International · TR

How to Ship to Turkey from the US

Turkey is a large, growing market straddling Europe and Asia, with over 85 million people and a rising middle class. US goods including electronics, branded apparel, supplements, and specialty products are popular. Turkey is NOT an EU member but has a customs union agreement with the EU for industrial goods — though US shipments are subject to Turkish customs rules separately.

Turkish VAT (KDV) is 20% on most goods. Turkey's de minimis threshold for customs duties is 30 EUR (~$33 USD) for gifts and 1,500 EUR for commercial imports — but Turkish customs applies VAT and special consumption tax (ÖTV) on electronics and luxury goods even below this threshold. Turkish customs can be strict — accurate documentation is essential.

Typical 1 lb cost

$22-$40 USD

Typical transit

5-14 business days

Carrier Options to Turkey

USPS Priority Mail International

7-14 business days. Final delivery by PTT (Turkish Post). Can face customs delays.

DHL Express Worldwide

3-5 business days. Strong Turkey coverage. Better customs handling than postal channels.

UPS Worldwide Expedited

4-6 business days. Reliable for commercial shipments to Istanbul and Ankara.

FedEx International Priority

3-5 business days. Good for higher-value packages requiring reliable clearance.

Customs Forms Required

CN22 for items under $400 USD. CN23 + commercial invoice for items over $400. Accurate HS codes and detailed descriptions are especially important for Turkey.

Commonly Prohibited Items

  • ✕Firearms and weapons without Turkish government permits
  • ✕Narcotics and controlled substances
  • ✕Counterfeit goods
  • ✕Certain food products without Turkish Ministry of Agriculture approval
  • ✕Printed materials or media deemed offensive under Turkish law
  • ✕Goods infringing Turkish trademark law

Turkey-Specific Shipping Tips

  • 💡 Turkish customs is strict — provide detailed, accurate descriptions in English or Turkish and correct HS codes
  • 💡 Electronics face Special Consumption Tax (ÖTV) of 25% in addition to 20% VAT — recipients may owe significant charges
  • 💡 Turkish postal codes are 5 digits (e.g., 34000 for Istanbul); always include them
  • 💡 DHL and UPS handle Turkish customs more efficiently than PTT postal channels
  • 💡 Keep package value under 30 EUR for gifts to potentially avoid duty — but customs retains discretion

Frequently asked questions

How long does shipping to Turkey take?
USPS Priority Mail International: 7-14 business days, often with customs delays. DHL/UPS/FedEx: 3-6 business days. Turkish customs can add 1-5 business days to any shipment.
Does the recipient pay customs charges in Turkey?
Yes. Turkish VAT (20%) applies. Electronics also face Special Consumption Tax (ÖTV). Recipients may pay significant charges at delivery for electronics. Commercial imports above 1,500 EUR also incur import duties.
What happens if Turkish customs holds my package?
Turkish customs may hold packages for inspection or assessment. The recipient is usually contacted to provide documentation or pay duties. Using couriers (DHL, UPS) with brokerage services reduces the chance of holds.
Can I ship electronics to Turkey?
Yes, but note that electronics are subject to Special Consumption Tax (ÖTV) of 25% plus 20% VAT in Turkey. The recipient may owe 45%+ in taxes. Inform buyers of this before shipping.
What's the address format in Turkey?
Turkish addresses include: Neighborhood (Mahalle), Street name + building number + apartment, district, city, and 5-digit postal code. Example: Bağlarbaşı Mah. Atatürk Cad. No: 5/3, 34840 Maltepe/İstanbul.

Other International Destinations

MX
Mexico
DE
Germany
FR
France
AU
Australia
JP
Japan
CN
China

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