Regulations revised in 2024 allowed duty-free imports for noncommercial goods worth up to 27 Euros per order, plus a 3-Euro shipping allowance

Türkiye removed a 30-Euro ($35) duty-free allowance for noncommercial goods purchased from abroad via mail or express cargo, according to a presidential decree published last week.

Under the new rule, which will take effect in 30 days, duty-free imports will be limited to medicines and dietary supplements valued at up to 1,500 Euros ($1,650), the decree revealed in the Official Gazette.

The change is expected to affect small personal orders made through popular international shopping platforms, including fast-fashion and discount e-commerce sites. (By the way I have a story here about PTTavm, a Turkish e-commerce platform owned by Turkish Postal Administration)

Previously, regulations revised in 2024 allowed duty-free imports for noncommercial goods worth up to 27 Euros per order, plus a 3-Euro shipping allowance. That threshold had already been reduced from earlier levels amid a surge in overseas online shopping.

An “appropriate” decision

Authorities have cited a sharp rise in imports driven by growing demand for low-cost products sold by platforms such as China-based Shein and Temu.

Goods shipped to Türkiye that are not classified as commercial are subject to a 30% tax if they originate from the European Union and 60% if they come from other countries. Certain products are also subject to an additional 20% tax.

Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu, president of the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Türkiye (TOBB), welcomed the decision, calling it appropriate.

Uncontrolled e-imports pose serious risks to consumers and create unfair competition for small and medium-sized enterprises, Hisarcıklıoğlu said. He cited inspections by the Ministry of Trade in October 2025 that found 81% of products entering the country under simplified customs procedures were considered risky.

(Opening image: ChatGPT)