Buying Furniture from Turkey to Europe (2026): Customs, VAT, Shipping
Short answer: When you buy furniture from Turkey to Europe, there are four cost items: the product, shipping, customs duty and the import VAT of the destination country. Thanks to the Türkiye-EU Customs Union, customs duty has been abolished on industrial goods; when furniture arrives with an A.TR certificate, customs duty generally does not apply. Import VAT, however, does exist: 19% in Germany, 20% in Austria and France, 21% in the Netherlands and Belgium. On orders placed with Selishome, you do not pay these taxes yourself: customs and VAT are included in the price, and no extra payment is due at the door. Door-to-door shipping to Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Austria and Switzerland is also included in the product price. Delivery time to your door depends on the product: about 2 weeks for in-stock products, 6-7 weeks for made-to-order products.
We prepared this article for readers living in Europe who are thinking of bringing furniture from Turkey. We give the customs information together with its official sources; the list of sources is at the end of the article.
The total cost of buying furniture from Turkey has four items
The most common mistake when comparing quotes is looking only at the product price. Even if two sellers write the same figure, one price may include everything up to your door while the other may cover only the product. These are the items you should ask about in every quote:
| Item | What it means | Question to ask |
|---|---|---|
| Product price | The furniture itself | Is the price in € or ₺? Which day's exchange rate applies? |
| Shipping | Transport from Turkey to your door | Is it to the door? Is it included in the price or separate? |
| Customs duty | Duty that may be charged on entry to the EU | Who prepares the customs documents? |
| Import VAT + customs clearance | The destination country's VAT and the declaration procedure | Is it included in the price, or paid at the door? |
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Once you have these four items in writing, you can really compare quotes.
Why Turkey, why İnegöl?
İnegöl is Turkey's furniture city. According to the 2026 member lists of the İnegöl Chamber of Commerce and Industry, there are 2,017 registered firms in the four occupational groups directly related to furniture in the district (How many furniture firms are there in İnegöl?). This concentration means being able to see hundreds of models at every price level side by side in a single city. Intense competition also pushes design and craftsmanship upward (Why is İnegöl furniture so famous?).
Selishome is a store in İnegöl, and a large share of our products are made in İnegöl. When shopping from a distance, what you really need, more than a price, is a single point of contact: someone you can compare models with, choose the size and fabric together with, who follows the delivery date and who picks up the phone after the sale. This is the real value a store gives you. We explained what makes up a price in our article what do furniture prices depend on?.
Shipping cost: it varies by country
In furniture, shipping is determined not by weight but by volume (m³). A bedroom set is light but takes up space. That is why shipping prices are generally given per m³ or on a "per set" scale. The main things that affect the cost are the total volume, whether delivery is to the door or to a warehouse, and whether customs clearance is included in the price.
At Selishome, shipping currently works like this, depending on the country:
| Delivery country | Shipping |
|---|---|
| Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Austria, Switzerland | Included in the product price, delivered to your door. The shipping line in the cart says "Free" |
| Bulgaria | €80 per m³, included in the price (for a product without volume information: €450 per set, €200 per single piece); customs and VAT are included in the price. Details: Furniture delivery to Bulgaria |
| Other European countries (Italy, Spain, Poland, Greece and others) | Estimated at about €200 per m³. It is not added to the payment; you contact us for the exact shipping fee, and the exact amount is notified separately after the order |
| United Kingdom | We do not deliver |
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In the six countries, the product page states, under the price, the note "Door delivery included" and the shipping share added to the price; for set products this share is €450.
The current price is always stated on the product page. Country-by-country details: Furniture delivery to Germany · Furniture delivery to Europe.
Customs duty: Turkey is not an EU member, so why is there none?
Turkey is not an EU member, but it has been in a customs union with the EU since 1996. According to the European Commission, the customs union abolishes customs duties and quantitative restrictions between the two parties for the goods it covers. The Turkish Ministry of Trade says the same: customs duties have been abolished in trade in industrial products. Agricultural products and coal and steel products are outside the scope. Furniture is an industrial product.
Still, it would be wrong to say "everything coming from Turkey is tax-free". Customs duty has been abolished, VAT has not. Goods entering the EU are subject to the import VAT of the destination country.
A warning: most of the results you find when you search for "furniture customs duty" are about furniture imports into Turkey. The rates there do not apply to furniture going from Turkey to Europe.
What is the A.TR certificate, and who issues it?
The A.TR movement certificate shows that goods are in free circulation within the customs union. According to the European Commission, this status of the goods is proven by the A.TR; German Customs (Zoll) also writes that the A.TR is used only for customs union goods. The certificate is issued in Turkey at the time of export and travels with the goods. Since 2024, electronic A.TRs from Turkish customs with a QR code are also accepted in the EU. If there is no A.TR or it is faulty, the customs duty exemption may not be available; so if you are buying from another seller, be sure to ask who prepares the customs documents.
Switzerland is different
Switzerland is neither in the EU nor in the customs union. Trade with Turkey is conducted under the EFTA-Türkiye Free Trade Agreement: industrial products enter duty-free with a valid proof of origin. Switzerland's standard import tax (Einfuhrsteuer) rate is 8.1%. In Norway and in the Balkan countries outside the EU, too, the rules differ from those of the EU.
Import VAT: no customs duty, but there is VAT
| Country | Import VAT (standard rate) |
|---|---|
| Germany | 19% |
| Austria | 20% |
| France | 20% |
| Netherlands | 21% |
| Belgium | 21% |
| Switzerland (non-EU) | 8.1% |
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How is import VAT calculated?
According to German Customs, the person who orders goods from outside the EU and imports them, even a private individual, generally pays the import VAT themselves. The tax base is the customs value of the goods; to this are added customs duty, if any, and the transport costs from the EU border to the first place of destination.
A simple calculation example (the figures are an example and do not belong to any specific order): A piece of furniture with a customs value of €2,000 arrived with an A.TR and no customs duty was charged. Transport from the EU border to the home cost €150. In Germany the tax base is €2,150, and the import VAT is 2,150 × 19% = €408.50. The same calculation in the Netherlands at 21% comes to €451.50. The customs clearance (declaration) service fee is added to this and varies by firm.
Who pays the VAT on Selishome orders?
You do not. On international orders placed with Selishome, the destination country's import VAT and the customs costs are included in the price. When the product arrives at your door, you pay no separate tax or customs fee. The calculation above is meant to show why the question "Is VAT included?" matters in quotes from another seller.
Delivery time: the product decides, not the road
In furniture, what really determines the time is not the road but whether the product is in stock. Most furniture is not a ready-made product waiting in a warehouse; it goes into production once the order is placed. At Selishome, the delivery times to your door in Europe are as follows; no extra days are added for the journey:
| Product type | Delivery time |
|---|---|
| In-stock product | About 2 weeks |
| Made to order | About 6-7 weeks |
| Custom-made | About 8 weeks |
| Stock status subject to confirmation | Notified at order confirmation |
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We do not give a single "average time"; each product's time is stated on its own page, in the order summary and in the contract. If your moving or wedding date is fixed, count backwards from the product with the longest lead time. When you get a quote from another seller, ask too: is the stated time the delivery time to your door, or only the time until dispatch? We explained why lead times can get longer in our article why furniture delivery takes longer.
Ordering step by step: how does it work at Selishome?
- Choose the product. The product page lists piece-by-piece dimensions and stock status. To start: bedroom sets, sofa sets, corner sofas, dining room sets.
- Check the dimensions. When shopping from a distance, the biggest risk is the product not fitting into the room or through the door. The method: will furniture fit through the door and the elevator?
- Add to cart and choose your delivery country on the payment page. When you change the country, the address fields change to match that country.
- Mind the minimum amount. For all addresses outside Turkey, the total of the products must be at least 80,000 ₺ (excluding coupons and shipping). A discount coupon does not reduce the shipping share.
- Pay. Payment is taken by card, in Turkish lira, with your bank's 3D Secure verification. For cards from banks abroad, a single payment is taken. The € amount you see on the site is approximate; the amount charged to your card may differ slightly depending on your bank's exchange rate.
- Keep the order confirmation and the contract. The delivery time of the product, the delivery information and the distance sales contract are sent to you.
If you would like to talk first, you can reach us at +90 552 994 17 17. When you come to Turkey, you can also see the products in person at our İnegöl, Istanbul (Pendik) and Antalya stores.
Delivery day and assembly
Details about packaging and the delivery day are shared with you during the order. Whichever seller you buy from, do the following on the delivery day: open and look at the product before signing, compare the number of pieces with the order summary, and if there is damage, have it written on the delivery document and photograph it. Damage that is not written on the document is hard to prove later.
| Product | Assembly |
|---|---|
| Sofa set | No assembly needed; you put it in place and use it |
| Products such as dining table, chair, TV unit, coffee table | Easily assembled with a small cordless screwdriver |
| Console in the dining room | Takes a bit of effort |
| Bedroom set | Assembly is more laborious |
↔ Scroll the table sideways to see all of it.
If you are going to buy a bedroom set, we recommend talking to us about assembly before ordering.
What happens if there is damage?
This is the question people wonder about most on a long journey. In short: transport damage is our responsibility. All risk is with us until the product is delivered to you, and our shipments are transported insured.
- Check together at delivery: The packages are opened while the driver is next to you. If there is damage, it is photographed and noted on the delivery document (CMR).
- The damaged part is replaced free of charge: The damage is mostly in a single door or panel. We send the new part free of charge with the next shipment; fitting it is done with a simple hand tool. If you do not want to wait, we offer a discount option.
- Let us know: We kindly ask you to write to us within 48 hours of delivery, with photos, on WhatsApp (+90 552 994 17 17) or at [email protected].
Your statutory withdrawal and warranty rights are reserved; 48 hours is a request and does not restrict your rights. Details: Damage-Free Delivery Guarantee.
Protecting yourself from fraud when buying furniture remotely: a 10-point checklist
- Is there a physical address? The store or business address must be clearly stated. Look it up on the map; if possible, have an acquaintance drop by.
- Is the company identity clear? The site footer should include the company name, tax details, and data protection (KVKK) and cookie texts. Be careful with those who sell only through a social media account.
- Does the phone get answered? Call before ordering. If you cannot get a clear answer to a question, you will not get one afterwards either.
- Is an invoice issued? Every sale must have an invoice in the company's name. "Cash in hand" offers without an invoice leave you unprotected on both the warranty and the customs side.
- Is there a written contract? The product, size, colour and fabric, delivery time, delivery method and cancellation terms must be in writing. For online shopping from a seller in Turkey, a distance sales contract is a legal requirement.
- Is the payment secure? For card payments there must be 3D Secure verification. If a bank transfer is requested, check that the recipient account is in the company's name; stay away from those who ask for a transfer to an individual's account.
- Is the "customs included" promise in writing? The quote must clearly state whether shipping, customs clearance and import VAT are included in the price.
- Who prepares the customs documents? If no A.TR is issued, customs duty may be charged.
- Is the delivery time realistic? For a set made to order, the promise of "at your door in 1 week" is not realistic.
- Is the price far below the market? A very low price often means a missing item (shipping, VAT) or a risky seller.
The detailed list we prepared for online shopping within Turkey: is buying furniture online safe?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is customs duty paid when bringing furniture from Turkey to Europe?
Customs duty has been abolished on industrial products covered by the Türkiye-EU Customs Union. When furniture arrives with an A.TR movement certificate, customs duty is generally not paid. In the destination country, however, there is import VAT and a customs clearance procedure. On Selishome orders these are included in the price; the buyer pays no tax.
How much import VAT is paid on furniture in Germany?
Import VAT (Einfuhrumsatzsteuer) in Germany is 19%. The tax base is the sum of the customs value of the goods and the transport costs from the EU border to the first place of destination. Details are in our article Customs duty on furniture from Turkey to Germany.
What is the VAT rate in the Netherlands, Belgium, France and Austria?
The standard rates are 21% in the Netherlands and Belgium, and 20% in France and Austria. Switzerland is outside the EU; its import tax rate is 8.1%.
Are VAT and customs included in Selishome prices?
Yes. On international orders, the destination country's import VAT and customs are included in the price; when the product arrives at your door, you pay no separate tax or customs fee.
How much is furniture shipping from Turkey to Europe?
In furniture, shipping is calculated by volume (m³). At Selishome, door-to-door shipping to Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Austria and Switzerland is included in the product price. In other European countries, estimated shipping is about €200 per m³; you contact us for the exact fee. We do not deliver to the United Kingdom.
How many weeks does furniture ordered from Turkey take to arrive?
It depends on the product. At Selishome, in-stock products are delivered to your door in about 2 weeks and made-to-order products in 6-7 weeks; for products subject to confirmation, the time is notified at order confirmation. Each product's time is stated on its own page.
Is there a minimum amount for an order from abroad?
Yes. For all delivery addresses outside Turkey, the total of the products (excluding coupons and shipping) must be at least 80,000 ₺.
Can I pay in euros?
Payment is taken by card and in Turkish lira. The € amount shown on the site is approximate; the amount charged to your card may change slightly depending on your bank's exchange rate. For cards from banks abroad, a single payment is taken.
Is the furniture hard to assemble?
Sofa sets need no assembly. Products such as dining tables, chairs, TV units and coffee tables are easily assembled with a small cordless screwdriver; in the dining room, the piece that takes a bit of effort is the console. Assembling a bedroom set is more laborious; we recommend talking to us before ordering.
What happens if the furniture arrives damaged?
Transport damage is our responsibility; all risk is with us until the product is delivered, and shipments are transported insured. Open the packages while the driver is next to you; if there is damage, it is photographed and noted on the delivery document (CMR). We kindly ask you to notify us with photos within 48 hours of delivery. The damaged part is sent free of charge with the next shipment; if you do not want to wait, we offer a discount option. Your statutory withdrawal and warranty rights are reserved.
Sources
- European Commission, Turkey: Customs Unions and preferential arrangements
- European Commission, New A.TR movement certificate rules (2024)
- Ministry of Trade of the Republic of Türkiye, Gümrük Birliği
- Zoll, Einfuhrumsatzsteuer · Bemessungsgrundlage
- EU, Your Europe, VAT rules and rates
- EFTA, Türkiye · BAZG, Einfuhrsteuer
- İnegöl Chamber of Commerce and Industry, occupational group member lists (09.03.2026)
