The president of the Hellenic Confederation of Commerce and Entrepreneurship (ESEE), Mr. Stavros Kafounis, during his appearance today on OPEN’s news program “Ora Elladas.”
Commenting on developments regarding product imports via e-commerce platforms outside the European Union, Mr. Kafounis pointed out that the retail sector is facing significant challenges, as an ever-increasing share of consumer spending is directed toward platforms outside the European market—a trend that, in his assessment, is expected to intensify in the coming years, placing additional pressure on businesses in the sector.
The Hellenic Confederation of Commerce and Entrepreneurship (ESEE) raised the issue of imports from non-EU platforms early on—with the primary goal of ensuring transparency and healthy competition. Mr. Kafounis recalled that as early as 2025, the Hellenic Confederation of Commerce and Entrepreneurship (ESEE) hosted Eurocommerce’s General Director, Christel Delberg, in Greece to jointly present the scope of the problem and its impact on the European market.
Referring to the new measures being promoted at the European level, he clarified that they apply exclusively to platforms outside the European Union and not to consumers. “The 3-euro fee per product category, which applies only to platforms outside the European Union and not to consumers,” as he noted.
At the same time, he emphasized that this specific measure is only the beginning of a broader standardization of the institutional framework governing trade with non-EU countries. “It’s the first step; it’s not the solution,” he said, noting that an additional tariff is expected to take effect on November 1, which will strengthen customs controls and allow the relevant authorities to have a more complete picture of the origin, safety, and quality of products entering the European market.
As he pointed out, the European Union’s goal is the gradual phasing out of the de minimis exemption—the exemption currently in effect for packages valued at up to 150 euros—which, according to European plans, is scheduled to be completed by 2028.
In closing, Mr. Kafounis reiterated that the business community remains firmly in favor of free trade, provided that the same rules apply to all market participants.
“We are in favor of free trade. It’s just that these products must undergo certain checks so that consumers can compare them with those they find at their neighborhood store,” he said.
Ensuring a level playing field, transparency in transactions, and the protection of healthy competition are, as he emphasized, fundamental prerequisites for the sustainability and competitiveness of modern Greek and European retail.