It is estimated that 80 percent of Greece's import trade is handled through sales agents or distributors.
Sales agents operate on a purchase basis without affecting imports on their own account.
Agency agreements are not required to be exclusive and can be signed for any period of time. Importers usually maintain their offices in Athens, Piraeus, or Thessaloniki with branch offices, subagents, and traveling sales staff covering the rest of the country. Lately there have been instances of smaller importers joining together to form cooperatives. Sales agents of foreign nationalities are required to obtain an operating license from a special committee of the local Chamber of Commerce. The issuance of the license is subject to verification that Greek nationals are accorded reciprocal treatment in the applicant's country of residence.