Nike Inc. has suspended its online sales on its website and mobile app in Turkey due to a recent announcement by Turkey that it will raise tariffs on overseas online purchases.
In a statement posted on its official Turkish website, Nike said, "We are temporarily suspending online orders in Turkey and will continue to evaluate the impacts of the recent changes in Turkish customs regulations on consumer shopping experiences. Nike continues to sell its products in Turkey through its offline stores and retail affiliates."
Although Nike did not specify which changes prompted the move, a new regulation in Turkey this week cut the duty-free threshold from 150 euros to 30 euros, with goods purchased from abroad over that amount being subject to taxation. The tax rate on goods from EU countries will increase from 18% to 30%, and the rate for goods from non-EU countries will be raised from 30% to 60%.
As a result of Turkey's recent revision of customs regulations, which will significantly increase import tariffs, Nike is evaluating how the new regulations will affect customers' orders and delivery. Consequently, Nike's decision to halt online orders is a direct response to these regulatory changes.
According to reports, the new customs regulations in Turkey include the following key changes:
1. Lower exemption threshold: The duty-free threshold for international goods has been lowered from 150 euros to 30 euros. This means that orders over 30 euros will need to pay duties and go through import formalities.
2. Increase in tariffs: The new regulations have raised the tariffs for international orders. Duties on goods from EU countries will increase from 20% to 30%; while for goods from other countries, tariffs will be raised from 30% to 60%.
3. Additional taxes: Certain categories of goods will incur an extra 20% special consumption tax.
