New customs regulations in Turkey: What shipping customers and online retailers need to know now

In the global shipping and logistics world, the rules are constantly changing – especially when it comes to cross-border e-commerce. For you as a shipper or online shop sending goods to Turkey, there are currently important updates to customs and import regulations that you need to be aware of:
The Ministry of Trade of the Republic of Türkiye has issued a new General Circular (General Circular 2025/11) effective from October 20, 2025, which mainly concerns certain product groups when shipped to Turkey via postal or express courier.

What exactly is it about?

• The import of Shoes, Toys and leather goods (e.g. bags, leather accessories) to Turkey via postal or express courier services with simplified customs declaration ("Simplified Customs Declaration") has been restricted.

• Background: Investigations have revealed significant safety and health risks in many of these product groups (e.g. phthalates, lead, cadmium, …) – around 81% of the tested items did not meet national safety requirements.

• Other changes are already in effect at the same time: for example, a reduction in the value limit for duty-free imports and an increase in fixed customs duties (e.g., from 20% to 30% or 60%) for B2C shipments.

What does this mean specifically for you and your logistics processes?

1. Product inspection before shipment
   If you are sending shipments containing shoes, toys, or leather goods to Turkey – especially via postal services or express couriers – you should exercise extra caution. These shipments could be processed without full customs clearance or under the simplified procedure. no longer permitted .

2. Rethink shipping routes and customs procedures
   Decide whether shipping via an express service with a simplified procedure is still worthwhile, or whether a regular customs declaration (commercial procedure) is required. This can affect customs costs, time, and effort.

3. Communication with customers & suppliers
   Your customers (e.g., Turkish end customers) should be informed to avoid unpleasant surprises – such as longer customs clearance times, additional costs, or returns. Your suppliers and shipping partners should also be aware of the new requirements.

4. Cost and risk analysis
   Keep in mind that if regulations are not followed, insured shipments may not go smoothly: delays, returns, or additional customs fees are possible. A thorough analysis of the costs and risks for your shipping strategy to Turkey is recommended.

Why this regulation is being introduced now – a look behind the scenes

Turkey has a rapidly growing e-commerce market and is simultaneously intensifying its consumer and producer protection measures. The high volume of small shipments via postal/express delivery has increased risks – such as unsafe products or unfair competition against domestic suppliers.

With the new regulation, the government is addressing two goals:

• Product safety & consumer protection

• Strengthening local businesses

For you as a shipping company, this means: rules change — shipping strategy must grow with them.

Recommendations for your shipping strategy to Turkey

To ensure your shipments to Turkey run smoothly, we at paket-international recommend the following procedure:

• Check classification – Make sure you know the commodity code (HS code) of your products and whether they fall into one of the affected categories (shoes, toys, leather goods).

• Select customs procedure – If affected: choose regular customs clearance instead of the simplified “Post/Express” option, clarify with purchasing partners in advance if necessary.

• Provide documentation – Proof of conformity or information on safety standards (e.g. TAREKS system in Turkey) should be available.

• Inform customers Transparent communication regarding potential delays or additional costs is part of good service.

• Check alternatives – For many shipments to Turkey, it is worth considering consolidated customs clearance, local pickup networks or fulfillment solutions in Turkey.

Adaptation is mandatory, shipping remains an opportunity.

The new Turkish customs and import regulations set clear limits for certain product groups in cross-border shipping. For you as an online retailer or logistics provider, the challenge now is – and the opportunity – to adapt your processes accordingly and thus continue to ship to Turkey efficiently and in compliance with regulations.

With the right preparation, your shipping will not only remain compliant, but will become a competitive advantage: you demonstrate reliability, reduce risks and increase customer satisfaction.

The paket-international.com We are at your side with expertise and solutions to ensure that your shipments to Turkey run smoothly even under the new conditions.