The customs law in Turkey passed in January 1990 regarding import and export is largely unrestricted (except with regard to the protection of law, public order, health, and national security). Consequently, these administrative procedures have become much simpler than they were.
Customs law in Turkey
In Turkey, there are several rules regarding the import of personal goods, especially from Eastern European countries such as Yugoslavia, Bulgaria and Romania.
Therefore, those who intend to import banned goods to Turkey usually face numerous and complex problems while entering illegally in Turkey.
Customs procedures usually include cases where entry into the country is prohibited or restricted by law, or cases have already been recorded in an individual’s passport.
In general, all types of sharp objects as well as weapons are prohibited. Therefore, the import of personal belongings is not restricted as long as it does not contravene public law and order (unless you have the necessary permits from government authorities in the country of origin or internationally).
The existence of international regulations means that there are legal procedures, especially for importing or exporting any type of commodity (especially for personal purposes) which will be mentioned below.
Customs duties and import tax according to the customs law in Turkey
With Turkey’s application of customs laws in the European Union, products imported from the European Union can be replaced with copper without any restrictions and with complete freedom.
As a result, the bulk of the tariffs on agricultural and industrial products manufactured in the European Union and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) have been reduced by between 10% and 0%.
In addition, Turkey has applied the full tariffs for the European Union (TARIC) to third world countries in this regard. As Turkey reduced its customs duties from 10% to about 5%.
Goods not subject to customs duties in Turkey
1- Clothes and travel accessories
- Clothes and travel accessories
- Personal things and necessities for travel / sightseeing
- Special cloth for preparing clothes for travelers (max. 5 meters)
- The clothes made of fur that belong to the passenger and are allowed to be carried
2- Electronic equipment
- Black and white TV
- Color TV (with screen up to 55 cm)
- Pocket color TV with screen up to 16 cm
- Black and white TV with radio (dual use)
- One video camera and 5 blank film rollers
- 8mm lens camera (with 10 blank films)
- Slideshow device
- Laptop (up to 128MB RAM)
- music player
- Portable Radio Cassette Radio (radio features are determined by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
- Walkman or mini tape recorder
- Game Boy (without tray or game cartridge)
- Videos, cassettes or CDs (up to 5 each)
- GSM phones (with SIM card)
3- Musical Instruments (maximum 3 in total)
- harmonica
- Mandolin
- Woodwind (Brass)
- The flute
- guitar
- Accordion
4- Sports equipment
- Two camping tents (double)
- A number of diving suits (the quality and efficiency of diving suits are determined by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
- Glider (one pair)
- Boat
- Skateboard with water sports boat equipment
- Rubber swimming shoes (one pair)
- Other one-piece personal belongings (excluding jet engines and skis)
- chess
- Five sets of playing cards
5- Medical cases
- A special bed for sick travelers
- Motorcycle or non-motorcycle
- Medication for personal treatment
- Gas mask and similar protective clothing (max. 2 pieces)
6- Kitchen appliances
- Dishes, utensils, forks, spoons and knives for use during the flight
- Several barbecue sets
- A number of samovars
- Two thermos
- Coffee / tea maker (with battery)
7- Drink and tobacco
- Whether internal or external
Importing the following is allowed:
A) 200 cigarettes (one carton) and 50 cigarettes boxes. In addition:
- 200 grams of tobacco
- 200 sheets of cigarette paper
- 200 grams of rolled tobacco
- 200 grams of chewing tobacco
- 200 grams of tobacco for a hookah
- 50 gm scent (tobacco powder)
B) In addition to the above items, upon entering Turkey, you can also purchase: 200 cigarettes, 100 packs of cigarettes and 500 grams of rolled tobacco from duty-free stores, such as the items listed below:
- 5 kg of coffee, 1.5 kg of instant coffee, 500 g of tea, 1 kg of chocolate, 1 kg of sweets.
- 1 (100 Cl), or 2 (75 Cl or 70 Cl) of wine and / or alcoholic beverages.
- Cologne, Lavender Juice, Perfume, Essential Oils, Cosmetics, Other Materials (Maximum 120 ml Each)
- Portable typewriter
- One camera (up to 5 film reels)
- Baby stroller
- A bicycle for a child rider
- Games for children traveling (max. 10 pieces)
- Calculator with battery
- iron
- Carpet length of 5 meters (made of wool, cotton or synthetic fibers)
- A pair of binoculars (except for binoculars)
- Desktop clock
- One stove
The following is permitted when driving vehicles, provided that they are used only by the owner or driver:
- Screwdrivers (max 5 in different sizes)
- Wrench Kit / Box Socket (max. 10 pcs provided it is suitable for use in the car)
- Automatic pump motor
- battery charger
- Rechargeable vacuum cleaner
- Electric refrigerator (with battery)
- Tires other than spare tire
Other matters that must be considered or examined by the Turkish Ministry of Finance and Customs:
- Only one: a cat, dog, bird, or ornamental fish, provided that they are with their owners and that they have a medical report from a veterinarian, a birth certificate and a valid vaccination certificate.
- There are certain rules about how much foreign currency is allowed when entering Turkey. In general, there are no restrictions on the amount or import of foreign or domestic currencies, but upon arrival, the issue of differentiation and overdraft must be announced (about $ 5,000).
- In addition to foreign currency, special personal items and other value items must be announced on arrival, including jewelry, televisions, cameras, camcorders, movie players, mobile phones and equipment: electronics, camping and sports.
- Precious commodities must be registered with the customs. It is also advisable to avoid carrying large amounts of currency or jewelry to avoid potential problems.
Goods subject to taxes and customs duties in Turkey
Goods whose value does not exceed 1500 euros and were sent to their owners for non-commercial purposes, if the person is more than 18 years and two months upon entry and more than 18 years and six months upon leaving Turkey, after paying 10% customs fees, they will be handed over a percentage of customs (after Exemption discount: 300 euros.
Also, goods whose value does not exceed 1500 euros and are brought with their owners for non-commercial purposes, if the person exceeds 18 years, after paying 10% customs duties, the goods will be delivered to them (without an exemption of 300 euros).
The conditions for benefiting from these rights are as follows:
- Items sent to people who live in Turkey by letter or postal item
- Goods that enter Turkey with their owners
- Items brought or sent as gifts
- Items that are consumed in person or as a family
- Items that the customer does not need to pay for
- Non-commercial items
customs law in turkey says If the value of the imported goods, under the above mentioned laws, is more than 1500 euros, then the relevant customs fees will be calculated and received according to the customs laws in Turkey.
Other goods that have such value or fall within this range, according to the specific tariffs, customs duties are calculated and received. Also, according to the laws, the person who declares the import of the goods, before allocating the appropriate and specific tax for those goods, it is necessary to apply the tax regulations related to the import of the goods, after paying the necessary fees.
In this regard, the tax assessment of these goods is determined according to the invoice or receipt provided.
If the invoice or purchase document is not available or the real value of the goods is estimated to be less than the amount stated in the purchase or invoice, the true value will be determined and announced by the official expert and relevant authorities to calculate and receive the related costs.
Foreign currency According to customs law in turkey
- There are no restrictions on the amount of foreign currency or Turkish currency upon arrival.
- It is not possible to export more than 5000 dollars due to the value of the Turkish currency.
- Foreign currency withdrawal of up to $ 5,000 is unrestricted.
- The possibility of withdrawing more than $ 5,000 in cash, only for: foreign nationals residing in Turkey, Turkish citizens working abroad, as well as people residing in Turkey (if they prove their currency from prestigious banks).
- High amounts of Turkish currency that must be transferred to another bank abroad.
- You can import or export all personal and precious things made of precious stones or (non-commercial) precious metals, valued at less than $ 15,000.
- Jewelry whose value exceeds the specified amount, provided that it is registered upon arrival in Turkey or purchased in the currency of exchange, is allowed to leave the country.
- Cash will be declared for export to another country or purchase of goods from Turkey.
References: Ktb.gov.tr
Read More: Immigration to Turkey
