Türkiye keeps customs advantage in EU trade

Türkiye keeps customs advantage in EU trade

Türkiye has preserved preferential customs treatment for qualifying low-value e-commerce shipments to the European Union, giving its online exporters a possible advantage under the bloc’s new import rules. The EU ended its duty exemption for packages worth 150 euros or less from third countries on July 1 and replaced it with a temporary 3-euro-per-item charge that will apply until July 1, 2028.

After talks between Ankara and the European Commission, the Turkish Trade Ministry said goods in free circulation in Türkiye can continue to receive preferential treatment when exported to the EU if they move under an A.TR Movement Certificate and the H1 customs declaration procedure. Trade Minister Ömer Bolat said the arrangement is intended to uphold the core principles of the Türkiye-EU Customs Union in cross-border e-commerce.

Key Events

  • The EU ended its customs duty exemption for e-commerce consignments worth 150 euros or less from third countries on July 1.
  • The EU introduced a temporary duty of 3 euros per item, which will remain in force until July 1, 2028.
  • Following talks with the European Commission, Türkiye said goods in free circulation in the country may continue to receive preferential treatment when sent to the EU under an A.TR Movement Certificate and the H1 customs declaration procedure.
  • Türkiye's Trade Ministry said the arrangement is intended to preserve the basic principles of the Türkiye-EU Customs Union in cross-border e-commerce.
  • Trade Minister Ömer Bolat said the system was designed to protect the customs union framework in online trade.