Yes, home brewing beer is legal in Greece, provided it remains for personal consumption and adheres to national excise duty exemptions under Law 4171/2013. The Hellenic Republic Customs Authority (HRCA) permits brewing up to 100 liters annually per household without taxation, aligning with EU Directive 92/83/EEC. Commercial production requires a distillery license from the Ministry of Finance, enforced by the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (IAPR). Recent 2026 amendments tighten record-keeping for quantities exceeding 50 liters to curb illicit trade.
Key Regulations for Home Brewing Beer in Greece
- Personal Use Exemption: Brewing is permitted for non-commercial purposes only. Quantities above 100 liters annually trigger excise duties, per HRCA guidelines. Households must self-declare production volumes to IAPR upon request.
- Ingredient Restrictions: Use of controlled substances (e.g., certain hops or additives) requires prior approval from the Ministry of Rural Development and Food. Prohibited ingredients include those listed under Regulation (EU) 2019/934.
- Equipment & Storage: Brewing equipment must not exceed 50-liter capacity per batch. Storage of raw materials or finished products in quantities over 200 liters mandates commercial licensing, per IAPR’s 2025 circular on home production oversight.