2026 Micro-Export Limits: What Do 30,000 Euro and 600 kg Mean?
What changed for Turkish SMEs with the micro-export regulation that came into force in December 2025? Complete guide to ETGB limits, process and opportunities.
What Is Micro-Export and Why Does It Matter for Turkish SMEs?
Micro-export is a simplified customs regime that allows Turkish businesses to ship goods abroad without a customs broker, using the ETGB (Electronic Commerce Customs Declaration) document. It is designed specifically for e-commerce sellers and small businesses exporting in relatively small volumes.
Before 2026, the limit was 15,000 Euro and 300 kg per shipment. The December 2025 regulation doubled both limits, dramatically expanding the scope of businesses that can benefit from micro-export's simplified procedures.
2026 Micro-Export Limits: The Key Numbers
| Parameter | Before 2025 | 2026 (Current) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Value Limit | 15,000 Euro | 30,000 Euro | +100% |
| Weight Limit | 300 kg | 600 kg | +100% |
| Customs Broker | Not required | Not required | No change |
| Document | ETGB | ETGB | No change |
What Does 30,000 Euro Actually Mean in Practice?
The 30,000 Euro limit applies per individual shipment, not per month or per year. This means:
- A business can make unlimited micro-export shipments per year
- Each shipment must be under 30,000 Euro AND under 600 kg
- If a single order exceeds either limit, it must go through standard export with a customs broker
- Larger orders can sometimes be split into multiple shipments to stay within limits (consult with MercanWorks OÜ on compliance)
Who Benefits Most from the Limit Increase?
The doubling of limits particularly benefits:
- Medium-weight industrial goods: Machine parts, tools, components previously too heavy for micro-export
- Bulk textile orders: Larger clothing orders to European retailers now qualify
- Food exporters: Higher-value specialty food shipments to gourmet buyers
- Cross-border e-commerce: Sellers on Amazon.de, Etsy and European marketplaces with growing order values
- Construction materials: Small but high-value materials like marble tiles
ETGB Process: Step by Step
Micro-Export vs Standard Export: Which Is Right for Your Business?
Use micro-export when all of the following apply:
- Shipment value is below 30,000 Euro
- Shipment weight is below 600 kg
- You are shipping to a country that accepts ETGB (EU, UK, USA and most others)
- Products are not restricted or subject to special export licenses
Use standard export when:
- Single shipment exceeds 30,000 Euro or 600 kg
- Products require special certificates (weapons, pharmaceuticals, hazardous materials)
- Buyer requires specific customs documentation (e.g., EUR.1, ATR preference certificate)
Key Products Still Excluded from Micro-Export
- Products subject to export licenses or quotas
- Dual-use goods (civilian/military applications)
- CITES-regulated wildlife products
- Certain agricultural products with phytosanitary requirements
- Products subject to anti-dumping measures in destination country
VAT Advantage: The Hidden Benefit of Micro-Export
One of the most significant but underutilized benefits of micro-export is VAT recovery. When you export via ETGB:
- The export itself is subject to 0% VAT (exports are VAT-exempt)
- The 18% or 8% VAT you paid when purchasing the goods can be reclaimed
- With proper ETGB documentation, VAT refund claims can be filed monthly or quarterly
- Processing time: 1–3 months for standard refunds
For a business exporting 500,000 TRY per month in goods purchased with 18% VAT, this represents approximately 76,000 TRY in annual VAT recoveries. MercanWorks OÜ manages this process for you.
Start Micro-Exporting from Turkey
Contact Mustafa Mercan to set up your micro-export operations under the new 2026 limits.
Micro-Export 2026 Questions
As of 2026, the micro-export limit is 30,000 Euro and 600 kg per shipment. All shipments below both limits can be sent abroad via ETGB without a customs broker.
Yes, micro-export requires active tax registration. It can be done as a sole trader or limited company. E-export via PTT is also possible as an individual for very small shipments.
No annual cap. The 30,000 Euro and 600 kg limits apply per individual shipment. A business can make as many micro-export shipments as needed per year, as long as each individual shipment is within the limits.
This is a legally sensitive area. Artificial splitting of a single order to circumvent customs limits may be considered customs fraud. Consult MercanWorks OÜ before splitting large orders.
PTT International, DHL Express, UPS, TNT/FedEx and several domestic carriers with international agreements support ETGB. Each has different rates and transit times. MercanWorks OÜ recommends the optimal carrier for your product type and destination.
Export via ETGB is 0% VAT. VAT paid on purchase of goods can be refunded by the tax office with proper documentation. Monthly or quarterly refund claims are submitted with collected ETGB records. Processing takes 1–3 months.
What Else Would You Like to Learn?
Start Micro-Exporting from Turkey
Contact Mustafa Mercan to set up your micro-export operations under the new 2026 limits and maximize your VAT recovery.