Turkey Lowers Duty-Free Shopping Limit to 27 Euros Including Shipping

In a move that further tightens restrictions on international online shopping, Turkey has revised its duty-free import limit. The new regulation, announced by the Ministry of Trade, lowers the limit for duty-free purchases from abroad to 27 euros, including shipping costs. This change, set to take effect on December 27, 2024, follows a series of adjustments aimed at increasing tax revenues.

Turkey Lowers Duty-Free Shopping Limit to 27 Euros Including Shipping
Turkey Lowers Duty-Free Shopping Limit to 27 Euros Including Shipping

In a move that further tightens restrictions on international online shopping, Turkey has revised its duty-free import limit. The new regulation, announced by the Ministry of Trade, lowers the limit for duty-free purchases from abroad to 27 euros, including shipping costs. This change, set to take effect on December 27, 2024, follows a series of adjustments aimed at increasing tax revenues.

Just five months ago, the duty-free limit stood at 150 euros, excluding shipping fees. In August, this limit was dramatically reduced to 30 euros, with additional rules specifying that shipping costs would be included in the total amount. However, within a month of this adjustment, the limit has now been further reduced to 27 euros, once again including shipping costs.

The new regulation also introduces stricter guidelines for calculating the value of imported goods. According to the official statement, "The value of the goods shall be determined based on the invoice, sales receipt, or proof of payment submitted. If such documents are not provided, or if the recorded value is deemed undervalued, the customs administration shall determine the value." This provision underscores the increasing scrutiny on international purchases.

Shipping costs, or "navlun" as referred to in the regulation, are also addressed in detail. The statement clarifies that in cases where the invoice does not specify the shipping cost, "3 (three) euros of deemed shipping costs shall be added to the actual price paid or payable." This means that the final amount considered for duty purposes will always include a minimum shipping cost, even if the actual cost is not documented.

Another significant change involves the quantity of goods allowed under duty-free shopping. The previous limit of 2,000 items has now been slashed to 500. This adjustment is expected to impact frequent international shoppers, as well as businesses that rely on smaller, duty-free imports for their operations.

Ministry of Trade

The rapid reduction in the duty-free shopping limit, from 150 euros excluding shipping to 27 euros including shipping within a few months, reflects the Turkish government's efforts to curb tax-free transactions and address the budget deficit. While the measures may bolster tax revenues, they are likely to make international online shopping significantly less accessible for individuals.

The general guidelines for customs declarations have also been updated to reflect these changes. The Ministry of Trade stated, "In cases where the mode of delivery does not include shipping costs, and the shipping receipt cannot be presented or is deemed unacceptable, 3 (three) euros of deemed shipping costs shall be added to the actual price paid or payable." This adds an extra layer of complexity to the documentation required for international purchases.

The new measures are part of a broader effort to regulate and limit duty-free shopping, making it increasingly challenging for consumers in Turkey to purchase goods from abroad without incurring additional taxes. As the new rules come into effect in late December, individuals and businesses are advised to carefully consider these limitations when planning international purchases.