Shipping parcels from 
China to Turkey: is there still a tax-free or simplified route? in detail
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. The Ministry of Trade also lists specific exceptions: qualifying medicines and supplements backed by a medical report or prescription, up to EUR 1,500, plus certain samples, testing goods, books and other specified categories. These are not a route for ordinary online retail.
- Applies to
- E-commerce parcels sent from China to individuals in Turkey.
Dear friend,
Welcome! This letter sets out what you need to know, plainly and in order.
Rules at a glance
| Date | Change | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 20 October 2025 | Toys, shoes and leather goods removed from simplified declaration first | |
| From 1 February 2026 | Simplified declaration ends for ordinary foreign e-commerce goods; duty and VAT assessed under normal import procedures, with rates and exceptions by product (Ministry notice checked; regulation entry-into-force clause not yet read) | Same; |
| Current exceptions | Medicines and supplements with a medical report or prescription, up to EUR 1,500; certain samples, testing goods, books and other specified categories (not ordinary online retail) | Same |
What you can do yourself
- For ordinary e-commerce parcels to Turkey, price on the basis of normal import procedures for duty and VAT, checking rates and exceptions for each product.
- 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. Warehousing does not remove import or product-compliance obligations.
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 old EUR 30 simplified route still applies to ordinary online purchases" 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 Ministry announcement was checked; the Official Gazette's entry-into-force clause could not be opened during review.
Sources for this letter
Wishing you good business,
The mouwise team
Checked 2026-10-26
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