Can I distill tsipouro at home?
Conditional: allowed only under the "two-day small distillers" regime, with a customs licence. Under Law 2969/2001 (and the National Customs Code): you distill with a customs licence, which seals/unseals the still ≤130 L, within the short "two-day" window of the official season (1 Aug–31 Jul). You pay a reduced tax (≈€0.59/kg of product), prepaid, with an annual cap of 5 hl (500 L) of pure alcohol per producer. Without a licence, the still is smuggling. In short: yes, as a two-day distiller with a licence — not freely at home.
📋 The rules
- "Two-day" distillers regime, with a customs licence
- Still ≤130 L, sealed by customs
- Within the "two-day" window of the season 1 Aug–31 Jul
- Prepaid reduced tax (≈€0.59/kg)
- Annual cap 5 hl (500 L) of pure alcohol
🔓 Exceptions
- Systematic distilleries: full excise, permanent licence (separate)
- CJEU ruling (C-91/18): EU pressure on the reduced rates
- Tax amounts change yearly (AADE circulars)
⚠️ Penalties & fines
An unlicensed still is smuggling (Law 2960/2001): seizure of the still and product, a multiple fee of 3–5× the evaded duties (minimum €1,500), a false declaration €3,000, and criminal liability for smuggling. Beware myths: "you can freely distill at home for personal use" — wrong; a licence + prepaid tax are always required; and the prepayment figures (e.g. "€580/€1,850") change every year — see the live AADE circular. To stay compliant: declare to customs, get a two-day licence, use a sealed still ≤130 L, prepay the tax, and observe the annual cap.
📎 Official sources
- Law 2969/2001 — ethyl alcohol/spirits →
- AADE — circular E.2061/2022 / A.1141/2025 →
- Law 2960/2001 — Customs Code →
❓ Frequently asked
Can I distill tsipouro at home?
Not freely. Distillation is allowed only under the "two-day small distillers" regime, with a licence from customs. Customs seal and unseal the still, which must be up to 130 litres, and distillation happens in a short, set window. Without a licence, it's smuggling.
Do I need a licence and tax?
Yes. You need a licence from customs and you pay a prepaid, reduced tax of about €0.59 per kilogram of product. There's an annual cap of 5 hectolitres, that's 500 litres, of pure alcohol per producer. It's a myth that you can freely distill for personal use without a licence and tax.
What is the two-day distillers regime?
It's a special regime that lets small producers, mainly winegrowers, distill their own pomace for a limited time, within a short "two-day" window of the official season, with a sealed still and prepaid tax. It differs from systematic, permanent distilleries.
What do I risk without a licence?
An unlicensed still is smuggling. You risk seizure of the still and the product, a multiple fee of 3 to 5 times the evaded duties, with a minimum of €1,500, and criminal liability. A false declaration is fined separately, around €3,000.
How much is the tax?
The tax is reduced and prepaid to customs, based on the current AADE circular. The amounts change every year and are under EU pressure following a Court of Justice ruling against Greece. So you must always check the current circular before distilling.
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