Turkey Micro Export (ETGB) 2026 Update: New Limits, Rules, and How Exporters Should Use Them

Turkey’s micro-export model—most commonly executed through ETGB (Electronic Trade Customs Declaration) via courier/express operators—has become a preferred route for exporters who need speed, lower administrative load, and repeatable workflows for small-to-medium-sized shipments. In 2026, the framework used for courier/express exports was updated, directly affecting ETGB operations.

This guide explains what changed, why it matters, and how exporters can apply the new thresholds in a way that reduces cost, avoids delays, and improves compliance—especially for e-commerce orders and small B2B trial shipments to the EU, UK, GCC, and North America.

What Changed in 2026 for Micro Export (ETGB)

The 2026 update increased the maximum limits for a single courier/express shipment under the micro export framework:

• Maximum gross weight per shipment: now 600 kg (previously 300 kg)

• Maximum value per shipment: now €30,000 (previously €15,000)

In addition, courier/express operators that run these customs processes must meet a strengthened operational requirement related to professional customs brokerage capacity (a compliance change that can influence service readiness, internal procedures, and occasionally fees).

Why These New Limits Matter for Exporters

Most exporters will benefit in very practical ways:

1. Fewer split shipments
   Under the older limits, companies often split a single buyer order into multiple parcels. With higher thresholds, more orders can ship as one consolidated movement.

2. Lower total shipping overhead
   Even if freight is calculated by weight or dimensional weight, splitting creates repeated per-shipment costs: pickup fees, documentation handling, label/admin steps, and multiple airwaybills. Consolidation reduces these repeated costs.

3. Cleaner documentation
   One order, one commercial invoice pack, one tracking flow—this simplifies recordkeeping and reduces mismatch risks between invoice values and shipment values.

4. Better customer experience
   Distributors and end buyers often prefer fewer deliveries. Consolidated shipments reduce partial deliveries and confusion, especially when buyers are testing a new supplier.

5. More flexibility for higher-value products
   Premium FMCG, cosmetics, specialty foods (where permitted), spare parts, accessories, boutique textiles, and small industrial items often quickly exceed €15,000 quickly. The higher cap makes ETGB usable for more product mixes.

ETGB Micro Export vs Normal Export Declaration (Decision Framework)

Use the following rule to decide quickly:

ETGB micro export fits best when:

• Your shipment stays within 600 kg gross and €30,000, and

• Your products are suitable for courier/express customs handling, and

• You prioritize speed and simplicity.

A normal export declaration is usually better when:

• You exceed either limit, or

• The shipment requires complex licensing, special controls, or multi-step inspection procedures, or

• You are shipping pallets/large consolidations where freight planning and customs workflow benefit from a full declaration approach.

A useful mindset: ETGB is for fast repeatable shipments, while normal export declarations are for larger or more regulated export movements.

Operational Impact: What Exporters Should Watch in 2026

Even when limits increase, exporters should pay attention to how courier/express operators implement process changes.

• Carrier readiness: Some operators adapt immediately; others update internal systems gradually.

• Fees and service tiers: Compliance requirements for operators can sometimes influence service pricing or “documentation handling” charges.

• Cut-off times and lead times: Consolidating bigger shipments can change handling times, packaging requirements, and pick-up scheduling.

Exportora Compliance Checklist for ETGB Shipments

To reduce rejection risk and minimize delays, keep your workflow tight:

1. Product classification (HS code) and description
   Use consistent product names and ensure descriptions match the goods. Avoid vague lines like “samples” or “parts” without detail.

2. Commercial invoice accuracy
   Ensure invoice currency, unit prices, quantities, and total match the shipment. Document any discounts clearly to prevent valuation questions.

3. Gross weight and packaging
   ETGB limits refer to gross weight. Confirm your final packed gross weight and keep a margin for packaging changes.

4. Labeling and destination rules
   For the EU/UK, ensure labeling aligns with destination requirements (language, ingredient declarations when relevant, and safety markings where applicable).

5. Courier coordination
   Confirm that your courier is processing the movement as ETGB under micro export and that your paperwork format matches their requirements.

6. Recordkeeping
   Keep a clean digital folder for each shipment: invoice, packing list, shipment label/air waybill, and proof of export movement. This improves audit readiness and accounting clarity.

Cost Optimization: How to Use the New Limits Strategically

With the higher caps, exporters can optimize in three common ways:

• Bundle SKUs into one shipment to reduce per-shipment overhead

• Move from parcel fragmentation to consolidated cartons to reduce handling issues

• Offer better landed-price consistency by reducing unpredictable “extra” shipment fees

For many exporters, the best approach is to define standard shipment tiers (e.g., 5 cartons / 10 cartons / 20 cartons) that remain under thresholds and align with courier volumetric pricing.

Common Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

• Confusing “per shipment” with “monthly” or “annual” limits
  These thresholds apply to each shipment, not to a period total.

• Forgetting gross weight
  Always calculate with packed weight, not product net weight.

• Inconsistent invoice values
  If the invoice shows one value while the shipment record reflects another, it can cause delays or queries.

• Using ETGB for shipments that should be a normal export
  If your product category needs extra controls or your shipment profile is essentially palletized freight, a normal export declaration can be smoother.

FAQ (Search-Friendly)

What is ETGB in Turkey?
ETGB is an electronic trade customs declaration used for micro export shipments, typically moved through courier/express operators.

What are Turkey’s micro export limits in 2026?
Per shipment, the limits increased to 600 kg gross and €30,000 value.

Can B2B shipments use ETGB?
Yes—many exporters use ETGB for small B2B trial orders and repeat shipments, as long as they fit limits and product rules.

Does this replace normal export declarations?
No. It expands the micro export range. Larger, more regulated, or complex shipments still benefit from normal export processes.

How Exportora Helps

Exportora supports exporters with a practical ETGB-ready workflow:

• Product sourcing and supplier coordination in Turkey

• Invoice and documentation alignment for export-readiness

• Shipment planning and courier/express coordination

• Market-specific guidance for EU/UK/GCC import expectations

If you share your product type, destination, and typical order value/weight, we can propose a shipment structure that stays compliant while optimizing cost and delivery reliability.