As I discussed in my previous article, the customs exemption for goods under 30 Euros for individual imports was recently abolished in Türkiye. I had emphasized that this would primarily hinder hobbyists and those engaged in R&D (Research and Development) activities. According to the new Circular (an official administrative regulation issued to clarify the implementation of laws) published by the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Trade, a new exemption has been introduced specifically for R&D activities and industrial samples for companies.
In Short: What is Changing?
The new regulation, effective as of February 6, 2026, has eased the "0 Euro" barrier by raising the limit to 30 Euros specifically for R&D processes under the "MODEL" exemption code. This allows academics, students, and employees of Technoparks (special science and technology zones in Türkiye) to import technical parts like chips, sensors, and PCBs tax-free and via simplified customs procedures, provided they present project documentation. While this is a breath of fresh air for the industry, the mandatory documentation and low limits mean that the "customs wall" for individual hobbyists and independent developers remains largely intact.
Model Exemption: A 30 Euro Right for R&D Companies and Students
According to the Circular issued by the Ministry of Trade, a 30 Euro limit has been reinstated for students and companies engaged in R&D. This is officially referred to as the "Model Exemption." Under this right, a maximum of 5 shipments per calendar month can be imported.
Who Can Benefit from This Right?
This regulation is not universal; it grants an "exception" only to active participants of the R&D ecosystem:
Academic Circles and Students: All students enrolled in high schools, universities, or institutes, along with teachers, academics, and scientists working in these institutions.
Project and Competition Participants: Individuals participating in R&D projects or competitions supported by foundations or associations (e.g., TEKNOFEST, Türkiye’s largest aerospace and technology festival).
Technopark Professionals:Individuals actively conducting R&D and research projects within Technology Development Zones (Technoparks) under Law No. 4691.
Under Which Conditions Can This Right Be Exercised?
To utilize the "MODEL" exemption code at customs, the following documents must be submitted to the courier company (the operator):
Institutional Identity Document: A student ID or an official letter proving employment in a Technopark or academic institution.
Project Approval Letter: An official letter from the relevant institution (school, university, or Technopark management) stating which R&D or technology project the imported part will be used for.
Foundation/Association Approval: If you are in a civil society project or competition, a document from the respective organization confirming the part's necessity.
T.C. Identity Number: Declaration of the recipient’s Turkish Identity Number for processing.
Which Products Can Be Imported?
The Model Exemption covers parts imported solely for design, technical specification, and functional testing, rather than for mass production or commercial sale. The primary requirement is that the goods must not be of a "commercial quantity or nature." Therefore, the following R&D components can be imported:
Electronic Components: Integrated Circuits (ICs), microcontrollers, sensors, and various electronic modules.
Circuit Boards: Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) and bare boards without components.
Technical Prototypes: Any similar parts imported as samples to test the material, dimensions, or functions of a project.
The Right to Import Industrial Samples
In the same Circular (official administrative regulation), the Ministry (Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Trade) also introduced the right for commercial enterprises to import samples from abroad.
Who Can Benefit from This Right?
Unlike the "Model" exemption, the sample right is aimed directly at registered commercial entities rather than individual users:
Manufacturers and Exporters: Especially companies operating in the textile, apparel, and leather sectors that require materials for production.
Commercial Enterprises: Any firm awaiting sample products for the purpose of placing or receiving orders, provided the goods are directly related to their professional field of activity.
Under Which Conditions Can This Right Be Exercised?
To ensure samples pass through customs tax-free and under the exemption scope, the following conditions must be met:
Consigned to a Company: The goods must be addressed to a registered company, and the items must be directly relevant to that company’s business operations.
Order-Oriented Purpose: The sole purpose of the product must be to facilitate a commercial order (import or export). It must not be suitable for any other use, such as direct resale.
Low Value and Rendering Unusable: The item must not possess significant commercial value. To prevent these samples from entering the market as commercial goods, the customs administration may take measures such as perforating, tearing, or permanent marking to "render the item unusable" for anything other than as a sample.
Marking and Verification: Having the term "Sample" on the invoice or packaging significantly accelerates the process. However, even without this label, the exemption can still be applied if the customs inspector is satisfied that the item is indeed a legitimate sample.
Which Products Can Be Imported?
The legislation maintains a broad range of eligible products, specifically designed to support the manufacturing industry:
General Samples: Any substance or specimen representing a specific category of goods.
Textiles and Apparel: Fabric swatches, buttons, zippers, and all types of garment accessories.
Leather and Footwear Sector: Leather pieces, linings, laces, shoe molds, inner and outer soles, buckles, and locks.
Intermediate Goods: All auxiliary materials and accessories required to produce a sample for a potential export order.
CONCLUSION
While these regulations provide some relief for students conducting R&D, the requirement to present official project or competition documentation -intended to prevent abuse- unfortunately still acts as a barrier for independent hobbyists and self-taught developers.
When you want to build a project for self-improvement or as a hobby, if you can find the part in Türkiye, it will likely be much more expensive than importing it. If you can't find it locally, you might be forced to terminate your project. While this exemption is a positive development, it is still not enough.
Furthermore, setting a limit as low as 30 Euros for students who have already proven their R&D involvement with official documents remains insufficient. In these cases, removing the limit entirely or setting a much higher threshold would have a significantly more positive impact on Türkiye’s R&D ecosystem.
References and Further Reading
- Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Trade: Circular No. 2026/4 MODEL exemption
- Previous Article: Customs Limit Removed: Protecting Producers or Creating Barriers?