I. CHEMICAL MAXIMUM RESIDUE LEVELS (MRLs)

The NHC is not tracking MRLs for this market.  Please work with importers to verify appropriate requirements.

II. CHEMICALS AND ADDITIVE INFORMATION

A. Chemical residue standards:

As a member of the European Union (EU), Greece applies maximum residue levels (MRLs) as established by the EU.  The EU Commission sets a default tolerance of 0.01 ppm for commodity/pesticide combinations for which a specific tolerance has not been established.

B. Monitoring chemical residues:

Greece actively monitors chemical residues on imported apples, pears and cherries.

C. Restrictions on use of waxes:

The European Union (EU) permits the use of white beeswax, yellow beeswax, candelilla wax, carnauba wax and shellac on apples and pears (EC Directive 95/2/EC).

Morpholine is not allowed to be present as an additive to waxes or other food coatings.  There is active enforcement of this prohibition.

III. ORGANIC FRUIT REGULATIONS

All producers and importers must comply with European Commission regulations regarding the production, labeling, certification, and control of organic foods.  Please refer to the Organic Fruit Regulations section of the European Union page of this manual for more information.

IV. TARIFFS

As a member of the EU, Greece imposes the EU’s tariff schedule and entry price system on apple, pear and cherry imports.  Please refer to the EU chapter for additional information.

V. NON-TARIFF BARRIERS

A. Labeling requirements:

European Union (EU) labeling requirements apply.  Please refer to the  EU chapter for additional information.

B. Licenses and quotas:

The Minister of Commerce is authorized to impose quotas or instruct the Bank of Greece to prohibit the issuance of import permits.

European Union (EU) import license/quota regulations, if any, apply.    Please refer to the EU chapter for additional information.

C. Currency Issues:

Approval is needed from the Bank of Greece for foreign exchange.

D. Pest and plant disease restrictions:

Please refer to EU chapter for specific restrictions which apply to all EU member countries.

E.  Other trade restrictions:

Please refer to the EU chapter for information on solid wood packing material regulations.

VI. OTHER RESOURCE LINKS:

Governmental:

• The World Factbook (Central Intelligence Agency)
• Greece (U.S. Commercial Service/Department of Commerce)
• U.S. Embassy
  • Foreign Agricultural Service/Athens

VII. ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Special thanks to
FAS Field Office – Greece