Perfume matchmaking: Connecting a U.S. online seller with a Turkish importer

FRGRC’s search for a Turkish partner with perfume import authorization

FRGRC, an American company specializing in online perfume sales, looks for a Turkish company with perfume import authorization to collaborate in 2021. Since 2001, FRGRC has sold thousands of original brand perfumes worldwide. Its website is known as Turkey's most reliable platform with competitive prices.

To maintain smooth import procedures aligned with online sales, FRGRC seeks a partner company. This importer must work with a customs consultant. FRGRC requests that the importer handles weekly shipment import procedures on its behalf.

Selecting the right importer

We first defined the desired profile and working conditions of the importer. We prepared a list of questions and requirements for candidates. The importer should have experience in importing cosmetic products from the US. Also, knowledge of cross-border e-commerce import rules to Turkey is essential. The importer’s staff must be collaborative, proficient in English, and familiar with current import procedures.

After listing 15 qualified candidates, we interviewed them to assess willingness and suitability. We asked the candidates the client’s questions and evaluated their answers. Then, we created a detailed report on the companies that matched the client’s criteria. We scheduled online meetings with the four top candidates and joined the discussions.

Overview of Turkey’s perfume import market

Turkish consumers increasingly prefer buying perfumes online from foreign websites. This trend is driven by better prices and wider product variety. Turkish consumers trust reputable foreign websites highly.

The perfume industry in Turkey grows steadily, fueled by rising demand, evolving import rules, and expanding e-commerce. Official imports mainly come from European countries. However, stricter customs policies and higher taxes have changed buying behavior. Many consumers now turn to local retailers and online platforms. This shift helped domestic distributors and manufacturers expand their offerings.

Despite challenges like fluctuating taxes and changing import restrictions, the market continues to grow. Consumers want more diverse, high-quality fragrances.

Import rules and customs procedures

Perfume packages sent from abroad are exempt from customs if their invoice value stays below certain limits. In 2019, the limit was 22 Euros or 27 Dollars. Shipments under this limit may avoid taxes, though this is not guaranteed. Weight and package size can also affect tax liability. This limit used to be higher and may decrease again in the future.

Between 2014 and 2018, Turkey imported $212 million worth of perfumes, excluding tax-free cargo shipments. In 2018 alone, Turkey received 26 million perfume units from China. Most cosmetic imports come from Germany and France. In this period, France’s perfume exports to Turkey reached $15 million.

Since 2018, the Ministry of Finance has reviewed perfume imports sold online and delivered by courier. Because these imports often did not follow tax procedures, customs policies have been adjusted for courier shipments.

Taxes Affecting Perfume Imports

Online perfume prices and import rules may change due to customs taxes. Foreign perfume brands must cooperate with Turkish importers to sell profitably. They need strategies to manage fluctuating customs expenses.

In 2018, perfume imports faced three main taxes:

• 20% Customs Duty

• 18% Value Added Tax (VAT)

• 20% Special Consumption Tax

Customs duties and VAT rates may vary with government economic policies. The special consumption tax can be raised, lowered, or removed depending on these policies.