Published in the Official Gazette: Tax hike on mail and cargo

A regulation has been introduced regarding the flat tax rate to be paid on goods arriving to an individual from European Union (EU) countries via mail or express cargo transportation.

The "Presidential Decree on Amendments to the Decision Regarding the Implementation of Certain Articles of Customs Law No. 4458" concerning the matter has been published in the Official Gazette.

Accordingly, the single and flat tax rate to be applied to goods arriving via mail or express cargo to an individual that do not possess a commercial quantity or nature, with a value not exceeding 150 Euros, as well as medicine-type goods with a value not exceeding 1500 Euros, has been increased from 18 percent to 20 percent if they arrive directly from EU countries. 

The provision in question will enter into force in 15 days.

THOSE INCLUDED IN THE EXEMPTION SCOPE

With the decree, a regulation was also made regarding goods brought into free circulation within the scope of national defense and internal security. An exemption has been granted for defense-related goods brought in on behalf of companies and institutions whose capital is half or more owned by foundations established to strengthen the Turkish Armed Forces or by the Presidency of Defense Industries, provided that the list of goods to be imported is approved.

Within the framework of the right to import specially equipped vehicles tax-free, which is granted to integrate disabled citizens into social life, electric motor vehicles have also been included in the scope of the exemption, taking into account the changing technological conditions of the era and citizen demands.

FEES UPDATED

The Ministry of Trade's "Regulation on Amendments to the Customs Regulation" has also been published in the Official Gazette.

With the regulation, the application process regarding the handling permit to be carried out inside and outside the customs warehouse was regulated, and the principles regarding the finalization of the handling application were clarified.

With the regulation, the lump-sum guarantee amounts provided by customs warehouse operators and the fees charged for analyses performed in customs laboratories were also updated.

On the other hand, two separate General Customs Communiqués of the Ministry were also published in the Official Gazette. The communiqués were arranged in line with the decisions taken by the European Commission regarding the classification of certain goods.

News Source: 12punto