Customs Tariffs Applied to Turkey in the Home Electronics Sector

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TUYAD Telecommunications Satellite and Broadcasting Business People Association has been providing guidance on necessary issues with the services it has provided to its members and regulatory bodies in the sector it represents for nearly 30 years.

In today’s global trade environment, current data and statistics are always guiding in planning the strategic steps to be taken in our country, which is increasing its export volume every day.

The tax rates applied to home electronics products exported from Türkiye vary depending on the customs tariffs and trade agreements of the recipient countries. The import tax applied by each country may differ depending on the type of product, country of origin and trade agreements.

Below is information on general customs tax rates and practices in some countries importing home electronics products from Türkiye:

  1. European Union (EU)

Since the European Union countries have a Customs Union agreement with Turkey, imports from Türkiye are subject to the EU’s Common Customs Tariff. In this case, home electronics products are usually subject to customs duties at the following rates:

  • Televisions and sound systems: 0% customs duty (as it is part of the Customs Union).
  • Smartphones: Many countries within the EU do not charge customs duties for smartphones coming from Türkiye.
  • White goods (refrigerators, washing machines, etc.): Usually 0% customs duty.

However, EU countries charge Value Added Tax (VAT) on products. This rate varies by country:

  • Germany: 19% VAT
  • France: 20% VAT
  • Italy: 22% VAT
  1. United States (US)

The US is a country that does not have a free trade agreement with Turkey. Therefore, home electronics products coming from Türkiye are subject to the customs tariffs set by the US:

  • Smartphones: 0% customs duty (mostly), but higher rates may apply for certain devices with certain features.
  • Televisions: Average customs duty of 2.5%.
  • Other electronics (white goods, etc.): Customs duties typically range from 2.5% to 3%.

In the US, not all imports are subject to VAT (or sales tax); however, states may impose their own sales taxes.

  1. Russia

Since Russia has no Customs Union agreement with Turkey, it imposes its own tariffs. Home electronics products from Türkiye are generally subject to the following rates in Russia:

  • Televisions: 10% customs duty.
  • Smartphones: 5% customs duty.
  • Home appliances: 10% customs duty.

In addition, VAT is charged to all imports in Russia, which is 20%.

  1. China

China imposes specific customs duties on products from Türkiye. The tax rates in China for home electronics are as follows:

  • Smartphones: 0% customs duty (in some cases, up to 5%).
  • Televisions: 10% customs duty.
  • Home appliances: 10% customs duty.

Value Added Tax (VAT) is also applied to imported products in China. This rate is 13%.

  1. Japan

Japan is a country that does not have a free trade agreement with Turkey. In Japan, home electronics products coming from Türkiye are subject to the following customs duty rates:

  • Smartphones: 0% customs duty.
  • Televisions: 0% customs duty.
  • White goods: 2.5% – 5% customs duty.

VAT is also applied to imported products in Japan and this rate is 10%.

  1. Middle Eastern Countries (Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, etc.)

In Middle Eastern countries, the following customs duty rates are generally applied to home electronics products coming from Türkiye:

  • Saudi Arabia: An average of 5% customs duty is applied to home electronics products.
  • United Arab Emirates: 5% customs duty.
  • Qatar: 5% customs duty.

VAT rates are also generally 5% in these countries.

In countries importing home electronics products from Türkiye, customs duty rates vary depending on the country’s trade policies, trade agreements and the type of product. In general, in EU countries, low or zero customs duty is applied to products due to the Customs Union agreement with Turkey, while in the USA, Russia and some Asian countries, customs duties may be higher. In the global trade market, countries’ taxation policies may vary depending on various strategies. As TUYAD, we continue to access up-to-date data periodically and share this general information with our sector representatives. These sources contain basic information and import and export duties vary depending on the type of product, country of origin and current legislation. You can reach us at info@hedefkoc.com for special legislation information requested for products and/or services.