Does the Green Line Regulation say anything about raw materials?
No. The regulation does not set rules about raw materials.
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.
What about processed food of non-animal origin?
The Green Line Regulation does not restrict trade of processed food of non-animal origin. The EU is working with the Republic of Cyprus authorities to support trading of processed food items to ensure food safety and hygiene standards are met. Currently these are the processed food items that can be traded across the Line after receiving approval from the EU experts. In order to obtain approval for the locally produced processed food listed below, please contact the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce:
- Olive oil
- Tahini
- Halva
- Carob syrup (side note: but not carob powder)
- Jams (side note: fruit unspecified)
- Fresh orange and pomegranate juices
- Table olives, black and green
- Juices, Nectars and Fruit Drinks of apple, grapefruit, pineapple, cherry, peach, apricot
- Coffee
- Dried molohiya/molokhia,
- Lemonade
- Frozen vegetables
- Frozen potatoes
- Pickles
Products intended to come in contact with food (food contact materials) can also be traded.
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.
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.
How much trade is taking place across the line?
| Year | Green Line Trade |
| 2023 | € 16,046,304 |
| 2022 | € 14,647,241 |
| 2021 | € 6,151,022 |
| 2020 | € 4,693,898 |
| 2019 | € 5,464,237 |
| 2018 | € 4,582,402 |
What are the main categories of the Turkish Cypriot goods crossing the Line?
- Plastics
- Fish
- Mosaics, Marbles, Granites
- Construction Materials
- Prefabricated Containers
- Wood Products/Furniture
- Mattresses
- Aluminium Products
- Waste / Scrap Products (Vegetable Oils, Paper & Paperboard, Metals)
- Vegetables & Fruit
- Chemical Products (Thinner, Tile Adhesive, Plaster, Paint)
- Curtains, Blinds
What are the main categories of the Greek Cypriot goods crossing the Line?
- Paints
- Tiles
- Machinery And Equipment
- Pipes And Parts
- Agricultural Products
- Steel And Iron Products
- Chemicals
- Gases
- Plastic products
- Insulation materials
- Paper and paperboard
- Aluminium products
- Freshwater fish
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.
Is Green Line trade beneficial?
Trade can be mutually beneficial to all who undertake it. The modern economic growth of the European Union was based on the elimination of trade barriers. This allows businesses to cooperate and provide their communities with better products at lower prices.
The same principle applies to the Green Line trade. It can promote intra-island cooperation and build a shared economic prosperity. It ensures that EU consumers are protected as EU product and service standards are in place. Green Line trade provides a common prosperity, without winners or losers.