Effective immediately upon publication in the Government Gazette on October 8, 2026, Greece has abolished cash-on-delivery (COD) payments for courier and postal deliveries regardless of transaction value. The measure, enacted through Article 72 of Law 5338/2026 (New Incentives for Foreign Direct Investment), mandates that all payments for goods delivered via courier or postal services must be executed electronically via bank transfer, card payment, or other approved electronic payment methods before or at the moment of delivery. The prohibition applies to both B2C and B2B transactions and covers all courier companies, postal operators, and e-commerce platforms operating in Greece. The legislation aims to combat VAT evasion, money laundering, and the shadow economy by ensuring full traceability of commercial transactions. Non-compliance penalties are severe: courier companies face fines of €5,000 per violation, while senders and recipients can be fined €500 each per transaction. The Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) will conduct random audits of courier operators’ payment logs and cross-reference with myDATA invoicing data. A transitional period of 30 days is granted for technical adaptation of payment systems, after which full enforcement begins. The measure also requires e-commerce platforms to integrate electronic payment gateways and disable COD options for Greek destinations. Consumer protection organizations have welcomed the move but raised concerns about digital exclusion for elderly and unbanked populations. The Ministry of Digital Governance has announced a parallel program to expand access to basic payment accounts through the Hellenic Post’s payment services.
Key Takeaways
- Complete Ban on Cash-on-Delivery: All courier and postal deliveries in Greece must be prepaid or paid electronically at delivery. Cash payments are prohibited regardless of amount, affecting an estimated €2.3 billion in annual COD transactions.
- Strict Penalties for Non-Compliance: Courier companies face €5,000 fines per violation; senders and recipients face €500 fines per transaction. AADE will audit payment logs and cross-reference with myDATA invoices.
- 30-Day Technical Transition Period: E-commerce platforms and courier operators have 30 days to integrate electronic payment gateways and disable COD options. The Hellenic Post will offer basic payment accounts for unbanked consumers.
Disclaimer: This article is compiled and summarized by the AI based on publicly available information and is for general information purposes only. It does not constitute any form of formal tax advice, legal opinion, or basis for performance. Please consult a qualified professional tax advisor or legal counsel for tax advice.
Source: Read Official Announcement