📦 Turkey's New Customs Regulations
On August 6, 2024, President Erdoğan signed a Presidential Decree dramatically altering Turkey's customs duties. Effective from August 21, the de minimis—the threshold below which no customs duty is applied—has been slashed from €150 to €30. This move significantly impacts ecommerce, particularly affecting the influx of low-cost goods into Turkey.
📈 Customs Duty Hikes
The decree doubles the customs duty on goods from non-EU countries from 30% to 60%. Goods coming from EU countries will see almost doubled rates, rising from 18% to 30%. Additionally, a 20% Special Consumption Tax will be applied on top of the combined tax, primarily targeting luxury items.
💼 Impact on Ecommerce
These changes, particularly the reduction in de minimis, are seen as a response to the growing popularity of apps like Temu in Turkey. Turkish consumers have flocked to these platforms for affordable items, pressuring local ecommerce businesses. The government aims to protect domestic players by making foreign goods more expensive.
🌍 EU's Upcoming Changes
Turkey's move might be part of a broader trend. The EU is planning to abolish its €150 de minimis threshold by March 2025, meaning all parcels entering the bloc will be subject to customs duty. This change in Turkey could be a precursor to other countries adopting similar strategies to control ecommerce imports.
Will Turkey's new customs rules help local businesses?
