Grow your business with the Discover newsletter
Logistics advice & insights straight to your inbox
Subscribe now
All you need is an international shipping partner and you’ll be ready to cash in! Read on as we explore how to export to Turkey, including key consumer insights, market trends, and customs advice.
As of 2023, the median age of the Turkish population is 31.8 years(4).
The coronavirus pandemic altered the behavior of many Turkish shoppers, nudging them online. In the last quarter of 2022, e-commerce transactions in the country were up 37% compared to the same quarter in the previous year(5).
Half of all e-commerce transactions in Turkey take place on mobile devices(6). Apps are particularly popular amongst consumers there (over mobile browsers), and are used in 63% of m-commerce transactions(7).
Turkey’s leading import partners in 2021 (by share)8
Online marketplaces can be a helpful gateway for cross-border businesses wishing to sell to a new country for the first time.
Leading marketplaces in Turkey, Sept-Nov 2023 (by traffic share)9
Most popular consumer goods categories for online purchases in Turkey, 202210
After all, e-commerce shoppers are more likely to abandon their carts if they cannot pay using their preferred payment method.
Distribution of payment methods for online transactions in Turkey in 202211
Be sure to add these dates to your marketing and sales calendar so your business can prepare and cash in!
Eid Al Fitr, April
This Muslim holiday marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan. During Eid celebrations, people share food and gifts with loved ones.
Mother’s Day, May
A time for people to celebrate their mothers with gifts of chocolate, flowers and perfume.
Father’s Day, June
Don’t forget the dads! They get their own day in June to be spoiled by their children.
Awaited/Smiling Friday: end of November
More commonly known as Black Friday across the world, retailers in Turkey have renamed the event to avoid negative connotations for a day sacred to Muslims. During the four-day shopping holiday, online stores offer significant discounts.
When shipping internationally, there are several pieces of documentation commonly required to clear your goods through customs smoothly and help authorities determine what import taxes and duties are due:
This dedicated guide goes into detail on each document, including what information you’ll need to complete it.
In August 2024, Turkish authorities reduced the value threshold for simplified customs clearance on behalf of individuals (B2C imports) from 30 kg, €1500 to 30 kg, €30 (medicines/drugs excluded).
For shipments under €30, a tax rate of 30% for EU member countries and 60% for non-EU countries will be applied. For shipments over €30 and 30kg, broker clearance is required.
Several commodities are not permitted for shipment by DHL under any circumstances, following full consideration by the operational, legal and risk management teams. They include animals, hazardous or combustible materials, and illegal narcotics. The full list can be found here.
Unless exempt, all imported commercial goods are subject to customs duties and taxes based on their Harmonized System (HS) Code tariff classification. Generally speaking, it is the Importer of Record (i.e. either your business or your logistics carrier) who will pay the import duty and tax.
You can find the correct HS code for your shipment easily via DHL’s MyGTS – a free, user-friendly platform that will help you navigate all aspects of international shipping. This includes calculation of Landed Cost for goods in any country – that is your product cost, duties & taxes, and freight charges – to enhance your pricing strategy and give your customers transparency over shipping fees.
You’re in the right place! We know that the above guidelines may seem a little overwhelming, but that’s where partnering with DHL will pay off. As international shipping experts, we’ll support you through all customs procedures so that your shipment avoids delays. Sell to the world with DHL!
Start your journey here