Aliexpress Turkey: The 30€ Customs Limit & 2026 Tax Guide

Shopping on Aliexpress used to be the ultimate expat hack in Turkey for cheap cables, quirky gadgets, and phone cases. But let’s be real: The rules have changed massively between 2024 and 2026.

If you order blindly today, you are in for a rude awakening. We are talking about packages getting stuck in customs limbo or tax bills that cost more than the item itself. The culprit? A drastic reduction of the customs exemption limit to just 30 Euros and a hike in the import tax for Chinese goods to 60%.

This isn’t just a “how-to-shop” article. Consider this your warning label and survival guide to avoiding the Turkish customs trap. Just like the shock many face when Buying an iPhone in Turkey, import regulations here are unforgiving.

First Things First: The End of the 30-Euro Exemption

Forget everything you knew about the old 150-Euro or even 30-Euro limits. As of the Presidential Decree published on January 7, 2026, the tax-free customs exemption for overseas online shopping has been completely abolished. All private shipments are now subject to customs tax.

• No Tax-Free Limit: There is no longer any tax-free threshold. Even a 1 Euro item is subject to customs tax.
• 60% Tax Rate: For shipments coming directly from China (Non EU), you pay a flat 60% import tax.
• The Commercial Customs Trap: If your package is valued over 30 Euros, Turkish Customs will often classify it as a “commercial import.” This means you cannot just pay a fee and collect it. You are legally required to hire a Customs Broker (Gümrük Müşaviri), which costs hundreds of Euros in fees. In practice? Most people abandon the package or let it be destroyed.

My Advice (2026): Assume that every overseas order will be taxed, regardless of value. Multiple low-value packages can still be flagged as commercial, and customs brokerage fees may apply even for inexpensive items.

What is Aliexpress Turkey, Really?

There is a common misconception that Aliexpress has a warehouse in Istanbul. This is almost always false. When you browse the Turkish version of the site (tr.aliexpress.com), you are usually still buying from vendors in Shenzhen or Guangzhou. The platform is owned by the Alibaba Group, one of the world’s largest e-commerce giants.

The Insider Fact: Did you know that Alibaba also owns Trendyol? If you are looking for clothing or standard electronics, it often pays to check Trendyol first. You are essentially buying from the same corporate family, but without the customs headache and with delivery in 1-3 days instead of 3 weeks.

Shipping Times: Patience is Mandatory

In the past, sellers advertised “Fast Delivery.” Here is the reality on the ground for 2026:

• Standard Shipping: Expect 15 to 40 days.
• The Customs Bottleneck: This is where things slow down. Even if your package lands in Istanbul in 3 days, it can sit at the International Mail Processing Center (UKIM) for weeks, especially if the value is questionable.

Previously, you often paid the tax at the door to the PTT (Turkish Post) courier. Today, Aliexpress usually collects the tax directly at Checkout (via the IOSS system). This is more convenient, but it does not guarantee that customs won’t inspect your package again if they suspect the value is under declared.

Step-by-Step: How to Order Safely

If you absolutely need that specific cable or niche repair part that simply doesn’t exist in Turkey (even after checking Nvidia GPU Prices and local tech stores), follow this protocol:

• Create an Account: Register on the official site or app.
• Check the Currency: Set the currency to USD or EUR to compare against your bank’s exchange rates, but ensure the “Ship to” location is set to “Turkey” so the tax calculator works correctly.
• Obey the 30€ Rule: I repeat: Do not put more than 30 Euros worth of items in your cart.
• Provide Your ID Number: For customs clearance, providing your TC Identity Number (or Foreigner ID Number starting with 99) is mandatory. Without this, your package will not clear customs.

Selling on Aliexpress from Turkey?

Yes, it is possible, but not for individuals looking to clear out their closet. Aliexpress launched a program for Turkish exporters to sell “Made in Turkey” goods (like textiles) globally.

To do this, you need:

• A registered company in Turkey.
• A Business Seller Account.
• The logistics capability to handle international fulfillment.

Better Alternatives for Daily Life

Before you accept the high taxes and long wait times of Aliexpress, check the local market. Turkish e-commerce is incredibly robust in 2026:

• Trendyol: The market leader (owned by Alibaba). Perfect for fashion and home goods.
• Hepsiburada: Often superior for electronics and tech gear.
• Amazon Turkey: Offers Prime delivery and zero customs headaches for locally stocked items.

If you are looking for affordable clothing, don’t bother importing. Check out local retail giants like LC Waikiki or Koton. The quality of Turkish textiles is world-class, and you save yourself the 60% “China Tax.”

Verdict: Is Aliexpress Still Worth It?

Only in exceptional cases. If you need a specific electronic component or a niche hobby item that costs under 30 Euros and doesn’t exist in Turkey: Yes. For everything else—clothes, shoes, standard tech—you are better, faster, and cheaper off sticking to local Turkish marketplaces in 2026.