Customs delays “Brake” the Market

The business community expresses strong concern regarding ongoing delays in customs procedures, an issue that jeopardizes the smooth operation of businesses and imposes significant financial burdens. The introduction of Customs Audit Centers (CACs) appears to have further exacerbated the situation, as the required time for customs clearance has reached three working days, even for standard or low-value shipments. These delays affect the entire supply chain, especially the final deliveries of shipments, as transporters are simultaneously called upon to service the deliveries of containers. This has a direct impact on businesses, leading to:

• Delays in customer service: Customers experience delays in receiving their products, resulting in loss of trust and reputational damage to the market.
• Increased operating costs: Goods remain idle, burdening businesses with increased storage and transportation costs.
• Loss of orders and collaborations: Especially for products with strict timelines, delays lead to the loss of significant orders and long-term collaborations. The additional costs are ultimately passed on to the consumer, contributing to increased inflation.

The main causes of this malfunction are identified as insufficient personnel, intense bureaucracy and non-automated procedures, as well as a lack of adequate technical means. Although the necessity for enhanced control of circulating products and the effort to limit smuggling through the CACs are recognized, business stakeholders deem it imperative to take immediate action:

• Strengthening customs services: Immediate reinforcement in both human resources and infrastructure is required to meet the increasing volume of transactions.
• Accelerating digitization: The digitization of procedures and interconnection with the necessary platforms are vital for reducing bureaucracy and increasing efficiency.
• Regular communication: Systematic communication between customs authorities and professional bodies is deemed essential for the immediate identification and resolution of problems.

Businesses need a stable, predictable, and fast environment to operate competitively, especially in the current burdened economic climate. Resolving problems at customs is a crucial factor for business development, strengthening employment, attracting investments, and the overall healthy growth of the Greek economy.