Greece Enhances Anti-Counterfeiting Enforcement Through Border Controls and Digital Market Oversight

Greece has significantly enhanced its anti-counterfeiting enforcement efforts in recent years, driven by coordinated action from national authorities and strengthened cooperation with European Union institutions. The Interagency Unit for Market Control (DIMEA), Customs authorities, and the Hellenic Police have intensified inspections across physical marketplaces and online platforms, leveraging administrative enforcement, expedited destruction procedures, and cross-border collaboration with entities such as the EU Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) and the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO).

The enforcement landscape in Greece has also been reshaped by the rise of e-commerce and the implementation of the EU Digital Services Act (DSA), which establishes a digital single market framework and amends Directive 2000/31/EC. These developments have expanded the scope of anti-counterfeiting measures to include online marketplace monitoring and digital rights enforcement.

Greece’s anti-counterfeiting legal framework is anchored by several key legislative instruments. The Trademark Law 4679/2020 transposes the EU Trademark Directive (2015/2436/EC) and the Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights Directive (2004/48/EC). Design protection is governed by Law 2417/1996, Presidential Decrees 259/1997 and 161/2002, implementing the Hague Agreement and Directive 98/71/EC respectively. Technology transfer and innovation are regulated under Law 1733/1987 and Law 3966/2011, while customs enforcement follows EU Regulation 608/2013 and its subsequent amendments.

Further, Law 4712/2020, amended by Law 4753/2020, establishes the inter-agency market control unit and sets procedures for the seizure and destruction of counterfeit and pirated goods. Law 5099/2024 implements the EU Digital Services Act, and Law 5179/2025 updates the Greek Copyright Law to enhance anti-piracy and online enforcement provisions.

Greece’s geographic position as a nexus between Africa, Asia, and Europe exposes it to significant counterfeiting risks, particularly as a transit hub. Major entry points for counterfeit goods include the ports of Piraeus and Thessaloniki, as well as land border crossings at Kipoi, Promachonas, and Kakavia. Seasonal tourism and informal markets such as flea markets and street vendors further contribute to counterfeit distribution.

Despite these challenges, Greece has strengthened its enforcement framework through enhanced inter-agency cooperation and operational coordination, supported by EU initiatives. The country actively participates in the European Multidisciplinary Platform Against Criminal Threats (EMPACT), engaging in operations such as Fake Star, LUDUS, and SHIELD. Greece also utilizes EUIPO’s Anti-Counterfeiting Intelligence Support Tool and IP Enforcement Portal to bolster intelligence sharing and enforcement efficiency.

At the national level, the Hellenic Industrial Property Organisation (OBI) conducts regular training seminars for enforcement authorities, often in partnership with the EUIPO, to improve counterfeit detection capabilities and raise awareness of evolving market trends. Greece’s growing role in regional anti-counterfeiting coordination was highlighted when Athens hosted the International IP Enforcement Summit 2025 under the theme “Stronger IP Enforcement in the Digital Age.”

Border measures remain central to Greece’s anti-counterfeiting strategy due to its strategic location along key trade routes. The Port of Piraeus, in particular, serves as a critical hub for inspecting and seizing counterfeit goods in transit or destined for the domestic market. Commonly intercepted counterfeit products include clothing, footwear, accessories, electronics, perfumes, and toys, primarily originating from China and Türkiye. These goods are transported via container shipments, postal and courier services, and air cargo.

Customs enforcement in Greece is governed by Regulation (EU) 608/2013, which outlines procedures for detaining and destroying counterfeit goods. Rights holders may request Customs surveillance by submitting an application for action (AFA) through the IP Enforcement Portal. AFAs can be national, valid only within Greece, or EU-wide, covering multiple member states including Greece. Applications must provide detailed information about the protected IP rights, genuine products, counterfeit identification guidance, and authorized contacts. Once approved, an AFA remains valid for one year and can be renewed annually.

Upon detention of suspected counterfeit goods, rights holders are required to confirm within 10 working days whether the goods are counterfeit; failure to respond results in the release of the goods. Importers or consignees are notified of the detention and may consent to or oppose the suspension of goods or choose not to respond to Customs notifications.

Overall, Greece’s comprehensive approach combines legislative reform, inter-agency collaboration, EU partnership, and digital enforcement tools to address the multifaceted challenges of counterfeiting in both physical and online marketplaces.