Ordering goods from Temu, AliExpress, and other foreign online marketplaces has become largely impractical for individuals in Turkey.
Previously, although costly, the system still allowed consumers to receive parcels from abroad. Orders valued at up to €30 were subject to a 60% import tax (or 30% for shipments from the EU). After paying the tax, parcels were generally cleared and delivered.
Despite this, recent regulatory changes are being described in official sources as the “abolition of duty-free imports.” This wording is misleading, as a 60% tax rate can hardly be considered duty-free.
Previous Rules:
- Goods could be ordered with a value of up to €30;
- An import tax of 60% applied (or 30% for EU shipments);
- Parcels were delivered without mandatory customs broker involvement.
Current Regulations:
- The €30 limit has been completely removed;
- The 60% import tax remains in place (30% for the EU);
- Imports with a declared value of up to €1,500 are formally permitted;
- Import tax is charged from the first euro;
- Every shipment must be cleared through a licensed customs broker.
The Main Issue: Customs Clearance Costs
Customs clearance for a single parcel now costs approximately €500 on average.
If the goods fall under special tax categories (electronics, household appliances, and similar items), an additional 20% tax is applied on top.
Conclusion:
Cross-border postal shopping has become economically unviable for private individuals in Turkey.
To avoid excessive costs and unpredictable charges, purchasing goods within Turkey is now the most practical and financially reasonable option.
