With new regulations published in the Official Gazette, Turkey has revised key decisions regarding products and country groups subject to additional taxes on imports. The changes include new tariff quotas for many products and revised additional customs duty rates. As of January 1, up to 48 percent additional customs duty will be applied to 4,344 products imported from non-EU countries.
New Era in Import Policy After a Protectionist Global Year
As 2025 came to an end amid rising protectionism and trade disputes worldwide, Turkey introduced significant changes to its foreign trade regime. Previous regulations imposing additional financial obligations on certain imported goods were repealed and replaced with a new presidential decision. Published in a repeated issue of the Official Gazette, the decision updates the list of products and country groups subject to additional customs duties.
Under the new framework, imports of 4,344 products from outside the European Union will face additional customs duties ranging up to 48 percent starting January 1, 2026. However, for goods whose customs declarations are registered by January 31, 2026, the previous additional customs duty or financial obligation rates will continue to apply.
Tariff Quotas and Reference Prices Introduced
Alongside this decision, three separate communiqués published in the same repeated Official Gazette opened tariff quotas allowing duty-free imports for many products. In addition, a total of 38 communiqués set reference prices for hundreds of imported goods. Even if imports are made below these prices, customs duties will be calculated based on the reference prices.
Additional Customs Duties on Thousands of Products
Turkey renewed its long-standing system of additional financial obligations within its foreign trade regime as of January 1, 2026. Imports from countries other than EU members and those exempt under bilateral agreements will be subject to additional duties of up to 48 percent. The product list, now covering 4,348 items, does not include agricultural goods. For products newly subject to higher duties, customs declarations registered by January 31, 2026 will still be assessed under pre-2026 rates.
Duty-Free Imports for Selected Industrial Products
Three separate presidential decisions also allow duty-free imports for 38 industrial products during specified periods. Among them, 27 products including batteries and lithium cells can be imported duty-free until February 1, 2027. Certain plastic-coated or laminated textile products under specified customs tariff codes will be allowed duty-free imports of up to 8 million square meters until December 31, 2026. Additionally, a total of 40,725 tons of selected organic chemicals and aluminum sheets will be eligible for duty-free import between February 16 and December 31, 2026.
Revised Additional Financial Obligation Rates
According to a communiqué published in the third repeated issue of the Official Gazette dated December 31, 2025, additional financial obligation rates now vary by product group. These rates range widely, covering sectors such as chemicals, pharmaceuticals, plastics, metals, machinery, vehicles, optical instruments, furniture, toys, and various consumer goods, with upper limits reaching as high as 48 percent.
Import Surveillance Expanded
Finally, surveillance measures on imports were expanded through 36 communiqués covering 172 products. Under these rules, even if goods are imported below the specified price thresholds, customs duties will be calculated based on the announced reference prices. In addition, reference prices for products previously subject to surveillance were revised through 11 new communiqués.
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