Encouraging are the first messages from its implementation duty EUR 3 per species in small packages entering Greece from third countries via electronic platforms; a measure which entered into force on 1 July.
The first market estimates show a marked slowdown in the movement of micro parcels, which, according to trade representatives, is an indication that the measure contributes to the restoration of healthy and equal competition for Greek companies. The overall assessment of the effectiveness of the duty is expected to be carried out by notification of official data by competent authorities in the coming period.
This development, as he points out, the Hellenic Confederation of Trade and Entrepreneurship (CSR), confirms its position on the need for substantial measures to address the distortions caused by the uncontrolled influx of micro packages from third countries, where issues of compliance with European safety, labelling and tax equality rules are often raised.
For the ESRB, the success of the measure is not limited to reducing the volume of imports. The More substantial benefit is that more fair competitive conditions are created for Greek small and medium-sized enterprises.. Every order made in the organized Greek market strengthens employment, increases public revenue and creates added value for the Greek economy.
At the same time, the implementation of the measure highlights the need for the EU to proceed directly to additional interventions already proposed for the more efficient management of small packages. The introduction of the European fee is estimated to strengthen customs controls and allow competent authorities to have a more complete picture of the origin, safety and compliance of products placed on the European market. The ESRB shall return its request to speed up its abolition. de minimis status, which is currently exempt from customs duties of up to EUR 150.
In turn, Piraeus Trade Association considers that this is a positive first step towards tackling the distortions caused by cross-border electronic commerce. The Association invites the state to proceed immediately to creating a National Mechanism for Control of Imported Products, systematic and targeted controls on all products entering the country from third countries through platforms.
Characteristics indicate that through the controls each product must be placed on the market fully compliant with respect to:
- product safety,
- consumer health protection,
- environmental specifications;
- correct labelling and traceability,
- the quality and certification requirements applicable to European undertakings.
«Greek companies cannot bear daily the cost of complying with dozens of European regulations, while products imported from third countries arrive at the consumer without effective control», stresses the Trade Association. While adding that other European countries have shown that supervision is possible by telling France that you have adopted strict policies towards low-cost platforms and that Greece must follow a corresponding direction.
On the issue of parcels from China which after the imposition of this charge that have accumulated at customs, he spoke and Deputy Minister for Finance Dimitris Markopoulos Assuring citizens that «There will be immediate results, there will be no further inconveniences».
Responsible for taxation policy and customs, since they are related to this policy, Mr Markopoulos stresses that the more than 150 000 parcels waiting to be delivered to their owners within the next period «Everything will go on time.» and «public administration seeks and will quickly solve the problem».
