Turkey completely scraps duty-free threshold for international online shopping

A major change to Turkey’s customs regulations was published in the Official Gazette today, effectively ending the era of tax-free international shopping for Turkish citizens. In a decision signed by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the previously existing €30 duty-free threshold for individual online purchases has been completely abolished.

This move follows a trend of tightening import rules that began in 2024, when the threshold was slashed from €150 to €30. Today's update means that every single item ordered from international e-commerce giants like Temu, AliExpress, and Amazon will now be subject to customs duties, regardless of how small or inexpensive the purchase may be.

What the new rules mean for shoppers

For members of the London diaspora who often send gifts or small items to family in Turkey via international platforms, the new "zero-threshold" policy brings significant changes:

• No More Exemptions: Even a simple accessory or book costing €5 will now incur customs taxes.

• Increased Tax Rates: Items arriving from the European Union will be subject to a 30% customs duty, while items from non-EU countries (including China and the UK) will face a 60% duty.

• Fixed Handling Fees: In addition to the percentage-based tax, many orders will also be subject to fixed cargo handling and "stamp duty" fees, often making small purchases economically unviable.

The new regulation is set to take full effect in 30 days (early February 2026), giving shoppers a brief window to finalize any pending orders.

Protecting local industry and health

The Turkish Ministry of Trade cited several reasons for the sudden removal of the €30 limit. Beyond the primary goal of reducing the national foreign trade deficit, officials highlighted concerns over product safety. Investigations into low-cost items from global marketplaces frequently found products failing to meet safety standards, with some containing hazardous chemicals or carcinogens.

Additionally, Turkish industrial groups have long lobbied for these changes, arguing that the duty-free loophole allowed international platforms to "dump" cheap goods into the Turkish market, creating unfair competition for domestic retailers and manufacturers.

Impact on London-Turkey connections

For residents in Enfield, Hackney, and Haringey who regularly shop for loved ones back home, the "direct to door" gift model has become much more complicated. Experts suggest that instead of ordering through global platforms, more families may return to traditional methods—such as bringing items in person during visits or using specialized Turkish shipping services based in London that can navigate the formal import procedures more efficiently.

As Turkey aligns its customs policy with broader global shifts toward taxing low-value imports, the message to consumers is clear: the days of "tax-free" convenience are officially over.