Shipping parcels from China to Turkey: is there still a tax-free or simplified route?
Answer
From 1 February 2026, goods bought from foreign online platforms can no longer use simplified customs declaration, whatever their value (the old simplified route for personal, non-commercial goods under EUR 30 is gone). They go through the normal import procedure and pay duty and VAT. Only prescription medicines and supplements up to EUR 1,500 can still use the simplified procedure.
- Applies to
- E-commerce parcels sent from China to individuals in Turkey.
Rules at a glance
| Date | Change | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 20 October 2025 | Toys, shoes and leather goods removed from simplified declaration first | Turkish Ministry of Trade announcement, 7 January 2026 |
| From 1 February 2026 | Simplified declaration ends for all foreign e-commerce goods; normal import taxes apply | Same; Official Gazette, 3 January 2026 |
| Current exception | Prescription medicines and supplements up to EUR 1,500 can use the simplified procedure | Same |
What you can do yourself
- Price parcels to Turkey on the basis that the buyer pays normal duty and VAT.
- Tell buyers that delivery needs a normal import procedure, which adds time and cost.
- For small, low-value goods, consider shipping to an overseas warehouse or a local partner first, then delivering locally.
When to use a licensed professional
- For a normal import declaration in Turkey, talk to a Turkish licensed customs broker (gümrük müşaviri).
- If you receive a demand for tax or a penalty notice, talk to a local customs broker or lawyer.
Check before you pay, and warning signs
- Ask the carrier to state in writing who handles clearance, who advances duties and tax, and how long it takes.
- "The EUR 30 tax-free route still works" or "just mark it as a personal gift" are warning signs.
Unknowns
- The additional import duty (İGV) on Chinese goods: not checked this time.
- Whether VAT is collected at the point of sale: none found this time.
- The Official Gazette text and the Ministry's FAQ page were not opened page by page this time.
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