Greece’s independent public assets authority (AADE) on Monday issued an urgent circular towards all state-affiliated entities in the country, detailing customs and other financial procedures involving trade and transactions with the newly christened Republic of North Macedonia.
The tax authority reminds that the constitutional name Republic of North Macedonia, or North Macedonia in its short form, must be used in all instances and vis-a-vis all third parties.
One noteworthy exception in the lengthy circular is the use of brand names, commercial logos and product names for imported goods, with AADE noting that “no obligation arises for oversight by customs authorities, as the (Prespa) agreement (article 1, paragraph 3, line 9) foresees the creation of an international committee of experts with the purpose of finding mutually acceptable solutions within a three-year period. As a result, the current commercial practice is acceptable by customs authorities, and in case there are new developments, new directions will be issued.”
The country codes on license plates for vehicles registered in North Macedonia will be “NM” or “NMK”, replacing the previous “MK”. Vehicle owners will have a five-year “grace period” in which to replace their plates, while authorities in the neighboring country have assumed the commitment to procure stickers reading “NMK” for use on older plates.
Conversely, Greek customs posts will no longer use stickers reading “The sign ‘MK’ is not recognized by Greece.”
Until new passports are issued, North Macedonia authorities will stamp travel documents with a message making it clear that the documents represent the Republic of North Macedonia.
