Greece's tax authority AADE has signed a memorandum of understanding with British customs and law enforcement agencies, launching a strategic partnership aimed at combating cross-border financial crime and smuggling.
The agreement brings AADE into cooperation with the UK's HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), the Home Office and the National Crime Agency (NCA), establishing a framework for coordinated action against shared customs risks, smuggling and fraud, while easing legitimate trade.
Under the memorandum, the two sides will design joint operations targeting common threats and customs violations, share risk indicators and analytical data to identify suspicious cargo without disrupting supply chains, and shift enforcement toward post-clearance audits while expanding the use of Authorized Economic Operator certification to encourage voluntary business compliance.
The agreement also covers cooperation on non-invasive inspection technology, container and truck screening systems, joint training programs, and digitization of customs procedures.
AADE Governor Georgios Pitsilis called international cooperation vital for tax and customs authorities, noting that the risks they face cross national borders and that rapid technological change demands constant adaptation.
"We see in the UK authorities a highly experienced partner with whom we share common goals," Mr. Pitsilis said, calling the memorandum "not the endpoint of a process, but the starting point of substantive cooperation" translating into concrete joint actions and mutual benefits for trade and security.
The agreement builds on Greece's broader customs modernization push, which includes plans for a specialized container-targeting hub at the Port of Piraeus, developed jointly with HMRC and UK Border Force, aimed at identifying high-risk shipments entering the country.