Central Bank Cuts Rate to 37%
The CBRT reduced its policy rate by 100bps to 37% on January 22—the fifth consecutive cut since July 2025. The overnight lending rate dropped to 40% and borrowing rate to 35.5%. December inflation came in at 30.89%, slightly below the central bank's forecast range.
December 2025 Inflation: 30.89%
Annual CPI fell to 30.89% (from 31.07% in November)—the lowest since November 2021. Monthly increase was 0.89%. TÜİK will introduce a new CPI methodology with January 2026 data, rebasing from 2003 to 2025.
KKM Program Officially Terminated
The Central Bank repealed Communiqué 2021/14, formally ending the Currency-Protected Deposit (KKM) scheme that launched in December 2021 to stem lira depreciation.
Credit Card Debt Restructuring Rates Capped
BDDK Decision No. 11366 caps interest rates for credit card debt restructuring. Contractual interest cannot exceed CBRT's monthly reference rate. Late payment interest is capped at the maximum rate under Article 5. Participation banks apply profit share equivalents.
Service Charge Ban for Restaurants
Amendments to the Price Tag Regulation (Article 8/6) now prohibit restaurants, cafes, and similar establishments from charging service fees, cover charges ("kuver"), or table fees beyond listed menu prices. All additional charges must be clearly displayed on price lists.
MASAK AML/KYC Updates (Communiqué No. 31)
Key changes to anti-money laundering procedures include enhanced due diligence for foreign PEPs and removal of signature specimen requirements for insurance payouts if verified via NVIS. Also, new customers must transfer funds from their own bank account for identity verification.
BES State Contribution: 20% + ₺500 Bonus
Decision No. 10811 sets 2026 private pension (BES) incentives: 20% state contribution on TRY-denominated payments, plus an additional ₺500 if no withdrawal right is exercised.
Micro-Export Limits Doubled
Communiqué Series 5 on postal/express cargo customs raises micro-export thresholds: Weight from 300kg to 600kg, and Value from €15,000 to €30,000. It also requires express cargo operators to employ/contract minimum 2 licensed customs consultants.
Personal Medicine Import Taxes Updated
Decision No. 10813 revises customs duties on personal medicine/supplement imports. Duties are now 30% from EU and 60% from others. The €30 exemption threshold has been removed.
E-Export Support Program Updated
Decision No. 10881 revises e-commerce export incentives, offering up to ₺4 million/year for overseas marketplace promotion at a 50% support rate. The target country bonus is discontinued.
Customs Union Cross-Cumulation Update
Decision No. 10821 adds Article 68/A to Customs Union implementing rules. The list of countries eligible for cross-cumulation will now be published on the Ministry of Trade website.
2026 KVKK Penalty Amounts Published
Data Privacy Turkey released updated administrative fine ranges. Maximum penalties now exceed ₺17 million for data security breaches and non-compliance with Board decisions.
- Failure to inform: Up to ₺1.7M
- Data security breaches: Up to ₺17M
- VERBİS violations: Up to ₺17M