Asia Tech Wire (Aug 7) -- Turkey on Tuesday introduced new tax rules for overseas e-commerce purchases, lowering tax exemptions and raising tax rates on products, with the aim of supporting local businesses and protecting domestic small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Under the new rules, goods ordered from abroad will be taxed if they cost more than 30 euros. Previously, the tax-free allowance was 150 euros.

The new rules also stipulate that the tax rate on goods from EU countries will be increased from 18% to 30%, and the tax rate on goods from non-EU countries will be increased from 30% to 60%.

In addition, if the goods fall into the categories listed in the special consumption tax law, an additional fixed tax of 20% will be levied.

The Turkish government said that the new regulations will be implemented in mid-August.

Statistics show that in the first half of 2024, the number of cross-border online shopping transactions in Turkey increased by 17% and the value of transactions surged by 95% year-on-year.