Turkiye introduces new customs regulations, lowering the fast cargo shopping limit from €150 to €30, with increased taxes on imported goods.
Turkiye has enacted a significant new regulation impacting international e-commerce purchases. Under the decision concerning the implementation of certain articles of the Customs Law No. 4458, the limit for fast cargo shopping from overseas e-commerce sites has been drastically reduced from €150 to €30. This change, published in the Official Gazette, also introduces higher tax rates on goods imported from both AB (European Union) and non-AB countries.
Key Changes in Customs Regulations
The new regulation imposes a 30% tax on goods coming from AB countries and a 60% tax on goods from non-AB countries. Previously, these tax rates were set at 18% and 30%, respectively. This shift represents a substantial increase, effectively doubling the tax burden for imports from outside the European Union.
- Shopping Limit Reduction: The fast cargo shopping limit has been slashed from €150 to €30, significantly affecting consumer purchasing power from international e-commerce sites.
- Increased Tax Rates: Goods from AB countries now face a 30% tax rate, while those from non-AB countries will be taxed at 60%.
Impact on International E-Commerce
This regulatory change is expected to have a considerable impact on Turkish consumers who frequently shop from international e-commerce platforms. With the shopping limit reduced to €30, many popular items that previously fell within the duty-free or lower tax bracket will now incur higher costs.
Furthermore, the regulation stipulates an additional fixed tax of 20% for items listed in the IV schedule of the Special Consumption Tax Law No. 4760, applied on top of the new tax rates. This applies specifically to certain luxury goods and electronics, further increasing the cost of importing such items.
What This Means for Consumers
For individuals bringing goods into Turkiye themselves, these items will not be subject to any tariff under the new regulation, provided they fall within the personal use category. However, the increased taxes and reduced shopping limit for postal or fast cargo deliveries mean that consumers will need to reconsider their purchasing decisions from international e-commerce sites.
Broader Economic Implications
The new regulation aligns with Turkiye’s broader economic strategy to protect local businesses and reduce the outflow of foreign currency. By imposing higher taxes and stricter limits on imports, the government aims to encourage more domestic consumption and support local producers. However, it may also lead to a decline in consumer access to international products and a potential increase in prices for imported goods.
Takeaways:
- New Shopping Limit: The shopping limit for international purchases via fast cargo has been reduced to €30.
- Higher Import Taxes: Tax rates for goods from AB countries are now 30%, and for non-AB countries, 60%.
- Additional Tax for Certain Goods: A fixed tax of 20% applies to items under the Special Consumption Tax Law.
As these new regulations take effect, Turkish consumers and businesses will need to navigate a more challenging landscape for international shopping and imports, with higher costs and stricter controls on the goods they purchase from abroad. The government’s intent is clear: to bolster the domestic economy while controlling the flow of imported goods into the country.
Source: Dunya.com / Prepared by Irem Yildiz