Traveling to Turkey requires awareness of the country's customs regulations, especially regarding goods brought by travelers. The Turkish government has established regulations to facilitate the entry of personal goods while preventing smuggling and the importation of unauthorized items. This article examines the customs regulations related to accompanied goods, tax exemptions, and existing restrictions.

1. Customs Exemptions for Personal Goods

According to Turkish regulations, travelers can bring their personal goods into the country without paying customs duties. This exemption includes items such as clothing, personal belongings, limited electronic devices, and certain consumables. Under Decree No. 2009/15481, the items listed in Annex-9 of this decree are eligible for customs exemption.
Additionally, the total value of the goods accompanying the traveler should not exceed 430 Euros to qualify for the exemption. For travelers under 15 years old, this ceiling is 150 Euros. If the value of the goods exceeds this amount, they will be subject to taxes.

2. Regulations Regarding Tobacco, Alcohol, and Similar Products

Special restrictions apply to the import of tobacco and alcoholic products. Travelers over 18 years old can bring a specific quantity of these goods, but the amount must not exceed the limits specified in Annex-9 of the decree. For example:

• 600 cigarettes
• 1 liter of alcoholic beverage with more than 22% alcohol content, or 2 liters with less than 22% alcohol content

These products must be brought as accompanied luggage, and sending them via mail or freight is not allowed.

3. Tax on Goods Exceeding the Exemption Limit

If the value of the goods accompanying the traveler exceeds the specified ceiling, the tax is calculated as follows:

• For goods worth 1500 Euros or less, the tax rate is 18% for EU countries and 20% for other countries.
• For goods worth over 1500 Euros, regular customs duties will apply.

The value of the goods is determined based on the purchase invoice, sales receipt, or payment document. If no document is provided, Turkish Customs may estimate the value of the goods.

4. Conditions for Bringing Specific Goods

Some goods, such as personal medications, pets, and food products, are allowed under special conditions:

• Medications: Must be accompanied by a doctor's prescription or documentation proving personal use.
• Pets: Up to two pets (dogs, cats, or birds) or 10 aquarium fish can be brought with veterinary and vaccination documents.
• Food Products: Up to 3 kilograms of plant-based food can be brought without special permits. The import of animal-based products is prohibited.

5. Other Restrictions

Certain items are subject to specific restrictions:

• Food Products:
  • Tea: 1 kilogram
  • Instant coffee (granulated): 1 kilogram
  • Chocolate: 1 kilogram
  • Sugar-containing food: 1 kilogram
    
    
• Alcoholic Products:
  • Alcoholic beverages with more than 22% alcohol content: 1 liter
  • Alcoholic beverages with less than 22% alcohol content: 2 liters
    
    
• Clothing and Travel Items:
  • Clothing and personal adornment items for the traveler
  • Household goods and travel equipment for the traveler
    
    
• Musical Instruments:
  • A maximum of 3 items, each from one type of handheld musical instrument
    
    
• Sports Equipment and Toys:
  • One camping tent
  • One diving set
  • One inflatable boat without a motor
  • One windsurfing board
  • One pair of swimming fins
  • Golf equipment (except for golf carts)
  • Other sports equipment and clothing (including parachutes and ski equipment, except for jet skis and motorized sea sleds)
    
    
• Electronic and Digital Devices:
  • One LCD or plasma color television up to 21 inches
  • One camcorder (including 10 blank tapes) and one camera (including memory card or 5 rolls of film)
  • One laptop or personal computer with components and accessories (including flash drives and external hard drives)
  • One radio or cassette recorder
  • One audio and video player and recorder with a maximum of 10 discs, tapes, CDs, VCDs, or DVDs
  • One electronic gaming device with tape or game card
  • One mobile phone with music, video, and TV functions (one every two years, except for foreign mission members)
    
    
• Health and Medical Items:
  • Hospital bed
  • Electric or non-electric wheelchair for disabled individuals
  • Medications for personal use
  • Medical equipment for personal use
  • Gas mask and protective suit
    
    
• Tobacco and Cigarettes:
  • Cigarettes: 600 sticks
  • Small cigars (weighing less than 3 grams): 100 pieces
  • Cigars: 50 pieces
  • Shredded tobacco (with 200 cigarette papers): 250 grams
  • Pipe tobacco: 250 grams
    
    
• Cosmetics:
  • Perfume, cologne, lotion, or essence (up to 600 milliliters in total)
  • Skin care and cosmetic products (maximum of 5 items)
    
    
• Other Items:
  • Books or similar printed materials for personal use
  • A maximum of 2 pets or 10 aquarium fish (subject to veterinary, ID, and vaccination certificates)

Conclusion

Adhering to Turkey's customs regulations is essential to avoid potential issues upon arrival. By being aware of the tax exemption limits, restrictions, and required documentation, travelers can enjoy a smooth and hassle-free experience at Turkish customs. For more information, you can visit the official Turkish Customs website: trade.gov.tr/customs-formalities