A technical glitch in the Customs accounting system caused minor issues and delays in the customs clearance process for goods. However, authorities are reassuring the public, clarifying that alternative solutions have already been put in place to ensure the smooth flow of operations.

Speaking on the program “Alpha News,” Customs Spokesperson George Konstantinou acknowledged a malfunction in the customs duties and taxes payment system, which arose due to an excessive workload.

“There was a problem with the Customs operational system—specifically regarding the system for customs duty and tax payments,” he noted, adding that the workflow was affected by the accumulation of a large volume of import declarations.

At the same time, Mr. Konstantinou was quick to downplay yesterday’s reports of “chaos” at the port of Limassol, clarifying that the vast majority of imports are not affected at all by this specific technical issue.

As he explained, “70 to 80% of the goods and containers transported to Cyprus come from other member states,” which are not subject to customs duties and are released immediately by customs. The problem is limited exclusively to a small percentage of goods imported from third countries.

To address the situation and avoid further inconvenience, the Customs Department immediately implemented alternative and centralized procedures, allowing customs brokers and importers to receive their goods with a temporary suspension of immediate electronic payment.

“Customs has the mechanisms in place to move the process forward using the alternative solutions we provided yesterday to customs brokers and importers,” Mr. Konstantinou emphasized, assuring that the flow is now proceeding smoothly.

When asked whether the disruption was related to the new 3-euro fee on small packages from third countries (such as orders from Temu or Shein) that took effect on July 1, Mr. Konstantinou noted that the introduction of these new procedures may have placed a strain on the system, but the implementation of the measure is proceeding as planned. In fact, he clarified that this fee is temporary.

“The 3-euro duty is temporary until 2028, and from then on, a permanent duty will be imposed, which will be based on the tariff classification of the products,” he said.

In closing, the Press Secretary expressed his satisfaction with the progress of the new small-package inspection process, emphasizing that despite technical challenges, the system is performing as intended. Technical teams continue to work on fully restoring the software, while alternative arrangements ensure that no goods or perishable products will be stranded at the Republic’s entry points.