A proposed ban on cash payments for parcels delivered by courier has sparked a heated debate in Greece, with consumers, online retailers and delivery companies divided over whether the measure would curb tax evasion or unfairly restrict payments.
The provision is included in a draft omnibus bill under public consultation by Greece’s Ministry of National Economy and Finance. More than 150 comments have been submitted, with some calling for the measure to be withdrawn and others backing its introduction, provided changes are made.
Articles 299 and 300 of the bill would require all cash-on-delivery transactions to be paid electronically, regardless of the amount. Courier companies accepting cash payments would face a fine equal to twice the value of the transaction.
Supporters argue that the change would help combat tax evasion, discourage unnecessary orders and protect businesses operating legally. Opponents warn that it could exclude consumers without access to electronic payment methods and place additional pressure on small and medium-sized businesses.
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Online retailers see potential benefits
Some online store owners argue that cash on delivery would remain available as a service, with only the method of payment changing.
One retailer said approximately one in five parcels sent by the business is returned undelivered, creating additional costs. Electronic payments, the retailer argued, could reduce orders placed without a genuine intention to accept delivery.
Other e-commerce businesses acknowledge that the change could temporarily reduce sales but believe it could also help legitimate retailers compete with sellers who make undeclared sales through social media.
Consumers warn of exclusion
Consumers opposing the proposal say cash should remain an option, particularly for small purchases. They argue that banning cash payments even for orders worth just €5 or €10 would be disproportionate.
They have also raised concerns about older people, financially vulnerable households and those without a bank account or payment card, warning that the requirement could make online shopping less accessible.
Critics further argue that paying in cash is not, in itself, evidence of tax evasion.
Courier companies challenge the proposal
Several courier companies want Articles 299 and 300 removed, warning that the restrictions could hurt revenue, employment and e-commerce.
Figures cited by opponents indicate that cash on delivery accounts for more than 40% of online purchases in Greece, representing annual transactions worth between €3 billion and €5 billion. Of that amount, they say, between 70% and 75% is paid in cash.
The companies also argue that Greece already has a comparatively low general cash-payment limit. At €500, they say, the national threshold is 20 times lower than the European Union’s €10,000 limit.
They cite limits of €1,000 in France and Spain, €3,000 in Belgium and the Netherlands, and €5,000 in Italy. They also point to Germany, Austria, Ireland, Luxembourg and Finland, where they say no national limit applies.
According to the companies, they are unaware of any other EU member state that prohibits cash payments for cash-on-delivery deliveries. They argue that the proposal would make Greece the only country in the bloc to impose such a restriction.
They also question what they see as unequal treatment: consumers would still be able to pay cash in physical stores but not when receiving goods through a courier.
As an alternative, the companies propose applying a consistent limit across all retail transactions, potentially lowering Greece’s existing €500 threshold to €300.
Dispute over fines
The proposed penalties have become another point of contention.
Under the draft provision, a courier company accepting €200 in cash for a delivery could face a €400 fine, even though its fee for transporting the parcel amounts to only a few euros.
Companies opposing the measure say the penalties are disproportionate. They stress that couriers are not the sellers of the goods but collect payments on behalf of third parties.
Some courier companies support the change
Not all delivery companies oppose the proposal. One major operator supports the move, arguing that electronic payments would reduce the costs associated with handling cash and lower the risk of theft or financial losses.
However, the company is also calling for a transition period, common rules for all operators, a clear division of responsibilities and more proportionate penalties. It has also asked for provisions to address technical problems that may prevent electronic payments from being completed.
The Ministry of National Economy and Finance is reviewing the public consultation feedback and reconsidering the disputed provisions. According to information cited in the report, there is a strong possibility that the measure will be left out of the bill ultimately submitted to Parliament.