New Restrictions on Postal and Express Cargo: Footwear, Toys, and Leather Goods

New Restrictions on Postal and Express Cargo: Footwear, Toys, and Leather Goods Hit by Unsafe Product Brake

The Ministry of Trade has imposed restrictions on the entry into Turkey of three product groups found to pose a high risk to human health following inspections and laboratory analyses. An announcement dated October 21, 2025 stated that a new measure has been introduced for footwear, toys, and leather goods including bags and suitcases made of genuine or synthetic leather.

According to the Ministry's statement, 182 products sold on e-commerce platforms were examined during controls, and 148 of them were found not to meet product safety criteria. The non-compliance rate reaching 81 percent in these groups stood out as the primary justification for the regulation.

Inspections and analyses revealed that toxic substances such as phthalates, lead, cadmium, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, known as PAHs, were found above legal limits particularly in footwear, toys, and leather goods. These findings prompted a new measure aimed at protecting consumer health and preventing unsafe products from entering the market.

Within this scope, the entry of these products identified as high risk into Turkey via postal or express cargo shipments under the Simplified Customs Declaration procedure has been restricted. The announcement also confirmed that the regulation entered into force through Circular No. 2025/11 dated October 20, 2025.

In summary, a stricter period is beginning at customs particularly for products such as footwear, toys, bags, and suitcases ordered from abroad via e-commerce. It has become important for both consumers and companies importing or sourcing these products to plan their processes in accordance with the new rules.