FAQs

Are people crossing over and shopping in the other community considered as engaging in Green Line trade?

GLR provides for individuals to cross the Line with goods for personal consumption subject to certain limits.

However, personal consumption is not considered as a Green Line trade.

For any transaction to be considered a Green Line trade as defined by the Green Line Regulation, it must involve the accompanying documentation provided by the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce.

What are the basic provisions of the Green Line Regulation?

According to the GLR goods allowed to cross are those wholly produced or obtained in the areas of the Republic of Cyprus not under the effective control of the government of the Republic of Cyprus or which have undergone their last substantial economically justified processing or working in those areas. Crossing takes place through approved crossing points. Imported goods are not allowed to cross. Live animals and animal products, except sea water fish and honey, are not allowed to cross.
These are the basic provisions. However, additional conditions for each product, such as quality standards, might be applicable. The economic operators are expected to know the requirements for their products in the EU market.

Do the products crossing the Green Line comply with the requirements set by the EU and RoC? 

The EU has implemented numerous programmes to help Turkish Cypriot products meet EU requirements. There is meticulous inspection of the goods crossing the Line. Each product is required to comply with the EU and Republic of Cyprus requirements and meet its standard.

Do you cooperate with the Chambers?

Both Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce has a long history of cooperation for the benefit of both communities. They are committed to developing and improving trade across the Green Line and are implementing partners in this project.

While the main priority of both institutions is to help their members, they always maintain sincere and direct communication for the common benefit of both economic communities. We feel lucky to have their support and guidance during the implementation of this project.

In addition to these two Chambers, the EU OSS cooperates and serves all relevant chambers, business organizations, businesses and entrepreneurs in line with its mission.

Does Green Line trade create unfair competition to the Greek Cypriots?

No. Quite the contrary. Let us explain: 

• Firstly, the Green Line trade is a legal tool to curb illegal trade and smuggling which is the real source of unfair competition. 
• Secondly, currently the trade from the Turkish Cypriot community constitutes less than 1% of RoC imports. 
• Thirdly, the Green Line trade provides opportunities for companies and consumers on both sides of the Green Line. It creates new business opportunities for those who are already engaged in commercial activities as well as those who are willing to enter the market.

Does Green Line trade work both directions over the Line?

The Green Line Regulation sets out detailed rules for trade from the areas of the Republic of Cyprus in which the government of the Republic of Cyprus does not exercise effective control into the areas of the Republic of Cyprus in which it does. In simple terms, from the Turkish Cypriot community to the Greek Cypriot community.

The Regulation also contains provisions in Article 5 permitting trade in the opposite direction.

Does the EU OSS support trade in both directions?

We believe that for a healthy growth of mutual trade between the two communities, commercial bridges must be built in both directions. The EU OSS provides basic guidance and support for inquiries about trade in both directions in cooperation with the Chambers of Commerce .

Does the Green Line Regulation say anything about raw materials?

No. The regulation does not set rules about raw materials.

How much trade is taking place across the line?

Is an accompanying document from the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce enough for the Green Line trade?

Every traded item must meet all requirements under the acquis to be placed on the EU market. For example, construction materials will need to meet the quality standards which will be certified by authorized bodies. Another example is fruits and vegetables, which require a phytosanitary report of inspection provided by an EU expert before crossing the Green Line.
Please remember that it is the responsibility of the trader to be informed about the requirements of their products. The Republic of Cyprus has the right to make its own checks to ensure the relevant EU requirements are met.