Green Line Trade offers valuable opportunities for businesses on both sides of Cyprus — but only when products meet EU standards. The following real case highlights how a single missing document can turn a business opportunity into a setback, and how traders can avoid the same mistake.
What Happened
A trader attempted to move aluminum construction products across the Green Line through the Agios Dometios checkpoint. At the crossing point, customs officials inspected the load and discovered that the products were not accompanied by two mandatory documents:
- The CE Marking, proving compliance with EU safety and performance standards
- The Declaration of Performance (DoP), a legal document every manufacturer must prepare
Without these, the shipment could not be admitted into the Republic of Cyprus.
No fines were imposed, but the products were returned to the seller — resulting in wasted time, transport costs, and missed business.
Why the Shipment Failed
Under EU law, construction products must meet strict requirements before they are placed on the market. Aluminum structural components fall under:
- EN 1090-1, which requires Factory Production Control certified by a Notified Body
- EN 1090-3, outlining technical and safety requirements for aluminum structures
These standards ensure that construction products across Europe meet the same safety, reliability, and performance levels.
In Cyprus, the EU Construction Products Regulation (CPR 305/2011) is enforced through the Construction Products Law of 2013, which requires:
- A properly issued Declaration of Performance
- Valid CE Marking
- Documents available in Greek and/or English
- Oversight by the Ministry of Interior as the market surveillance authority
Without these, customs cannot legally allow the products to enter the RoC.
What Traders Should Learn
This case shows that even a strong product cannot cross the Green Line unless the required documentation is complete and compliant.
Don’t Get Turned Back!
The experience of the TC Seller shows that inspections are strict, and compliance is mandatory. To successfully trade aluminum construction products over the Green Line and prevent your shipment from being sent back, you must have your CE Marking and Declaration of Performance (DoP) secured and ready.
Need Guidance? We’re Here to Help.
If you plan to trade aluminum construction products — or any item requiring CE certification — the EU One Stop Shop (EU OSS) can guide you through the exact steps you need to follow to achieve compliance.
Contact us for support and step-by-step guidance before you trade.