Ankara: Trkiye may not be affected by the EU's decision to remove the customs duty exemption for e-commerce purchases below £150 ($172.93), which emerged as a measure to reduce Chinese-origin e-exports to the bloc. EU countries are preparing to eliminate the customs duty exemption for purchases made on Chinese platforms like Temu, Shein, and AliExpress in 2026. The decision will apply to all goods entering the bloc, potentially impacting Turkish e-commerce platforms.

According to Anadolu Agency, the number of low-value e-commerce packages entering the bloc reached 4.6 billion last year, with 90% originating from China, as reported by the EU Commission. The decision is part of the bloc's efforts to modernize customs and enhance competitiveness.

Hakan Cevikoglu, chair of the Trkiye-based E-Commerce Operators' Association (ETID), stated that the EU's new scheme may not affect Trkiye and could even create opportunities. Cevikoglu highlighted that cross-border trade has become faster and more accessible, potentially boosting e-exports.

He acknowledged the EU's concerns over product safety, consumer rights, environmental issues, trade balance, and fair competition. These concerns are considered valid as the bloc aims to establish certain standards while protecting its internal market. Cevikoglu emphasized that Trkiye aligns with the EU in areas such as product safety, production standards, consumer rights, and environmental regulations.

Cevikoglu further noted that the proportion of Turkish products entering the EU compared to Chinese ones is minimal, indicating that Trkiye has no adverse impact on the EU's customs operations. He cited the Ankara Agreement and the Customs Union as factors that integrate Trkiye into the EU market, alongside its geographical location, development level, and regulation compliance.

Trkiye's high-quality production, robust customs policies, and adherence to EU standards distinguish it from other countries targeted by the new reform. Excluding Trkiye from the decision will enhance the competitiveness of Turkish producers globally, Cevikoglu added.