The measure, introduced under General Circular No. 2025/11 on October 20, 2025, applies to products entering under simplified customs declarations, which is commonly used for small e-commerce shipments.
According to the Ministry, safety testing of 182 imported items revealed that 81% failed to meet national safety standards, with excessive levels of hazardous substances including phthalates, lead, cadmium and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).
Under the new rule, these high-risk goods can no longer enter Turkey via express couriers such as DHL, UPS or FedEx unless they undergo full customs clearance. The goal is to tighten oversight of low-value imports that previously escaped detailed inspection.
The regulation does not amount to a full ban. Footwear and leather products may still be imported through standard commercial channels if they comply with safety requirements and pass inspection under the TAREKS conformity assessment system. Non-compliant items may be detained, returned or subjected to further testing.
The Footwear Industrialists Association of Türkiye (TASD) welcomed the move, noting that unsafe imports had posed serious health risks and created unfair competition.
While the circular does not specify customs codes, it refers broadly to footwear and leather goods, suggesting that shoes, boots and accessories are included. It remains unclear whether smaller leather items, such as belts or wallets, are covered.
Reports on the new regulation have been published by Hürriyet Daily News and Haberler, citing official statements from the Ministry of Trade.
