A New Era in Online Duty-Free Shopping – Online imports will be subject to standard customs regime
Turkey is preparing to eliminate the €30 duty-free threshold on online purchases from abroad. This move comes in response to the aggressive growth of Chinese e-commerce giants like Temu and Shein, which have begun to heavily impact local markets.
If the new regulation is implemented:
- All online imports will be subject to the standard customs regime
- Products will face customs duties, 20% VAT, special consumption tax (ÖTV) if applicable, stamp duty, and customs presentation fees
- As a result, shopping from abroad will become more complex and costly
The European Union is also taking similar steps, planning to remove its €150 exemption by 2028. France is pushing to bring this deadline forward.
Why Is This Happening?
- As of July 2025, Temu reached 29 million users in Turkey
- Monthly imports from China via e-commerce platforms have exceeded $300 million
- These platforms benefit from customs exemptions to flood the market with very low-priced goods
- Local manufacturers and retailers are suffering significant losses
How Can Temu Sell So Cheaply?
- Direct from manufacturer to consumer — no middlemen
- Chinese government subsidies and ultra-cheap logistics
- Advanced data algorithms optimize stock and production
- Exploiting tax loopholes using small, low-value shipments
The Bottom Line
Cross-border online shopping in Turkey will soon face stricter regulations. If the €30 limit is removed, tax advantages on low-cost purchases will disappear, and product prices are expected to rise. This policy aims to reduce tax losses and protect domestic businesses from unfair competition.
