Importing From Greece to UK
Greece might not be the first country that comes to mind when UK businesses think about importing, but for the right product categories it's one of Europe's most rewarding sourcing markets. Rich in natural produce, artisan manufacturing and quality-led goods, Greece supplies UK importers with products that carry genuine provenance and strong consumer appeal.
At Origin Global Logistics, we manage the full import journey for UK businesses importing from Greece. We handle collection, freight, customs documentation and final UK delivery with the same care and precision we apply to every origin we work with.
What Makes Greece a Strong Sourcing Market
Greece's strengths as an export market are specific rather than broad. It's not a high-volume industrial economy in the way that larger European nations are, but in its areas of speciality, it's difficult to match.
World-class agricultural produce
Greece is one of the world's leading producers of olive oil, olives, honey, fresh and dried herbs, wine, spirits and fresh produce. These are goods with genuine quality credentials and strong UK consumer demand.
Established marble and stone industry
Greek marble, particularly from the Macedonian and Aegean regions, is internationally recognised and widely used in UK construction, architecture and interior design.
Pharmaceuticals and chemicals
Greece has a growing pharmaceutical manufacturing sector producing generic medicines, active pharmaceutical ingredients and chemical compounds that are exported across Europe and beyond.
Textiles and apparel
Greek manufacturers produce quality garments, knitwear and technical textiles with a growing reputation for sustainable and ethically produced fashion.
Shipping and maritime equipment
As one of the world's great maritime nations, Greece is also a supplier of specialist marine equipment, parts and services to the global shipping industry.
Freight Options for Importing From Greece to the UK
Greece's geography, a mainland peninsula plus over 200 inhabited islands, makes logistics an interesting challenge. We know the routes well and offer flexible solutions depending on where your supplier is based.
Sea Freight - FCL and LCL
For larger shipments, sea freight from Greece to the UK is a cost-effective and well-established option. Key Greek export ports include Piraeus (one of the Mediterranean's busiest ports), Thessaloniki in the north and Patras on the western coast. Freight routes typically connect into UK ports including Felixstowe, Southampton and London Gateway.
FCL (Full Container Load) - for dedicated container space on high-volume or regular shipments
LCL (Less-than-Container Load) - ideal for smaller consignments that don't require a full container, keeping costs proportionate
Road Freight
For mainland Greece suppliers, road freight is often the most practical and cost-efficient option. Truck transit from Greece to the UK typically takes 5-7 days, routing through the Balkans and Central Europe. It's a flexible, door-to-door solution that suits a wide range of shipment sizes.
Air Freight
For urgent, high-value or perishable goods, particularly fresh produce, pharmaceuticals or time-sensitive stock, we arrange air freight from Athens International Airport and Thessaloniki Airport into UK freight hubs. This is the fastest option and particularly relevant for Greece given the perishable nature of many of its key exports.
UK Customs for Goods Importing From Greece
As an EU member state, Greece sits within the EU customs union, which means goods imported from Greece to the UK are subject to the standard post-Brexit customs process. This is an important consideration for any UK business importing from Greece for the first time.
Here's what's involved:
Customs declarations required at the UK border for all commercial shipments from EU countries including Greece
Import VAT at 20% applied on arrival, calculated on the customs value of the goods
Customs duties applied based on commodity code, rates vary by product type, though many goods from Greece (particularly food and agricultural products) carry relatively low duty rates
Rules of origin under the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) - goods that meet origin requirements may qualify for zero or reduced tariff rates
Commercial invoice, packing list and any required product-specific certificates (particularly relevant for food, agricultural produce and pharmaceuticals)
UK EORI number required for your business to import commercially
Speak to our team who know exactly what's required and can make sure nothing is missed.
What Our Clients Say About Us
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Grace Robinson ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 2025 "I would highly recommend Origin Logistics. They have been fantastic at dealing with our customs clearances and container deliveries. We have used several other companies in the past, but Sophie and the team are the best by far. Thanks guys!" |
Lance Lee ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 2025 "We’ve had a great experience working with Sophie and the team. Communication is always clear, deliveries are well-coordinated, and they’ve consistently supported us with efficient and reliable service. Highly recommended!" |
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Sy Howard ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 2025 "Having worked with many different logistic businesses throughout my career, I can honestly say the team are always happy to go that extra mile to ensure a smooth service. Alison and more recently Amy have been nothing short of Superb, even with 'difficult' customer like myself. Highly recommended." |
Andrius Usackus ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 2025 "We’ve been working with Origin for many years and their service has always been outstanding. They are efficient, reliable and professional in every way. The team, especially Sophie, always goes the extra mile to keep things running smoothly. It’s a pleasure working with them and we’re proud of our long-standing partnership. Highly recommended!" |
Common Goods Imported From Greece to the UK
Some of the most frequently imported products for UK import from Greece include:
Olive Oil and Olives
Greece is the world's third largest producer of olive oil and one of the most respected. Greek olive oil and table olives are imported by UK food businesses, retailers and wholesalers in significant volumes.
Honey and Bee Products
Greek honey, particularly thyme honey from the islands, commands a premium in the UK market and is sought after by specialist food retailers and health food businesses.
Wine and Spirits
Greek wines have grown significantly in international profile and Greek spirits including ouzo, tsipouro and mastiha liqueur are imported by UK drinks distributors and specialist retailers.
Fresh Produce and Herbs
Tomatoes, peppers, aubergines, peaches, citrus fruits and fresh herbs are regularly imported from Greek growers by UK food service businesses and wholesalers.
Marble and Natural Stone
Greek marble and limestone are imported by UK stone merchants, construction companies and interior designers for high-end residential and commercial projects.
Pharmaceuticals
Generic medicines and pharmaceutical ingredients produced in Greece are imported by UK healthcare distributors and pharmaceutical businesses.
Why Choose Origin Global Logistics for Your Greece Imports?
Mediterranean freight expertise covering mainland Greece and island collections
Sea, road and air freight options tailored to your product type and timeline
Post-Brexit customs specialists ensuring correct duty calculation and TCA compliance
Perishables experience for food, fresh produce and pharmaceutical shipments requiring careful handling
End-to-end management from supplier collection anywhere in Greece to final UK delivery
Transparent communication at every stage of the journey
Whether you're an established importer or exploring Greek suppliers for the first time, our team is ready to help you build a reliable and cost-efficient supply chain.
Get in touch
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