Guide Content
• What is the GTIP (HS) Code and Why is it Critically Important?
• What is a Product Description? What Should You Pay Attention To?
• What Do DDP and DDU Delivery Models Mean in Shipments?
• Current Taxation Structure in US Shipments
• The 20 Most Commonly Used GTIP Codes
• Tax Calculation with Navlungo US Tax Calculation Tool
• Common Customs Mistakes Sellers Should Avoid
• What Should You Do to Prevent Your Sales from Dropping?
• What Should Etsy Sellers Do in Competition After This Decision?
• Did You Listen to Our De Minimis Twitter Broadcast?
• Navlungo is with You: We Are Here to Simplify the Process
Customs duties are one of the most complex and overlooked issues in international e-commerce. However, changing legal regulations and the increasing volume of cross-border sales no longer allow any exporter to postpone this issue. In particular, the removal of the De Minimis exemption by the US has started a new era for all businesses engaged in e-export.
This handbook has been prepared to explain current customs and tax practices in a simple and understandable language for e-exporters selling from Turkey to the US. With this guide, which teaches every aspect from GTIP codes to DDP/DDU delivery models and new tax calculation methods from beginning to end, you can reduce your logistical and financial risks while increasing your customer satisfaction.
Get ready for the new rules of 2025 with the E-Export Customs Guide 2025 content on your export journey!
What is the GTIP (HS) Code and Why is It Critically Important in the New Tax System?
The GTIP code is a 6–12 digit code used for classifying products in international trade. It is globally known as the "HS Code (Harmonized System Code)" and all countries calculate customs duties based on these codes.
Countries like the US tax imported products according to their GTIP code. In other words, this code directly determines how much tax you will pay. An incorrect GTIP declaration poses the following risks: Underpayment or overpayment of tax, seizure of the product at customs, delay penalties, export ban, or shipments not reaching the recipient.
The GTIP code structure is as follows:
SectionDescriptionTurkey (12-Digit)US (10-Digit)Example ProductFirst 6 DigitsHS Code – International standard tariff code6109.106109.10Cotton T-Shirt7th–12th Digit (TR)Detailed product description specific to Turkey0000.00–Cotton T-Shirt7th–10th Digit (US)Detailed product description specific to the US (usually 4 digits)–0010Cotton T-ShirtFull GTIP CodeFinal tariff code (country-specific)6109.10.0000.006109.10.0010Cotton T-Shirt
❗ Points to consider when determining GTIP: Product raw material, purpose of use, and product type must be clearly defined. Different versions of the same product may have different codes, so attention should be paid. The HS code of the product suitable for the US must be used.
Once the GTIP code is correctly determined, it must be added to the order invoice. The same code should be used for the same product in every shipment, and the tax rates to be applied according to the GTIP must be researched in advance.
You can calculate your taxes that will arise after the De Minimis decision for your US shipments by using the Navlungo Tax Calculation Tool.
What is a Product Description? What Should You Pay Attention To?
One of the most common issues in customs clearance is inadequate or vague product descriptions. Descriptions that do not clearly state what the product is can cause declaration errors, delays, and even high tax penalties. Therefore, the product description is of great importance not only on e-commerce sites but also in customs processes.
What Should You Pay Attention To?
• Avoid vague expressions: Instead of using general categories like "clothing", "gift", "accessory", detail the type and characteristics of the product.
❌ Clothing → ✔️ Women's cotton t-shirt
• ❌ Toy → ✔️ Wooden jigsaw puzzle toy
• Specify material and purpose of use: Clearly writing what the product is made of and what it is used for facilitates customs classification.
✔️ Baby pacifier made of silicone material
• ✔️ Hair straightener with electric steel body
• Pay attention to language and spelling rules: Use clear and understandable language to avoid confusion. It is of great importance to add the language as English in the product description.
• More information is better than missing information: Additional details such as the product's model number, manufacturer name, or brand information if available, facilitate the GTIP determination and control process.
❌ Vague Description✔️ Specific and Detailed DescriptionClothingMen's shirt, underwear, girl's vest, men's jacketGiftsScented candle, remote control toy car, cashmere scarfCraftsHandmade porcelain vase, handmade beaded plastic necklace
At this point, Navlungo’s customs expertise comes into play. Our support team and guidance on your user panel are always with you to ensure you enter the necessary descriptions correctly and define your GTIP code completely!
What Do DDP and DDU Delivery Models Mean in Shipments?
In e-export shipments to the US, the delivery model is no longer just a logistical preference, but a strategic decision that directly affects the customer experience. At this point, two main models come to the fore: DDU and DDP.
What is DDU?
In this model, the seller only delivers the product to the buyer's door. However, taxes and customs clearance belong to the buyer.
• The buyer pays tax when the product arrives at customs.
• They track the customs documents themselves or get support from the cargo company.
• Customer satisfaction may decrease due to the risk of additional costs.
When is it preferred?
It can be preferred for small shipments or if your customer is familiar with these processes. However, unknown additional fees can lead to order cancellations.
What is DDP?
In the DDP model, the seller assumes all customs and tax responsibility for the product. The customer receives the product without making any additional payments.
• All taxes are calculated in advance and included in the shipping cost.
• The buyer experiences a seamless and surprise-free shopping experience.
• Brand reputation increases, return rate decreases.
When is it preferred?
In markets like the US where customs rules are strict, DDP is recommended for brands that prioritize customer satisfaction.
FeatureDDP (Delivered Duty Paid)DDU (Delivered at Place)Tax and Customs ClearancePaid in advance by the sellerPaid upon arrival by the buyerAdditional Cost to BuyerNoneYes (tax, duty, etc. during delivery)Delivery TimeShorter (customs clearance is completed in advance)Longer (buyer has to make payment)Customer SatisfactionHighLow / RiskyReturn RiskLowHigh (buyer may not accept additional cost)Post-Order ProcessSeamless, transparentUncertain, customer support burden increasesNavlungo Support✅ Full support, automatic tax calculation✅ Shipment tracking and info support
🗽 Current Taxation Structure in US Shipments 2025
As of August 29, 2025, with the removal of the De Minimis exemption on all imports to the US, shipments under $800 have also become subject to full customs duties. With this change, a two-tier tax system has entered into force for all companies exporting to the US:
Flat 15% General Tax: Applied to all shipments, regardless of product value.
Additional Tax According to GTIP: Ad valorem (percentage-based) tax is charged based on the class and description of the product. Rates can vary between 8% and 25%.
Total Tax Formula = Flat 15% + Additional Tax According to GTIP
⚠️ Extra taxes may also be reflected based on the alloy ratio in shipments containing metal, aluminum, and steel alloys. This should also be taken into consideration for these types of shipments.
ProductGTIP CodeDeclared Value (USD)Tax According to GTIP (%)Flat 15%Total Tax (%)Calculated Tax AmountCotton T-Shirt6109.1012%16%15%3112 × 0.31 = $3.72Phone Case (2 pcs)3926.9010%12%15%2710 × 0.27 = $2.70Teddy Bear9503.0020%20%15%3520 × 0.35 = $7.00
⚠️ When selling to the US, you must take import duties into account before determining the sales price of your products. These taxes, which vary according to the GTIP (HS) code, can seriously affect your profit margin if planned incorrectly.
The 20 Most Commonly Used GTIP Codes
For e-export sellers, GTIP (Customs Tariff Statistics Position) codes are critical for the correct classification of every shipment at customs. The GTIP code of the products affects many details, from the tax rates to be applied to the duration of customs procedures.
The following list contains 20 GTIP codes frequently used in product groups most exported via e-commerce. Using these codes correctly prevents delays and financial surprises during the customs process.
GTIP CodeProduct Description7117Imitation jewelry7113Precious metal or clad jewelry items6104Women's/girls' clothing (knitted or crocheted)6110Sweaters, sweatshirts, vests (knitted or crocheted)9503Toys, models, puzzles and accessories7116Articles of precious/semi-precious stones4202Bags, suitcases, wallets, executive cases6204Women's/girls' clothing (not knitted/crocheted)9403Furniture and parts thereof (excl. medical furniture)6109T-shirts, singlets (knitted/crocheted)9404Mattress supports, articles of bedding with springs or stuffed9701Hand-made paintings, drawings, collages, etc.4203Leather clothing and accessories3926Articles and accessories of plastic9405Lamps, lighting fittings and parts thereof4909Printed greeting cards, envelopes6304Textile-based furnishing articles4911Printed pictures, photographs and other printed matter8306Ornaments of base metal, frames, mirrors, etc.7106Silver (unwrought, semi-manufactured, powder form)
You can calculate your HS code-based tax rates that will arise after the De Minimis decision for your US shipments by using the Navlungo US Tax Calculation Tool.
Our Navlungo Tax Calculation Tool is Live
Great news! With our brand new tax calculation tool, we are now saying goodbye to uncertainties! As Navlungo, we moved the fastest again and developed the solution you need in this period for you. We are here to simplify the process, save time, and take you one step ahead.
Click to learn the US tax on your products
❗ Common Customs Mistakes Sellers Should Avoid
1. Vague or General Product Descriptions
Using only general expressions like "clothing" or "gift" in the product declaration can cause both incorrect determination of the GTIP code and delays at customs. Details such as the type, kind, material, and intended use of the product should always be clearly stated.
When describing your products, ask yourself these questions:
• What are the products?
• What are they made of?
• What are they used for?
The description should be specific, not vague. If there are branded products in the package, include the brand and model number along with the description. And do not rely solely on the company's product code to describe the products.
2. Missing or Incorrect Entry of the GTIP Code
The GTIP (Customs Tariff Statistics Position) code is vital for correct classification and taxation of the product at customs. When the code is entered incompletely or incorrectly:
• Wrong tax may be applied
• Customs procedures may be prolonged
• The product may be returned or penalties may apply
3. Failing to Enter Country of Origin (COO) Information
As of 2025, declaration of country of origin is mandatory. This information specifies which country's tax rate will be applied. Failure to declare it may cause shipments to be rejected or held up at customs.
4. Ignoring the Difference Between DDP and DDU Models
• DDU (Delivered at Place): The buyer is responsible for taxes and customs procedures. The seller only handles the transportation.
• DDP (Delivered Duty Paid): The seller assumes all customs and tax processes from the start. The buyer faces no surprises.
For sellers who want to increase customer satisfaction, DDP will be a much safer choice.
5. Shipping of Ineligible Products
The export of some products is prohibited or subject to licensing depending on the countries (e.g. drugs, batteries, high-tech products). The customs laws of the relevant country must be reviewed before shipping.
6. Experiencing a Tax Surprise for the Buyer
In the DDU model, the buyer may face additional tax when the shipment arrives at their door. This situations both increases return risk and damages brand perception. Therefore, the delivery model should be clarified beforehand, and shipments should be sent as DDP as much as possible.
7. Not Following Up-to-Date Customs Regulations
Customs and tax rules change frequently in regions like the US and Europe. Changes such as the removal of the De Minimis exemption, especially in the US, can directly affect your business model. Navlungo closely follows such developments for you. Follow Navlungo on social media channels to stay informed about these processes.
What Should You Do to Prevent Your Sales from Dropping?
1. Establishing a Company in the US with Envoyo
In this new era, establishing a company in the US has become a strategic step for e-commerce sellers, especially those selling from Turkey to the US, to maintain their profitability.
When you establish a company in the US, you can send your products in bulk to logistics hubs such as Parkpalet Warehouses, Amazon FBA, 3PL warehouses, or Walmart Fulfillment. This way, your products are stocked within the US, and sales to consumers are considered as domestic US sales. Products enter US warehouses in bulk, and sales are counted as domestic US sales. You do not deal with individual customs processes.
CriterionThose Who Set Up a US CompanyThose Who Do Not Use a US CompanyCustoms ClearanceProducts enter US warehouses in bulk, and sales are counted as domestic US sales. No individual customs procedures.Every package goes through US customs, tax and extra costs arise in every order.CostsCustoms duty and unexpected costs decrease. A clearer cost calculation is made.Customs tax and transaction costs are high in every shipment. Profitability decreases.Delivery TimeShipping is done as a US domestic sale, deliveries are much faster.Delays and waiting times occur in packages due to customs procedures.Customer ExperienceNo surprise charges at the door, more reliable and satisfaction-oriented shopping.Extra costs annoy the customer, return rates increase.PricingCompetitive and transparent pricing is offered, standing out in the market.Customs costs are reflected in prices, products remain expensive compared to competitors.Marketplace AccessIt becomes easier to open stores on platforms like Amazon, Walmart, and Etsy.It is difficult to open stores in some marketplaces without a US company.Payment and BankingOpening an account in a US bank, transferring money at lower costs.Receiving payments from Turkey is more expensive and slower.Tax AdvantagesLow tax rates in states like Delaware and Wyoming.US taxes are added along with the tax burden in Turkey.Brand ReliabilityProfessional and reliable global appearance thanks to the US company.There may be a lack of trust in the eyes of customers and partners.
Establishing a company in the US has become a necessity. However, if you think this process is long, complex, and costly, you are wrong.
With Envoyo Store:
✅ Fast US company formation in tax-advantageous states like Delaware or Wyoming
✅ US bank account opening support
✅ Setup support for Amazon, Etsy, and Walmart integration
✅ Company and store management from a single panel
In short, you can get everything you need for e-export in a single package.
📌 You too can eliminate the customs burden, speed up your sales, and increase your customer satisfaction by establishing your US company with Envoyo.
👉 Check out the details right now: Envoyo Store
2. Utilizing Warehousing and Fulfillment Solutions in the US with ParkPalet
ParkPalet’s overseas fulfillment and US warehousing services provide a great advantage for sellers. By storing your products in strategic locations in the US, ParkPalet delivers your orders directly to customers from within America. Thus, you get rid of high shipping costs, customs delays, and surprise expenses. Moreover, you get a seamless logistics experience in global markets thanks to end-to-end fulfillment solutions covering not only storage but also order preparation, packaging, shipping, and return management processes.
The whole process proceeds easily as follows;
• We pick up your products from your door and manage the entire logistics process for you.
• We ship your products to America by sea with our weekly container service.
• We unload your products at our warehouse and ship them directly to your customers as orders come in, either to Amazon warehouses, distributors, or with our fulfillment service.
Contact us immediately to get a quote or detailed information about ParkPalet's America warehousing and fulfillment services.
👉 Fill out the form by clicking here, and we will call you.
3. Using Navlungo Amazon Ocean Freight Service
In this new era, one of the most effective methods for sellers to maintain their profitability is Navlungo’s Amazon ocean freight service. In this period where the Deminimis exemption has been removed, small package shipments have become risky for sellers. However, thanks to the Navlungo Amazon ocean freight service, you can deliver your products in bulk to the US, reduce the customs burden, and make fast deliveries to your customers via Amazon FBA.
Minimizes Customs Expenses
• Instead of paying separate taxes for each package, products are cleared through customs in bulk.
• Thus, the burden of additional cost per order is eliminated.
Lower Shipping Cost
• Compared to air cargo, ocean freight makes unit costs much lower.
• It saves big for sellers shipping high volume products.
Improves Customer Experience
• Products stocked in the US are delivered quickly.
• The customer does not face extra tax at the door, return rates decrease.
Gives Competitive Power
• Lower cost and fast delivery make your products more competitive in the market.
• You gain an advantage over competitors dealing with package-by-package shipping after De minimis.
📦 Lower your costs and increase your sales with the ocean freight advantage.
👉 Fill out the form now, and we will call you!
What Should Etsy Sellers Do in Competition After This Decision?
Changing conditions in the e-commerce world directly affect Etsy sellers as well. Especially recent decisions make it mandatory for sellers who want to survive in competition to develop new strategies. At this point, the video prepared by Kerem Basalı clearly reveals the critical points sellers should pay attention to.
In the video; ways to increase store visibility, competitive pricing strategies, and practical methods that can be applied for sustainable sales performance are explained with detailed examples. This content, which everyone selling on Etsy should definitely watch, is a guide that will help sellers take the right steps in complex market dynamics.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnoAAOgIZPE
Did You Listen to Our De Minimis Twitter Broadcast?
📢 Deminimis exemption has been removed in the US!
Do not forget to listen to our broadcast where Navlungo CEO İsa Korkmaz explains the effects of this change on e-export and the clean solutions.
Navlungo CEO İsa Korkmaz closely follows the developments in America and continually meets with the veterans of this process to learn the changing customs and trade dynamics firsthand. You can follow him to better understand the processes and not miss the agenda:
• 🐦 Twitter: @isakorkmaz
• 💼 Linkedin: İsa Korkmaz
🤝 Navlungo is with You: We Are Here to Simplify the Process
The changing rules of e-export, especially customs and tax processes, can be complex and tiring for many sellers. But you are not alone.
As Navlungo, we work to make this process as simple and safe as possible for you.
• Determining the GTIP code,
• DDP shipping infrastructure,
• Tax calculations and pricing strategies
we guide you through all critical steps like these and reduce your operational burden.
📬 We Are Here to Keep You Updated
We closely follow all developments regarding customs regulations, tax rates, and cross-border trade, and inform you in a timely manner. This way, you can continue your export operation without facing surprises.
🔔 Stay tuned:
Do not forget to regularly follow Navlungo newsletters and our social media accounts for constantly updated content about new regulations, e-export strategies, and logistics solutions.
Simplify your export with Navlungo now
