08.01.2026 17:22
The words of Serkan Koç, CEO of Arabunu.com, "A smart watch that costs one thousand lira in Turkey is 227 TL on Temu, the exemption should be reduced to zero," have come back to the agenda with the removal of the 30 Euro customs exemption. With the regulation that will come into effect on February 6, 2026, citizens will face additional burdens of tax and declaration costs on every order placed from abroad, while comments in the public sphere suggest that "Koç got what he wanted."
The removal of the 30 Euro customs exemption for shopping from abroad has sparked widespread debate in the public. According to the decision published in the Official Gazette, a detailed customs declaration will now be prepared for all orders placed from abroad; citizens will have to pay both customs duties and declaration service fees. The regulation will come into effect on February 6, 2026.
THE CHEAP SHOPPING PERIOD IS OVER
It is stated that costs will increase, especially for low-value products, with the removal of the exemption. In the new system, it is expressed that the total payment for a product worth 100 TL could significantly increase due to taxes and transaction fees.
SERKAN KOÇ'S WORDS ARE ON THE AGENDA AGAIN
Following the regulation, the statements made by Serkan Koç, CEO of Arabunu.com, during a program he attended on August 6, 2025, have come back to the agenda. Koç had stated that a smart watch sold for one thousand lira in Turkey was priced at 227 TL on Temu, saying, "We need to take precautions against Temu. Customs duty-free imports should be reduced to zero." After the removal of the 30 Euro customs exemption, comments are being made that "Serkan Koç got what he wanted."
CITIZENS ARE REACTING: A 10 DOLLAR PRODUCT COSTS 2,500 LIRA
The decision has also drawn reactions regarding price differences. Citizens emphasized that products sold for 10 dollars abroad are hitting the shelves in Turkey with prices starting at least from 2,500 lira.
MINISTRY ON THE TARGET BOARD
Another issue at the center of the reactions has been the discussion of inspections. Critics argue that instead of questioning the exorbitant profit margins, the Ministry of Commerce has exacerbated the price difference by making shopping from abroad more difficult.