Trade Minister Ömer Bolat announced that Turkey's efforts to protect its rights under the Customs Union following the European Union's new customs practice for e-commerce shipments under 150 euros have yielded results. Accordingly, products sent to the EU with an A.TR movement certificate will continue to benefit from the preferential regime through a simplified procedure.
New Tax Era Begins in EU E-Commerce
The European Union has lifted, as of July 1, 2026, the customs exemption on e-commerce shipments from third countries valued under 150 euros. Under the new regulation, a handling fee of 3 euros per item will be applied to these shipments. The system will remain in effect until July 1, 2028, when the EU Customs Data Center becomes operational.
After that date, the current simplified practice will end completely.
Minister Bolat: Our Efforts to Preserve Customs Union Gains Continue
Trade Minister Ömer Bolat stated that significant gains have been achieved thanks to the diplomatic and technical contacts conducted by the Ministry of Trade with the European Union.
Bolat said: "Through Turkey's initiatives, our efforts to preserve the Customs Union in cross-border e-commerce with the EU continue."
Minister Bolat announced that after intensive diplomatic and technical contacts, the European Commission has communicated that products in free circulation in Turkey and sent to the EU via e-commerce with an A.TR movement certificate can continue to benefit from the preferential regime under a simplified procedure within the scope of the H1 customs declaration.
Technical Infrastructure Prepared for A.TR Certificate
The Ministry of Trade has also completed technical infrastructure work to ensure the uninterrupted continuation of the preferential regime for low-value e-commerce shipments.
In this context, a system has been established that will allow express cargo operators to issue simplified A.TR movement certificates for shipments under 150 euros. Preparations for the implementation are expected to be completed shortly.
Negotiations Also Underway for H7 Declaration
The Ministry announced that technical work is continuing with the European Commission on a permanent solution that will allow the use of the A.TR movement certificate under the H7 customs declaration used in the European Union. The aim is to facilitate access to the European market for e-exporters without additional burdens.
Turkey Seeks Exemption from Handling Fee
In the statement, it was noted that efforts are also underway to exempt Turkey from the handling fee that the European Union plans to introduce in the future.
The Ministry of Trade emphasized that it has voiced at every level before the European Commission that this exemption request is justified due to Turkey's advanced integration under the Customs Union and its high level of compliance with product safety and customs legislation.
The Ministry stated that efforts to protect the competitiveness of exporters and e-exporters in the European Union market will continue with determination.
