euros this year, compared to 74 billion in 2021, while the sales of Greek products abroad no longer concern only the primary sector, as was the case in previous years, but also technology : 15% of Greek exports are technological products, which proves that Greece produces and exports technology, as pointed out by the president of SEVE, Simeon Diamantidis, who added that so far this year exports are “running” at a rate of about 18%, while at the same time there is a reduction in the trade deficit.

Mr. Diamantidis also pointed out that, despite inflationary pressures and the energy crisis, in 2022 Greek exports increased by 36% compared to 2021 and reached 55 billion in terms of products and 35 billion in goods. in services, now constituting 27% of GDP, a percentage that surpasses the corresponding performances of traditional export powers, such as Italy and France.

“The positive course of exports does not seem to stop even in 2023,” he noted, pointing out, however, that the rapid developments in international business and intense international turmoil do not allow for complacency, especially today when exports have evolved into a key economic pillar for Greece.

The president of SEVE pointed out the need to capitalize on the positive momentum, with moves such as the opening of new markets, the conclusion of agreements at EU and national level, but also the entry of small and medium-sized enterprises into the export process: “Today, 80% of exports are made by 20% of businesses and if small and medium-sized businesses also enter, the results will be impressive,” he stressed.

A product passes through up to 20 countries to reach its destination

The complexity of the procedures necessary for the export of products was mentioned by the first vice-president of EBET, Manolis Vlachogiannis, pointing out that in an assessment made in 2009, some products needed to pass through even 20 countries to reach to their destination. He added that in the wake of the major international financial crisis, bilateral free trade agreements began to proliferate, with more than 200 now in existence worldwide._