Türkiye Plans to End Duty-Free Thresholds for Cross-Border E-Commerce

Türkiye is preparing to eliminate the 30 Euro duty-free threshold for international online purchases, aligning with a global trend among major economies. If implemented, all goods purchased from abroad, regardless of value, will be subject to standard import procedures, including customs duties, VAT, and special consumption taxes (SCT).

The move comes amid the rapid global expansion of Chinese e-commerce platforms like Temu and Shein, which have aggressively captured international markets. Government-aligned sources indicate that the preparations to remove the 30 Euro limit are in the final stages, signaling significant changes for consumers.

“Every product coming in must be subject to customs regulations. There is no longer a side that can be tolerated,” a source told Ekonomim, highlighting the growing concern over cross-border e-commerce.

From Fixed Taxes to Complex Procedures

Currently, products valued under 30 Euros enjoy simplified taxation. EU-origin products are taxed at 30%, while others face a 60% flat rate, with no additional fees. The new regulation will end this simplified system.

Under the proposed system:

• Customs duties will be calculated based on the type and origin of the product.

• Standard 20% Value Added Tax (VAT) will be applied on top.

• Products subject to Special Consumption Tax (SCT), such as certain electronics, will incur additional charges.

• Additional costs like customs handling fees and stamp duties will also appear on invoices.

This will disproportionately impact consumers making multiple small-value purchases, increasing both costs and procedural complexity.

“The monthly sales volume from Chinese platforms to Türkiye exceeds 300 million dollars, over 10 million dollars per day. This has a destructive effect on local producers and sellers,” the source explained.

Global Trend: EU and Indonesia Follow Suit

Türkiye’s upcoming measure reflects a broader international trend. The European Union plans to eliminate its 150 Euro duty-free threshold by 2028, with countries like France lobbying for an earlier implementation. In addition, EU discussions include extra handling fees for packages under 150 Euros. Temu and Shein alone have over 92 million and 130 million users in the EU, respectively. In 2024, shipments under 150 Euros entering the EU totaled $4.6 billion, with 91% originating from China.

Indonesia has taken an even stricter approach, removing Temu from app stores entirely to protect local businesses.

Türkiye’s Domestic Market Impact

Temu’s growth in Türkiye has been rapid and significant. Gemius Audience data shows that monthly visitors jumped from 7 million in July 2024 to 29 million in July 2025, surpassing Amazon Turkey and approaching half the user base of local giant Hepsiburada.

Banking data from BKM corroborates this trend. In the first six months of 2025, e-imports rose 65% year-over-year, reaching 155.3 billion TL, while e-exports increased only 7.4%.

“The surge in cross-border e-commerce is putting local sectors under serious pressure—from electronics to textiles, kitchenware to footwear,” industry analysts note.

These trends underscore the urgency of regulatory reform, as unchecked foreign e-commerce growth threatens domestic production, employment, and tax revenue.