Sending Personal Goods to Turkey

Türkiye introduced significant changes to its customs rules for goods sent from abroad by post and express courier. These changes made importing many products for individual recipients more complicated and increased the potential cost of customs clearance.

One of the most important changes is that the previous simplified treatment for many low-value personal shipments was significantly restricted. As a result, people sending goods to an individual in Türkiye should not assume that a package can be cleared automatically or that it will only be subject to a simple customs tax.

Depending on the type of goods, their value and whether they are considered personal or commercial, the shipment may be subject to normal import procedures, customs declarations, import duties, VAT and additional customs expenses.

30% and 60% Flat Tax Rates: When Do They Apply?

Türkiye applies a single and fixed customs tax to certain qualifying shipments. However, these rates should not be interpreted as a general tax for every personal package valued up to €1,500.

According to the Turkish Ministry of Trade, for qualifying medicines and dietary supplements imported by a real person through post or express cargo, the following fixed tax rates may apply when the relevant conditions are met:

• 30% for qualifying goods coming directly from European Union countries.
• 60% for qualifying goods coming from other countries.
• An additional 20% may apply when the goods fall within Annex IV of Türkiye’s Special Consumption Tax legislation.

Books and similar printed publications imported for personal use may have separate tax treatment under the applicable rules. The shipment must also meet the relevant conditions regarding personal use, commercial quantity and other customs requirements.

What About Other Goods?

Other products do not automatically qualify for this fixed-rate treatment simply because their value is below €1,500.

Depending on the product, Turkish Customs may require the shipment to go through standard import procedures. The importer may then become responsible for the applicable customs duty, VAT, product-specific taxes and other legal requirements.

Stricter Rules for Individuals Receiving Shipments in Türkiye

Sending goods to an individual in Türkiye has become more complicated, particularly for products that do not qualify for one of the specific simplified customs categories.

A shipment sent from one individual to another, or from a business to a consumer, may still require a customs declaration and additional import procedures.

For certain goods between the relevant value limits, authorized postal administrations and express cargo operators may be able to act as an indirect representative and complete customs procedures. However, this does not mean that every shipment will receive automatic or simple clearance. Import taxes and other obligations may still apply.

For shipments that are commercial in quantity or nature, or that exceed applicable value or weight thresholds, the recipient may need to complete formal customs procedures personally or through an authorized representative.

You May Need an External Customs Broker

If the shipment is sent to Turkey and requires customs clearance, regardless of the package value, the recipient must appoint a licensed customs broker to handle the import procedures. The recipient must also provide a notarized power of attorney authorizing the customs broker to act on their behalf.

If the recipient is outside Turkey, the notarized power of attorney may need to be prepared through a Turkish Embassy or Turkish Consulate, depending on the applicable consular and customs procedures. The customs broker should provide the required wording and instructions before the document is prepared.

This can result in additional costs, including:

• Customs brokerage fees
• Customs declaration expenses
• Import duties
• VAT and other applicable taxes
• Warehouse or storage charges
• Terminal and handling fees
• Documentation expenses

Commercial shipments and certain higher-value or restricted goods can therefore become significantly more expensive than the original international shipping cost.

€1,500 Limit: What Happens When a Shipment Exceeds It?

A shipment valued above €1,500 may be subject to standard import taxation and customs procedures.

For goods that exceed the applicable simplified limits, the importer may need to complete a formal customs declaration and comply with normal import regulations. The final tax amount can depend on the product’s HS code, country of origin, customs value and other applicable regulations.

In addition, postal and express cargo operators may not be authorized to complete the full customs declaration for certain shipments that fall outside the categories they are permitted to handle.

Few Exceptions for Certain Personal Products

Türkiye maintains specific rules for certain personal shipments.

Medicines

Medicines sent to an individual may be subject to strict conditions. Official guidance indicates that qualifying shipments may require supporting medical documentation, such as a doctor’s prescription or medical report.

Dietary Supplements and Sports Nutrition Products

Dietary supplements and similar products may also be subject to specific conditions and taxation. The shipment must generally be for personal use, not commercial in nature, and comply with the applicable customs and health requirements.

Books and Printed Publications

Books and similar printed publications sent for personal use may benefit from separate customs treatment when the relevant conditions are met.

These exceptions are specific. They should not be interpreted as a general exemption for clothing, electronics, cosmetics, gifts, household goods or other products.

Important: Cosmetics, Mobile Phones, Alcohol and Other Restricted Goods

Some goods are subject to restrictions or may be prohibited from import through mail or express cargo channels.

According to Turkish Ministry of Trade guidance, restricted or prohibited categories can include:

• Cosmetics
• Mobile phones
• Alcohol
• Tobacco products
• Certain animal products
• Medicines without the required prescription or documentation

Additional product-specific regulations may also apply depending on the nature of the shipment. Always check the current rules before sending these types of goods.

Can a Recipient Be Required to Give a Power of Attorney?

Yes. When a shipment requires formal customs clearance, the importer may appoint an authorized customs representative or customs broker to complete the procedure.

Depending on the circumstances, this may require a power of attorney prepared according to Turkish legal and customs requirements.

The customs broker should provide the importer with the exact wording and documentation requirements before the document is prepared.

Getting a Power of Attorney Through a Turkish Embassy or Consulate

If the person who must grant the authority is outside Türkiye, they may be able to arrange the necessary document through a Turkish Embassy or Turkish Consulate, depending on their location and the applicable consular procedure.

Before visiting the Embassy or Consulate, contact the customs broker and request:

• The required power of attorney wording
• The details of the customs broker or representative
• Any required identification or company documents
• Instructions regarding notarization and legalization

Consular procedures can vary by country, so the relevant Turkish Embassy or Consulate should always be contacted before preparing the document.

How Much Does It Cost to Import Goods Into Türkiye?

The final cost of importing goods into Türkiye can be much higher than the international shipping price.

Possible expenses may include:

• International shipping costs
• Customs duties
• Import VAT
• Special Consumption Tax where applicable
• Customs broker fees
• Customs declaration fees
• Warehouse and storage charges
• Terminal and handling fees
• Inspection or conformity assessment costs
• Product permits or certificates
• Local delivery costs

If customs clearance is delayed because of missing documents, the importer may also face additional storage expenses.

For commercial or valuable shipments, it is recommended to calculate the expected landed cost before shipping. This means estimating the total cost of shipping, customs duties, taxes, brokerage and other import-related expenses.

Final Advice Before Sending Goods to Turkey

Do not assume that a shipment valued below €1,500 will automatically receive a simple 30% or 60% customs tax.

Türkiye’s current rules distinguish between different types of goods, including books, medicines, dietary supplements, personal belongings and goods requiring normal import procedures.

Before shipping, check:

• Whether the product is allowed to enter Türkiye
• Whether it is restricted through postal or express cargo
• Whether the shipment qualifies for a specific simplified procedure
• Whether customs duty and VAT will apply
• Whether a formal import declaration is required
• Whether you need a customs broker
• Whether a notarized power of attorney may be necessary
• What additional import and storage expenses may apply

Important: Turkish customs regulations can change. This information is intended as a general guide and should not be considered legal or customs advice. Always confirm the current requirements with the Turkish Ministry of Trade, Turkish Customs or a licensed customs broker before shipping.