Importing Goods into Turkey from USA

If you’re returning to Turkey as a citizen, you’re being transferred there for work, or if you are thinking of migrating to the country from the USA, it is only natural for you to worry about importing procedures. As with any country, the importation of goods and vehicles may be cumbersome or costly, if not both. The information bellow should make things easier, though.

For household goods and personal effects

All imported household goods must be accompanied by the airway bill or the original bill of lading and a detailed packing list when the shipment enters Turkey. Only used items (household articles which are six months old or older) are allowed to be shipped into the country. Only individuals with special permits may import any item with commercial value. As long as the items in the shipment are not forbidden, are properly represented in the inventory, and are shipped from the USA, they should be cleared.

Consignees must also present their passport, their resident permit, a separate list for appliances with serial numbers provided, and an assurance company from the USA company that the consignee has lived abroad for at least one year (for returning residents), or from the Turkey company that the consignee is residing in the country for at least one year (for foreign diplomats and non-diplomats).

Used goods, in general, may be brought into the country duty-free unless they have special value (e.g. artworks and antiques, in which case, they will be dutiable and taxable). Diplomats may import their household goods duty-free as long as they can provide an approved letter from the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This letter should be processed by the embassy represented by the diplomat.

Special items like video and audio cassettes and TVs or radios will be liable to PPT taxes if they’re brought into the country by a returning citizen. Turkey is an EU nation and may grant a certain amount of leniency to EU citizens. For more accurate listings of dutiable and taxable items, and instructions on how to coordinate with the Turkish Customs Agency, all consignees are advised to consult with the Embassy of Turkey in the USA.

For vehicles

Most of the information found online for vehicle importation to Turkey refers to temporary imports of automobiles. These are mostly for foreigners touring the country and staying for six months or less. For temporary importation, the consignee will have to provide the following documents for clearance:

i. Original passports
ii. Letter of Guarantee from the Consignee
iii. Proof of ownership like titles and commercial invoices
iv. Black book detailing the make, year, model, color, engine, etc. of the car

The consignee must also be within the country once the shipment arrives in Turkey. Personal appearance is necessary during clearance, and the car is only granted release for six months. The consignee must have an International License to be able to use the vehicle in the country. The car must also arrive within three months after the consignee’s arrival.

Foreign residents who will be staying in the country for a longer period of time must provide the same documents but must present resident and work permits as well. Generally, temporary importation of vehicles by foreigners is duty-free. Returning citizens, on the other hand, must pay customs duties and taxes in full. This can be pretty hefty.

Vehicles approved for importation must be at least six months old and less than three years old. Older models usually have difficulty passing stringent Government Regulations. Brand new cars, on the other hand, ate taxed heavily. Customs duties are also pretty hefty for brand new cars.

Minibuses are not allowed to be imported into the country as they may be used for commercial reasons. A different, and more difficult to get, set of permits is necessary for minibuses and industrial vehicles.

Motor homes, boats, and private aircrafts are not prohibited from the country, but because the importation laws for these tend to change a lot, it’s advisable for the consignee to consult the Embassy of Turkey in the USA before shipping the vehicles.