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Turkey Bids Farewell to Temu as New Customs Rules Shake Up E-Commerce

E commerce

Business Honor
08 August, 2024

New Taxation Regulations Target Imported Goods Amid Rising Temu Popularity

In a significant shift for Turkey’s e-commerce landscape, the Turkish government has introduced new customs regulations under an amendment to Law No. 4458, affecting the taxation of imported goods. This move comes as Turkish shoppers say goodbye to Temu, the Chinese e-commerce giant owned by PDD Holdings, which had been gaining traction in the country.

Under the updated rules, additional customs duties will now apply to international purchases. Specifically: Items valued up to 30 euros ($32.72) that are not intended for commercial resale and arrive from EU countries via postal or express courier will be subject to a 30% customs duty. This rate also applies to medications valued up to 1500 euros from the EU. Products from non-EU countries will face a steep 60% customs duty.

This regulatory change has been driven by the increasing popularity of Temu in Turkey, mirroring the trend set by AliExpress. The Ministry of Trade’s decision aims to address the surge in cross-border e-commerce and recalibrate the impact on local markets.

As Turkey adjusts its approach to international online shopping, this new regulation marks a crucial step in redefining the country's e-commerce dynamics, with Temu's departure reflecting broader shifts in the global retail landscape.