For years, Turkish consumers enjoyed a relatively straightforward experience when ordering goods from abroad. A €150 duty-free threshold for B2C parcels meant many small-scale purchases arrived at their door without the added burden of customs duties and a complex clearance process. This era of convenience, however, has come to a definitive end.
The Turkish government, in a move to support local manufacturers and increase tax revenue, has enacted a series of significant changes to customs regulations for B2C e-commerce. These new rules, which have been implemented in phases, dramatically alter the landscape for both international sellers and Turkish consumers.
The Key Changes You Need to Know
Here is a breakdown of the most impactful changes to Turkey’s customs regulations:
Drastically Lowered De Minimis Threshold: The biggest shift is the reduction of the duty-free threshold. The €150 limit has been slashed to just €30 for shipments to individuals. This means any parcel with a total value (including shipping costs) over €30 is now subject to formal customs procedures and duties. Even small orders that previously sailed through customs may now be held for clearance.
Increased Tax Rates: The taxes applied to cross-border parcels have been significantly increased. For goods coming from EU countries, the tax rate has risen to 30%, up from 20%. For shipments from all other countries, the rate has more than doubled to a hefty 60%. On top of these rates, an additional 20% tax may be applied to certain goods that fall under the Special Consumption Tax Law, such as some electronics.
Freight Costs Are Now Included in the Customs Value: Previously, some shipments could avoid high taxes by not including the freight cost in the declared value. Now, the total value for customs valuation must include the shipping cost. This new calculation can easily push a seemingly low-cost item above the new €30 threshold.
Mandatory Importer Information: To streamline the new, more stringent process, it is now mandatory for importers to provide key information. This includes the recipient’s Turkish ID number or mobile phone number for B2C shipments. Without this information, parcels can face significant delays or even be returned to the sender.
Stricter Documentation and Descriptions: Customs authorities are using enhanced systems to review goods descriptions. Vague or incomplete descriptions may result in a fine or the rejection of a shipment. Sellers must now provide clear and detailed descriptions of the goods, including what the item is, what it’s made from, and its purpose.
The Impact on Consumers and Businesses
For Turkish consumers, these changes mean a significant increase in the cost of cross-border online shopping. What was once a quick and easy way to access a variety of foreign goods is now a much more expensive and complex process. Consumers should now be prepared for:
Surprise Fees: If they are not aware of the new rules, they may be hit with unexpected customs duties and fees upon delivery, which can lead to a negative purchasing experience.
Higher Prices: Sellers will likely have to absorb some of the new costs or, more likely, pass them on to the consumer in the form of higher prices to maintain profitability.
Delays: The increased level of scrutiny and required paperwork will undoubtedly lead to longer delivery times as parcels are held for formal customs clearance.
For businesses and e-commerce platforms selling to Turkey, the message is clear: the old model is no longer viable. Success in this new environment requires a strategic pivot. Businesses must now:
Embrace Transparency: Be upfront with customers about potential duties and taxes at checkout.
Rethink Logistics: For high-volume sellers, it may now be more cost-effective to hold inventory in a local Turkish fulfillment center and ship domestically.
Focus on Compliance: Ensure all shipments have accurate and detailed documentation, including correct HS/HTS codes and a clear declaration of value.
These regulatory changes are a clear signal from the Turkish government that it is prioritizing the domestic market and seeking to control the influx of goods from abroad. While this may present a challenge to some, it also creates an opportunity for businesses that can adapt to the new rules and provide a transparent, reliable, and compliant shopping experience for their Turkish customers.