The draft legislation, submitted by the Ministry of Development, is currently under public online consultation until March 13, 2026. The proposed changes affect key aspects of outdoor commerce, from the licensing system to how market stalls are allocated and the creation of new types of markets.

The provisions, included in Articles 167 to 197 of the bill, aim—according to the ministry—to address long-standing dysfunctions, bureaucratic procedures, and practices that had effectively created closed structures within the market.

Markets exclusively for producers

One of the most significant reforms in the new framework is the possibility of establishing street markets where only producers will be allowed to participate. In these markets, only individuals holding a producer-seller license for outdoor trade will be permitted to operate.

The creation of these markets will be decided by the relevant authorities. Producers wishing to participate must secure a stall through a public call issued by the market’s operating authority.

This measure aims to strengthen the presence of farmers themselves in street markets and limit the role of intermediaries. In practice, the model seeks to increase direct sales from producer to consumer.

New geographical structure in Attica

Article 169 introduces the concept of a “Core of Street Markets” for the Attica Region, a system intended to better organize the operation and supervision of markets in the country’s most active commercial area.

Under this framework, all existing and future street markets will be grouped into ten geographic sectors: the A, B, C, D, E, and F sectors of Athens, the A, B, and C sectors of Piraeus, and an additional sector covering the rest of Attica.

This new structure aims to improve coordination and oversight in a region where street markets are a key channel for distributing agricultural products.

End of license renewals and electronic stall lotteries

Another major change is the abolition of the license renewal process for outdoor trade. At the same time, the system for issuing new licenses will be simplified to speed up procedures.

An electronic lottery system will also be introduced to allocate market stalls to both producers and professional vendors. The goal is to increase transparency and ensure equal access to available market positions.

License validity periods

The new framework sets different validity periods depending on the type of activity.

• Outdoor trade vendor licenses will be valid for five years from the date of issue or the last renewal.
• Licenses for scrap-collector markets and Sunday markets will have indefinite validity, but will not be transferable.
• Licenses issued digitally through the “Open Market” (OPSAA) information system will also have indefinite duration.
• For short-term or thematic markets, activity permits will be valid for one year.

Faster licensing process

The bill also accelerates the process of issuing outdoor trade licenses.

Applicants will need to submit a digital certificate of current business status from Greece’s tax authority (AADE), issued within the last six months.

They must also submit their most recent OSDE declaration (Integrated Administration and Control System), which concerns the previous calendar year.

Under the new system, the competent authorities—regional bodies in Attica and Thessaloniki and municipalities across the rest of the country—will be required to issue licenses within five working days after all required documents have been submitted.

Transfers, stall allocation and penalties

The bill also introduces provisions concerning stall allocation, license transfers, and penalties.

Among other measures:

• Seasonal stalls must be allocated specifically to producers.
• Sanctions will be imposed on authorities that fail to promptly announce available vacant stalls.
• The restriction on the number of stalls a vendor can apply for will be abolished.
• Vendors will be allowed to transfer their license to relatives up to the third degree.

These changes are expected to influence both the operation and competition within street markets, creating a new framework for producers and professional vendors.

Support measures in case of natural disasters

Article 195 introduces a mechanism designed to protect producers’ income in the event of natural disasters or crop diseases.

If a producer has submitted a damage declaration to the Greek Agricultural Insurance Organization (ELGA), they will be allowed to source products from another producer within the same regional unit.

This will be permitted for quantities up to 50% of the products listed on the producer’s license. The measure aims to ensure that producers can continue operating and maintain their income even when their own production is affected by unforeseen events.