Turkey Import Restrictions

In order to enter Turkey, certain goods are subject to specific controls and, regardless of their value and quantity, they require the consent of Turkey government, preferably, license must be obtained prior to passage through the customs, preventing the goods from being retained. On this page, you will see what kinds of items are prohibited from entering the Turkey, and which items need special documentation before exporting to Turkey.

Turkey, strategically located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, has a well-established system of import regulations that are designed to protect public health, safeguard the environment, and support the local economy. These import restrictions align with both Turkish laws and international agreements, particularly as Turkey is a member of organizations such as the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the Customs Union with the European Union. Despite being a part of these trade agreements, Turkey maintains a series of import control measures to ensure the safety, quality, and sustainability of goods entering its borders.

Turkey’s import restrictions cover a wide range of goods, including food, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and machinery. The government regulates imports through various ministries, such as the Ministry of Trade, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, and the Ministry of Health, among others. These regulations serve to minimize risks to consumers and the environment while promoting domestic production and preventing the entry of substandard goods.

For businesses and individuals wishing to import goods into Turkey, understanding the country’s import restrictions is essential to avoid delays, fines, or the rejection of goods. Certain goods are outright prohibited, while others require specific licenses or certifications to be legally imported.

Objectives of Turkey’s Import Restrictions

The import regulations in Turkey serve the following primary objectives:

• Public Health and Safety: Turkey aims to protect its citizens from harmful or unsafe products, particularly in the food, pharmaceutical, and chemical sectors. The government ensures that all imported goods meet rigorous standards for health and safety before they can be sold in the market.
• Environmental Protection: Restrictions are in place to prevent the importation of goods that may harm the environment, such as hazardous chemicals, industrial waste, and products that contribute to pollution. Turkey enforces regulations designed to safeguard its natural resources and biodiversity.

Prohibited Items for Import into Turkey

Certain goods are prohibited from being imported into Turkey due to national security concerns, environmental risks, or health and safety issues. These goods are restricted through Turkish law and international trade agreements to which the country is a signatory. Violation of these import prohibitions can result in the confiscation of goods and legal penalties.

Narcotics, Drugs, and Controlled Substances

The importation of illegal drugs and narcotics is strictly prohibited in Turkey. This includes substances such as heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana. Turkey follows international drug control conventions and has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to drug trafficking.

Controlled substances, including certain chemicals and pharmaceutical products, are also heavily regulated. Importers wishing to bring these goods into the country must obtain special permits from the Ministry of Health or other relevant authorities. These products are typically regulated due to their potential for misuse, and importers must demonstrate that they are being brought in for legitimate uses, such as for medical or industrial purposes.

Firearms, Ammunition, and Explosives

Turkey has stringent regulations on the importation of firearms, ammunition, explosives, and other military-grade materials. These goods are restricted in order to ensure national security and prevent the misuse of such items. Firearms and ammunition can only be imported into Turkey with the appropriate permits, which are issued by the Ministry of Interior and other relevant security agencies.

Military-grade equipment, explosives, and related materials are also prohibited from entering the country unless they have been specifically authorized by the government. The importation of these items without a valid permit can lead to severe legal consequences, including criminal prosecution.

Counterfeit Goods and Intellectual Property Violations

As part of its commitment to protecting intellectual property (IP) rights, Turkey has strict regulations against the importation of counterfeit goods. This includes products such as fake electronics, pirated software, and counterfeit pharmaceuticals. The Turkish government actively works to combat IP violations and ensure that consumers are not exposed to substandard or dangerous products.

The importation of counterfeit goods not only infringes on the rights of manufacturers but also poses significant risks to public safety, particularly in the case of counterfeit medicines, medical devices, and electronics. Importers who attempt to bring counterfeit goods into Turkey face severe penalties, including the confiscation of goods, fines, and potential legal action.

Hazardous Chemicals and Pollutants

Turkey enforces strict regulations concerning the importation of hazardous chemicals and industrial pollutants. Certain chemicals, such as pesticides, heavy metals, and other toxic substances, are prohibited from being imported due to their potential to harm human health or the environment.

The Ministry of Environment and Urbanization monitors and regulates the importation of hazardous chemicals, ensuring that any products that could pose a risk to the environment are subject to strict controls. Businesses wishing to import chemicals must demonstrate that they have the proper safety procedures in place to handle and dispose of these substances safely.

Endangered Species and Wildlife Products

In accordance with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), Turkey has strict regulations governing the importation of wildlife and wildlife products. The import of goods derived from endangered species, such as ivory, exotic animal skins, and certain types of furs, is prohibited unless the importer can provide the necessary documentation and permits.

Turkey also regulates the importation of live animals and plants, particularly those that are endangered or at risk of extinction. The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry oversees the protection of wildlife and ensures that products derived from endangered species are not allowed to enter the country without proper certification.

Products Requiring an Import License

While Turkey prohibits certain goods outright, many others can be imported with the appropriate licenses or certifications. These products are subject to regulatory oversight to ensure that they meet Turkish health, safety, and environmental standards. Importers must apply for licenses before bringing these goods into the country.

Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices

Pharmaceutical products and medical devices are highly regulated in Turkey to ensure that they are safe and effective for use. The Ministry of Health is responsible for overseeing the importation of these products and ensuring that they comply with Turkish medical standards.

Importers of pharmaceutical products must provide proof that their goods are approved by regulatory agencies in their country of origin and meet Turkish health standards. Certain controlled drugs, such as narcotics and psychotropic substances, require special import permits and can only be brought into Turkey for specific purposes, such as medical or scientific use.

Medical devices, including diagnostic equipment, surgical instruments, and therapeutic devices, are also subject to strict regulation. Importers must obtain licenses for these products, and the devices must meet the necessary safety standards before they can be imported into Turkey.

Key Requirements for Medical Product Imports:

• Registration with the Ministry of Health
• Certification of compliance with international medical standards
• Approval for controlled substances and medical devices

Food Products and Agricultural Goods

Turkey maintains strict regulations on the importation of food products and agricultural goods to protect public health and prevent the spread of diseases or pests. The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry is responsible for regulating food imports to ensure that they meet local safety and quality standards.

Food products such as meat, dairy, fruits, vegetables, and processed foods must meet Turkish food safety standards before they are allowed to enter the country. This typically involves the submission of health certificates, certificates of origin, and inspection reports from the country of origin. Some food items may also be subject to quarantine or further testing upon arrival in Turkey to ensure their compliance with local health regulations.

Agricultural products such as seeds, fertilizers, and plant materials are also regulated to ensure that they do not introduce pests or diseases into the local environment. Importers of these products must obtain an import license and provide documentation proving that the products meet Turkish phytosanitary standards.

Examples of Food and Agricultural Products Requiring Import Licenses:

• Meat and Dairy Products
• Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
• Processed Foods
• Agricultural Seeds and Fertilizers

Chemicals and Industrial Products

The importation of chemicals and industrial products is tightly regulated in Turkey. This includes chemicals used in manufacturing, agriculture, and other industries. These products must comply with local safety, environmental, and quality standards.

Importers of chemicals must submit safety data sheets and environmental impact assessments to demonstrate that the chemicals will be used safely and will not pose a risk to public health or the environment. The Ministry of Environment and Urbanization is responsible for overseeing the importation of hazardous chemicals, ensuring that they comply with Turkish regulations regarding environmental protection.

Industrial products such as machinery and equipment must also meet safety and operational standards. Turkey has strict regulations to ensure that imported industrial products do not pose risks to workers or the environment. Importers of industrial machinery and equipment must obtain an import license and ensure that their goods comply with Turkish safety regulations.

Customs Procedures and Documentation

All goods entering Turkey must go through the customs clearance process, which is managed by the Turkish Customs and Trade Ministry. This process ensures that goods comply with Turkey’s import regulations and that all necessary duties and taxes are paid. The customs clearance procedure requires importers to submit several key documents to facilitate the process.

Required Documentation for Importation

The documentation required for customs clearance in Turkey includes:

• Commercial Invoice: This document provides a detailed description of the goods being imported, including their value, quantity, and country of origin.
• Certificate of Origin: This certificate verifies the origin of the goods and is often required to comply with preferential trade agreements or to determine the applicable tariff rates.
• Import License: For goods that require an import license, such as pharmaceuticals, food products, and chemicals, the importer must submit the relevant license issued by the appropriate authorities.
• Health and Safety Certifications: For food and medical products, certifications proving that the goods meet Turkish health and safety standards are required.

Customs Duties and Taxes

In addition to providing the necessary documentation, goods entering Turkey are subject to customs duties and taxes. These duties are typically based on the value of the goods and their classification under Turkey’s tariff system. The customs duties may vary depending on the product category and its country of origin.

Turkey also applies a value-added tax (VAT) on most imported goods. The VAT rate varies depending on the type of product being imported, but it typically applies to the customs value of the goods. Some goods may be exempt from VAT or subject to reduced rates, depending on the specific regulations governing their importation.

Customs Inspections and Enforcement

Turkish customs authorities conduct routine inspections of imported goods to ensure that they comply with the country’s import regulations. This may include verifying the documentation, inspecting physical samples of the goods, and conducting safety or quality checks.

If customs officials find discrepancies or violations of import regulations, they may seize the goods, impose fines, or initiate legal proceedings against the importer. Goods that do not meet the necessary standards may be refused entry or subject to further inspection. In cases involving prohibited goods, the authorities may initiate criminal investigations.

Trade Agreements and Impact on Import Restrictions

Turkey is a member of several regional and international trade organizations, including the World Trade Organization (WTO), the European Union Customs Union, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). These agreements affect Turkey’s import regulations, particularly with regard to tariffs, trade barriers, and licensing requirements.

EU Customs Union and Trade Benefits

As part of the European Union Customs Union, Turkey enjoys certain trade benefits, including reduced tariffs and easier access to EU markets. Goods imported from EU countries benefit from lower tariffs or are exempt from customs duties altogether. However, products from non-EU countries may be subject to higher tariffs and more stringent import requirements.

Turkey also adheres to EU standards for product safety, environmental protection, and health, which can affect the importation of goods from both EU and non-EU countries.

Bilateral Trade Agreements

In addition to its trade agreements with the EU, Turkey has entered into bilateral trade agreements with countries around the world. These agreements often include provisions for reduced tariffs and simplified import procedures for goods from partner countries. Businesses importing goods from countries with which Turkey has bilateral trade agreements may benefit from these preferential terms.