Despina
Lawyer · Athens, Greece
- 251 cases handled
- 18+ years in practice
- Speaks: English, German, Greek
- Law, Athens University of Law
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4.95(12 reviews)
Customs Seizure of Goods in Greece
This page is for a person or business whose goods, vehicle, cash or shipment has been seized by Greek customs. It explains why customs seizes property, the assessment act that follows, the appeal to the administrative court and how an English-speaking lawyer helps to get property released.
About Customs Seizure of Goods in Greece
A customs seizure of goods in Greece, κατάσχεση (kataschesi), happens when the customs service, the τελωνείο run by the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (ΑΑΔΕ), takes goods, a vehicle, cash or a shipment because it suspects that duties were not paid, that a declaration was missing or false, or that the goods may not be brought in at all. People describe the same event as goods seized by customs, a car impounded at the border, cash seized at the airport or a parcel held by customs. Some older lists and lawyer pages call this service “Seizure of Goods”. Seizure is a temporary step; forfeiture to the state (δήμευση) is a decision taken later, and much can be done in between. The seizure of property by a creditor for an unpaid debt is a different matter, handled under civil law. This page is information, not legal advice.
Who needs this
A foreign resident whose car on foreign plates was stopped and seized because customs considers it should have been imported or registered in Greece; a traveller whose cash was taken at the airport for want of a declaration; an online buyer or a small business whose consignment is held at the port or the airport; a carrier whose truck or boat was seized together with the cargo; and the owner of goods used by someone else without their knowledge.
How the procedure runs in Greece
- The seizure report. Customs officers draw up a report (έκθεση κατάσχεσης) listing what was taken and why; the owner or driver is asked to sign and receives a copy. Signing is not an admission.
- The assessment act. The customs office then issues an act (καταλογιστική πράξη) setting the duties and taxes it considers due and an administrative penalty; where it sees smuggling, a criminal file is opened in parallel, described under smuggling offences.
- Release or forfeiture. Goods can often be released against payment or a guarantee (εγγύηση) while the dispute continues; perishable goods may be sold before the case ends.
- Appeal. The act is challenged first before the customs authority and then by an appeal (προσφυγή) to the administrative court, within short deadlines that run from service of the act.
What to pay attention to
- Deadlines are short and run even when the owner is abroad; a Greek address for service or a representative avoids missed notices.
- The customs code was replaced recently, so older guides describe penalties that no longer apply; a lawyer reads the current text.
- Greek courts have struck down fixed penalties that were out of proportion to the breach; proportionality is a real argument, not a plea for mercy.
- Cars on foreign plates kept by people who live in Greece are a classic trigger; the rules on how long a foreign-registered car may be used are a separate question from the fine that follows.
What an English-speaking lawyer does
The lawyer obtains the seizure report and the customs file, checks whether the goods were really liable to duty and whether the procedure was followed, negotiates release against a guarantee, files the objection and the court appeal, and coordinates the defence where a smuggling charge runs alongside. Where a traffic fine rather than customs is behind the trouble, see speeding and traffic fines; other administrative penalties are covered under fines and administrative penalties. More on criminal law in Greece.
Questions and answers
Can I get my car back while the case is pending?
Often yes, against payment of the amount claimed or a guarantee; the terms depend on the office and the stage of the case, and a lawyer negotiates them.
My cash was taken at the airport. Is it lost?
Not necessarily. Undeclared cash is held and a penalty is assessed; the money, less any penalty finally upheld, can be recovered if the origin is explained and the appeal succeeds.
Do I have to come to Greece for the appeal?
No. A lawyer acting under a power of attorney files and argues the appeal; the owner's presence is rarely required.
2 lawyers who provide Customs Seizure of Goods in Greece
Sorted by experience in this service. Write to any of them — the reply comes from the lawyer, without obligation.
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Konstantinos
Lawyer · Athens, Greece
- 28 cases handled
- 11+ years in practice
- Speaks: English, Greek
- Degree in Law, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens
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5.00(1 review)
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What our clients say about our service in Greece
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A very helpful and empathetic lawyer and consultant, with excellent assistance. I will totally work with the lawyer again.
— Alina30 Nov 2022 -
The lawyer answered my queries the moment I sent them. She knows the Greek legal system extremely well and was a great help; on my own I could never have reached a conclusion I am completely satisfied with. Her command of English was excellent, close to bilingual though not quite. At all times she was friendly, approachable and professional, and she explained clearly what I had to do. I came to trust her completely.
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She replied extremely fast to my first inquiry, quickly arranged a meeting to go over the details, and answered all my questions. Reaching her by phone or text was easy, she was punctual, and she was fun and personable to talk to as well, with perfect English. After I had struggled for months to get this done on my own, she sorted everything out for me in record time. Anyone trying to navigate Greek bureaucracy should hire her, and I would recommend her.
— Ine06 Aug 2026 -
I am really happy with her. Every time I wrote she answered fast, so I never had to chase her for news of how things were going. She understood what I needed straight away and, with her perfect English, explained the parts I had not followed without making me feel stupid. She was also nice to deal with. The price was fair, and in short she got it done, so I am glad I chose her.
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