EU's new e-commerce rules may boost Türkiye's export advantage
The European Union's decision to eliminate customs duty exemptions for e-commerce packages under €150 is primarily aimed at Chinese platforms. Turkish sector representatives argue Türkiye should be exempt from these measures due to its Customs Union status and full compliance with EU standards.
The European Union's upcoming elimination of customs duty exemptions for low-value e-commerce shipments is expected to create new opportunities for Turkish exporters rather than negatively impact them. The new regulations, set to take effect in 2026, will remove the current €150 duty-free threshold that has primarily benefited Chinese e-commerce platforms like Temu, Shein, and AliExpress.
Targeting Chinese E-commerce Dominance
EU countries are implementing the measure to address the massive influx of low-value packages from China, which accounted for approximately 90% of the 4.6 billion e-commerce parcels entering the bloc last year. The decision represents part of the EU's broader customs modernization initiative and efforts to restore competitiveness for European businesses facing what they describe as unfair competition from Chinese e-commerce giants.
Türkiye's Strategic Compliance Advantage
According to Hakan Cevikoglu, chair of the E-Commerce Operators' Association (ETID), Türkiye's unique position makes it fundamentally different from the regulation's primary targets. "We have highly robust legislation and practices fully aligned with the EU, particularly in product safety, production standards, consumer rights, and environmental regulations," Cevikoglu told Anadolu. He emphasized that Turkish shipments have minimal impact on EU customs operations compared to the overwhelming volume from China.
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Customs Union Status Creates Exclusion Case
Cevikoglu highlighted that the Ankara Agreement and Customs Union relationship integrate Türkiye with the EU market in ways that distinguish it from other trading partners. "Türkiye should not be evaluated in the same category as the other countries this new reform is targeting," he stated, noting that the country's geographical proximity, development level, and regulatory compliance create a compelling case for exclusion. Industry experts suggest this regulatory change could ultimately strengthen Türkiye's competitive position in European markets by differentiating its high-standard products from Chinese competitors.
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