2026 E-Commerce Figures and New Rules: What They Mean for Your Operations
Sertaç Erdoğan, E-commerce Logistics Operations Manager · 2026-11-12
According to Ministry of Trade data, e-commerce volume in Türkiye grew 52.2% in 2025 to about TRY 4.57 trillion, and the number of businesses selling online rose to 634,000. As volume grows, the warehouse gets harder to run: more orders, more channels, more returns.
The duty exemption on foreign purchases is gone
The exemption on online purchases from abroad up to EUR 30 has been removed. E-imports saw their first clear pullback; according to press reports, they fell about 15% in February 2026. For brands selling locally this gives some breathing room on price competition, but using it means offering local advantages such as delivery speed and easy returns.
Advertising and promotion rules tightened
The rules in force since 1 August cover misleading advertising and digital characters generated by AI that are hard to tell apart from real people; such content must be clearly disclosed to consumers. Work on marketplace commissions and fulfillment services was also reported to be ongoing. Follow details and scope through the Official Gazette and Ministry of Trade announcements.
Three takeaways for operations
- Start your promise at the warehouse. The delivery time you advertise must match the warehouse cut-off time. A promise you don't keep is now both a complaint and a compliance risk.
- Measure returns. As volume grows, returns grow with it. Regular reporting on return reasons and time back to stock directly affects margin.
- Keep the channel count manageable. Each marketplace has its own rules, commission and campaign calendar. Bringing stock and order flow into one panel lowers error risk.
At RND we manage all three from our Istanbul fulfillment center. Get in touch if you would like to review your operation together.
Sources for the figures: Ministry of Trade statements and press reports. Always verify regulation texts with official sources.