Turkish Customs Regulations for Personal Purchases from Abroad

In today’s world, online shopping from abroad is becoming increasingly common. However, products imported for personal use are subject to specific rules and tax practices under Turkish customs regulations.

As FAST Customs Brokerage, we have summarized the customs procedures you may encounter during personal purchases in a clear and simple way.

1. The 27-Euro Threshold and Express Cargo Shipments

For purchases made for personal use, items with a customs value up to 27 Euros may be declared through a Simplified Customs Declaration (BGB) by express cargo companies authorized for this procedure.

Applicable tax rates are as follows:

• Shipments from EU member countries: 30% flat customs tax

• Shipments from non-EU countries: 60% flat customs tax

If the product is listed under Annex IV of the Special Consumption Tax (SCT) Law (such as certain electronics, cosmetics, or perfumes), an additional 20% flat tax is also applied.

2. Purchases Exceeding 27 Euros

For items exceeding 27 Euros in value, the simplified declaration procedure cannot be used. In such cases, standard customs procedures apply, and the import process must be carried out through a regular customs declaration.

Tax rates for such goods vary depending on the product’s HS Code (Customs Tariff Code), country of origin, and type.
If the product requires an import license, permit, or certificate of conformity, these documents must be submitted to the customs administration.

3. Important Considerations

• The goods must be for personal use and not of a commercial quantity or nature.

• Repeated shipments of the same type of goods to the same individual may be considered commercial imports.

• Including an invoice or sales document helps customs procedures to be completed faster.

• If the declared value of the goods appears underestimated, the customs authority may conduct a value investigation.

Conclusion

While purchases under the 27-Euro threshold benefit from flat and simplified taxation, certain goods may still require import licenses or compliance certificates depending on their nature.

At FAST Customs Brokerage, we are here to support you with accurate declarations, correct taxation, and smooth delivery for both your personal shipments and commercial imports.