(MENAFN) The European Union (EU) is preparing to eliminate the customs duty exemption for e-commerce purchases below €150 ($172.93), a move that has been introduced to reduce the flow of Chinese-origin electronic exports to the bloc.

However, Türkiye is expected to remain largely unaffected by this decision, which is set to come into effect in 2026.

This change will impact all goods entering the EU, potentially influencing Turkish e-commerce platforms.

At present, customers in European countries are not required to pay customs duties on low-cost products purchased from countries like China, India, Türkiye, or the United States.

According to the EU Commission, the volume of low-value e-commerce parcels entering the bloc reached 4.6 billion last year, with approximately 90% of those shipments originating from China.

This policy change is viewed as an extension of the EU’s broader customs modernization and competitiveness initiatives.

A news agency reported insights from Hakan Cevikoglu, the head of the Türkiye-based E-Commerce Operators' Association (ETID), who explained that the new regulation might not negatively impact Türkiye.

In fact, Cevikoglu suggested that it could create new opportunities for Turkish e-commerce businesses.

He further emphasized that cross-border trade has become faster and more accessible than ever, and the upcoming changes could fuel the growth of Turkish e-exports.

Cevikoglu also acknowledged the EU's concerns about product safety, consumer rights, environmental issues, trade imbalances, and fair competition, noting that the bloc aims to establish specific standards while safeguarding its internal market.

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