The National Mint (IETA) produces special security products on behalf of the Greek State as well as of third parties. These products indicatively include the following:
Tobacco tax stamps
Since 2016, the National Mint (IETA) has undertaken the design and production of tobacco tax stamps, in accordance with the requirements and security features applicable in the European Union.
These security features incorporated in tobacco tax stamps enable consumers to verify the authenticity of tobacco products and greatly facilitate the work of law enforcement authorities in their fight against tobacco smuggling and other forms of illicit trade in tobacco products.
Lottery tickets
State lottery tickets have been printed by the National Mint (IETA) since 1970 and include the National Lottery (Ethniko), the Popular Lottery (Laiko) and the Special State Social Solidarity Lottery, now renamed State Lottery.
The National Mint (IETA) continues to design and print lottery tickets on behalf of Hellenic Lotteries S.A., drawing themes from Greek culture and tradition, important historical events, as well as Greek tourism.
With security features incorporated in their design and production process, lottery tickets are another special security product.
The secure management procedures implemented by the National Mint (IETA) in the printing of lottery tickets are an additional safeguard of security.
Passports
Since 2005, the National Mint (IETA) has undertaken the design and production of the new type of Greek passports, which incorporate high-techsecurity features, including a built-in microchip as from 2006. Its security features, along with the capability of the production process to include additional security features in every new passport series, make it one of the most secure passports in the world.
Schengen visas
The Schengen Area is an area comprising 26 European states that have officially abolished all passport and all other types of border control at their mutual border.
The Schengen visa, is a short-term visa that enables its holder to travel to most European countries for up to 90 days for tourism, health or business purposes.
The Schengen visa sticker, which has been printed by the National Mint (IETA) for years, incorporates enhanced security features as specified by the European Commission, which ensure protection against forgery.