Country Customs Information

View Customs Rules



Imports

General Import Guidelines
  • The importer must have a valid importer registration from Chamber of Commerce
  • The imported goods must conform to activities licensed to the importing company
  • Imported goods must be accompanied with an International Waybill, an Original Commercial Invoice, a Certificate of Origin, and a Packing List
  • HS Codes must be stated clearly on Commercial Invoice. If the HS Codes are not stated, Customs will determine proper HS Codes based on the goods based on the stated description


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Import Duties and Fees
  • The customs valuation is based on CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight) which means that the amount used to assess customs duty is the sum of cost of goods, insurance and shipping cost to Turkey
  • Customs duties applicable on imported goods depend on HS Codes
  • The standard rate of VAT imposed on imported goods is 18%
  • International express or courier imports with declared value below Euro 75 and below 30 kg. are duty free
  • Goods with declared value of more than a Euro 75 will be treated as normal cargo goods, and will require a formal customs clearance


The following are trade agreements with Turkey that can benefit from customs reduction rate. To benefit from customs reduction, Certificate of Origin accompanied with Commercial Invoice are required

  • Euro-Mediterranean Partnership (EUROMED)
  • European Union (EU)


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Duties Exemption

A number of goods are exempted from customs duties. Below are some of the applied exemptions:
  • Goods addressed to government or semi-government agencies
  • Diplomatic goods
  • Personal effects


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Imports Required Documents

General Imports

Import Declaration is processed in the event of goods being imported into Turkey from other countries. The below documents are needed:
  • Original Waybill
  • Original Commercial Invoice
  • Certificate of Origin approved by Chamber of Commerce
  • Packing List (detailed)


Re-Export

Import Declaration is processed in the event of importing goods into Turkey for purpose of re-exporting. The below documents are needed:
  • Original Waybill
  • Original Commercial Invoice
  • Certificate of Origin approved by Chamber of Commerce
  • Packing List (detailed)


Temporary Import - Exhibition / Repair and Return

Upon entry of goods into Turkey on temporary basis for the purpose of taking part in an exhibition or repairs / maintenance, a deposit amount equivalent to customs duties has to be made for the benefit of Turkey Customs Authorities. The deposit is refunded upon exporting the goods. If the goods are not being exported the deposit is forfeited. The below documents are needed:

  • Original Waybill
  • Original Commercial Invoice
  • Certificate of Origin approved by Chamber of Commerce
  • Packing List (detailed)

When completing your Commercial Invoice, we recommend that you abide by Aramex guidelines to ensure timely and efficient clearance Read More


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Exports

When exporting goods from Turkey some documents and regulations will be applied before the exit of goods to the destination. Failure to submit required documents may delay goods when exporting


Exporters need to include the following documents with their goods:

  1. Original Commercial Invoice
  2. Customs Declaration if goods’ value is above EUR 7,500 or weighs more than 150 kgs. Fee: EUR 175 per shipment presented to customs authorities
  3. For certain goods, a strategic export license is required. Example where these licenses are needed include: military, dual-use, chemicals, technological, cultural products, radioactive material, and agricultural goods
Other documents that could be required would depend on the specific requirements of the destinations. Aramex maintain a list of needed documents and customs information per country (please select country name on this page)

Important Notes
  • All exported goods might be inspected by Customs Authorities
  • Aramex will not transport goods that are prohibited by the laws or regulations of Turkey


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Transiting Goods

Transiting Goods through Turkey can only remain for 30 days from the date of arrival into the country

To process Transiting Goods, the following documents are needed:

  • Original Waybill
  • Original Commercial Invoice
  • Certificate of Origin approved by Chamber of Commerce
  • Packing List (detailed)


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Prohibited / Restricted Goods

Aramex will not transport goods that are prohibited by the laws or regulations of Turkey

In accordance to Aramex Shipping Policy, the following items are not acceptable for transport by Aramex:
  • Monetary items including currency, fake money, and coins
  • Publications that are offensive to religions, morals, human rights or aims to cause corruption and disorder
  • Narcotics and drugs including heroin, opium, drugs raw material (powder, liquid), cannabis leaves, etc.
  • Counterfeit goods covering all brands of clothes, machinery, shoes, electronics, watches etc.
  • Fireworks*
  • Ivory and ivory products*
  • Furs*
  • Jewelry, precious metals , stones, articles or antiques of exceptional high value*
  • Bullion*
  • Chemical waste and nuclear waste
  • Hazardous as defined in IATA Regulations*
  • Ammunitions*
  • Human remains, including ashes*
  • Animals, plants, food items and perishable*
  • Pork meat in any kind, shape or form

* Certain goods which are listed above as prohibited may be accepted by Aramex on a contractual basis, if exporters / importers are able to comply with all applicable regulations

Some goods require approval from the designated authority prior to importing into Turkey. Some examples are shown below:

  • Pharmaceutical products, and cosmetics require approval from Ministry of Health
  • , and
    Ministry of Food, Agriculture And Livestock
  • Live animals and plants require approval from Ministry of Food, Agriculture And Livestock
  • Electronics and communications products require approval from Ministry of Economy

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    Aramex Clearance Service

    Aramex offers clearance service covering the following Customs Ports:

    • Istanbul Atatürk Airport
    • Sabiha Gökçen International Airport

    Aramex offers a wide range of customs clearance services (starting with Delivery Order collection up to delivery of goods). In addition, Aramex offers storage in Aramex warehouses when needed.

    In key locations, Aramex employees are certified and supported by a customer service team to keep customers updated, and address all inquiries. Please contact our Aramex Customer Service team for an offer


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    References

    1. Turkey Customs
    2. Customs Terminologies