With a toehold in Europe and a foothold in Asia, Turkey has been both conquered and the conqueror over the millennia. Now a modern industrial secular state, Turkey's influence has expanded well beyond its region as a member of the EU, NATO, the G20, and the OECD
And it's not only Turkey's influence that's growing - e-commerce revenues blossomed in 2019 by 39% over 2018 and they are expected to continue expanding at a healthy 20% each year until 2024.
Easily compare the best and cheapest shipping options to Turkey through a variety of carriers using Secureship
Secureship provides safe and affordable shipping from Canada to Turkey. in case you are an everyday shopper or a business,
you can easily save up to 50% on your international shipping costs by way of accessing our group buying power.
Shipments through Secureship come with full, easy to read tracking information to Turkey
Tracking #:780123123123
Tel: 1-800-463-3339
Signed By: Pikwalia @ Residence
Feb 8, 2023
8:49 am
Ankara, AN, TR
Delivered
Feb 7, 2023
7:18 am
Bursa, BU, TR
In transit
Feb 6, 2023
9:03 pm
Cesme, CE, TR
International Clearance
Feb 6, 2023
8:14 am
Fethiye, FE, TR
In transit
Feb 6, 2023
12:17 am
Toronto, ON, CA
In transit
Feb 5, 2023
4:30 pm
Ottawa, ON, CA
Pickup Scan
Disclaimer!
While we have made every effort to ensure that the information on this page is accurate, Customs laws and procedures change regularly so it is
important to consult a licensed broker in Turkey before shipping any goods.
Types of Shipments
Not all types of shipments are created equal. Shipping a television will require different
paperwork, duties, and taxes than shipping an accounting statement, for example.
Here is a list of the most common types of shipments:
Personal effects shipped to Turkey from Canada will incur a 10% duty if they are valued at €1,500 or less (about $2,250 CAD). Above €1,500, the goods will incur duties at their established rates.
Goods must abide by the following conditions:
The owner of the goods is at least 18 years of age
They are to arrive within 2 months of the owner's arrival and up to 6 months after
They are for personal or family use
Moving Temporarily
Students
If you are moving to Turkey temporarily to study, you may ship your personal effects duty-free.
Goods that are exempt from duties include:
Clothing, both new and used
Items required to furnish a student's room
School related materials - books, papers, etc.
NOTE: Educational materials may receive an exemption more than once in an academic year, however this does not apply to household items - they receive only one exemption per year.
Non-Students
There is no information at this time regarding non-students moving temporarily to Turkey
Moving Permanently
If you are moving permanently to Turkey, you may ship your personal effects duty-free.
The conditions of this tax exemption include:
You have lived continuously in Canada for 2 years or more*
Your goods are may arrive in Turkey either before when you do or within 6 months of coming to Turkey
*You may stay temporarily in Turkey for up to 45 days and still be considered having lived in Canada for 24 months or more months
Personal Effects Checklist
A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
Commercial invoice must clearly state 'Personal Effects' (see sample)
A detailed description of each item is provided
f moving permanently to Turkey, provide a certificate of transfer of residence
Sample Commercial Invoice for Food, Chocolate, Candies
Ship To
Invoice
Sabiha Gökçen Yeşilköy Mahallesi Eski Havaalanı Caddesi 34149 Bakırköy/Istanbul Turkey
Phone: +90 212 663 2490
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Food Shipment - Assorted chocolate bars in their original manufacturer's packaging
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 5 Feb 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Box
Nestle Chocolate Bars in original packaging expiring May 2021 (shelf life of 6 months or longer)
CA
$20.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Permanent / Sold Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $20.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Samples
Commercial samples and models of goods are shipped to demonstrate new products and encourage sales. Samples may be shipped to Turkey from Canada exempt from customs duty
providing they have no commercial value, i.e. have no monetary value.
Samples with commercial value will incur refundable taxes and duties providing they are returned to Canada within 6 months of their arrival in Turkey.
Commercial Sample Checklist
A Commercial Invoice must be included with your shipment
Clearly indicate 'Commercial Samples' on the commercial invoice in the General Description & Detailed Description of Goods (see sample)
The item shipped has tearing, perforation, slashing, defacing, or has permanent marking clearing indicating the item as commercial sample
Sample Commercial Invoice for Promotional Material
Ship To
Invoice
Sabiha Gökçen Yeşilköy Mahallesi Eski Havaalanı Caddesi 34149 Bakırköy/Istanbul Turkey
Phone: +90 212 663 2490
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Promotional Material - Not for Resale
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 5 Feb 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Each
Promotional Material: Not for Resale. Product pamphlets to hand out at trade show.
CA
$163.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Promotional Material Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $163.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Repairs
Equipment sent to Canada from Turkey for repairs will be exempt from import duties when they return to Turkey if they are repaired free of charge.
Items Under Warranty
Equipment under warranty that was repaired in Canada free of charge may re-enter Turkey exempt from payment of customs duty
Items No Longer Under Warranty
Equipment no longer under warranty that is sent to Canada for repair will incur duty charges when it re-enters Turkey.
Sending Product for Repair to Turkey
Equipment for repair can be shipped to Turkey for a period of up to 12 months.
Returning Repaired Product to Turkey
Equipment that was repaired in Canada free of charge will be exempt from customs duty when they re-enter Turkey.
Repair Checklist
Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'REPAIR & RETURN' under the General Description or Remarks, and include the estimated time of return
(see sample)
Include repair contract with shipment
Serial or product number and the cost of repairs should be indicated under the Detailed Description of Goods section
Include the original shipping documents or tracking number from when the item was first exported to Turkey or exported to Canada (depending on which case applies)
A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
Sabiha Gökçen Yeşilköy Mahallesi Eski Havaalanı Caddesi 34149 Bakırköy/Istanbul Turkey
Phone: +90 212 663 2490
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Repair and Return - Watch being sent for repair
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 5 Feb 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Each
Fossil Watch being sent for repair - Model E5, serial # 789456FG7E2 - Repair Cost $76.00
US
$163.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Warranty Repair Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $163.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Temporary Imports
Goods may be temporarily imported into Turkey from Canada exempt partially or totally from customs duty. The conditions that apply to temporary imports include:
They are to remain unchanged except for normal wear-and-tear
They are not permitted to be in free circulation
They are returned to Canada within 6 months of their arrival in Turkey
Goods not allowed temporary entry include:
Those on the prohibited entry list
Consumables
Items that may create an economic obstruction
Items that cannot be uniquely identified or singled out
Qualifying for Duty & Tax Free Temporary Import
In order to import your goods duty and tax free into Turkey, you can pick from 1 of the 2 Temporary Import Methods listed below
Each option has its pros and cons. Regardless, each of the following methods requires you to complete a commercial invoice. More details are shown in the table.
Option #
Temporary Import Method
Risk of paying
1
Commercial Invoice Only (no other documentation is provided)
High - if broker cannot clear goods temporarily
2
Commercial Invoice
+
ATA Carnet
Very Low
1. Complete a Commercial Invoice (CI) only
This is the simplest and quickest option. See example.
NOTE: You should be aware that shipping using this method doesn't guarantee that your items will be imported duty/tax free.
Not all brokers will clear goods as temporary imports (i.e. UPS, FedEx, DHL) nor is it a guarantee that customs won't charge any duties and taxes.
2. Commercial Invoice (CI) + an ATA Carnet
Completing an ATA Carnet is great option for items that frequently travel in and out of the country.
It's also great because once you have an ATA Carnet, it is accepted by 176 countries worldwide making the application process a one-time thing.
In addition to declaring your commercial invoice as a temporary import, you can get an ATA Carnet for the items that are of temporary nature.
ATA Carnets are beyond the scope of the article however, you can find more information here:
http://www.chamber.ca/carnet/
NOTE: It is highly recommended to get an ATA Carnet for items that frequently
travel in and out of the country and especially so when it is valued over $2,500 USD
In addition to choosing option 1 or 2, the following conditions must also be met in order to qualify for a duty and VAT free exemption:
The goods arrive and leave in the same condition, i.e. they undergo no repairs nor are they used in manufacturing
Stay no longer than 6 months in Turkey
NOTE:
If the above conditions are not followed, duties and taxes will be charged as though the goods have been imported permanently.
Your Customs broker can clear goods of a temporary nature (FedEx, UPS, DHL, etc. typically CANNOT clear goods of temporary nature)
Temporary Imports Checklist
Commercial Invoice clearly stating 'Temporary Import'. This must be written in the General Description section and the Detailed Description of Goods.
(see sample)
The goods arrive and leave in the same condition, i.e. they undergo no repairs nor are they used in manufacturing
Stay no longer than the period listed above
Include your ATA Carnet with your shipment (if applicable)
Include the expected return date or the date that it was originally received within the country (whichever applies)
A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
Any above listed items not listed in this checklist
Sabiha Gökçen Yeşilköy Mahallesi Eski Havaalanı Caddesi 34149 Bakırköy/Istanbul Turkey
Phone: +90 212 663 2490
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment returning Jan 2020
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 5 Feb 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 box
Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment
CA
$1032.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Temporary Imports Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $1032.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Permanent/Sold Goods
Sold goods shipped to Turkey from Canada will incur taxes whether it is for personal or business reasons.
Occasional Shipper
A shipment with a value of less than €1,500 (about $2,250 CAD) and weighing less than 30 kg will incur a tax of 20%. This assumes the goods are neither of commercial quality nor quantity.
NOTE: Books and similarly printed materials for personal use up to a value of €150 (about $225 CAD) incur no tax or duties
Regular Shipper
If you regularly ship sold goods to Turkey, we recommend you consult a licenced Turkish customs broker.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Permanent/Sold Goods
Ship To
Invoice
Sabiha Gökçen Yeşilköy Mahallesi Eski Havaalanı Caddesi 34149 Bakırköy/Istanbul Turkey
Phone: +90 212 663 2490
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Permanent/Sold: Parts and accessories for Canon B78n camera
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 5 Feb 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
15 Each
Camera Lenses: Canon EF 50mm, Canon EF 85mm & wide-angle lenses.
CA
$132.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Permanent/Sold Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $1980.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Required Documents
Shipping packages internationally requires a lot of documentation. This process alone can be confusing and time-consuming.
So we’ve narrowed down what documents you might need and ranked them based on likeliness of being needed.
Document Type
When?
Details
Shipping Label / Bill of Lading
Always required
This is a label provided by the carrier (UPS, FedEx, DHL, etc.). Always required because the carrier needs to know the parcel's destination.
Commercial Invoice
Required for all non-document shipments
For all non-document shipments, you will require 3 copies of the commercial invoice (to be included with your shipping labels).
These are for customs purposes and need to be included inside a document pouch outside of the box.
When creating a shipment through the Secureship website, the system will help you create this document automatically.
B13a
Required if value exceeds $2,000 per shipment or is a controlled good
A B13a is required if your shipment exceeds $2000 CAD or is a controlled good
and is destined to a country other than the US, Puerto Rico, or the US Virgin Islands
Canada has a preferential trade agreement with Turkey. A COO proves that an item has been produced, manufactured or processed in Canada.
When an item with a COO is imported into Turkey, it will incur a reduced or zero-rated import duty.
Certificate of Insurance (COI)
Infrequently required
Shows that the shipment has been insured.
Banks may request a certificate of insurance when providing letters of credit for the goods. Otherwise,
it is generally your choice whether to purchase insurance for the shipment.
ATA Carnet
Infrequently required
Used to avoid duties and taxes on shipments of temporary nature.
If you ship goods of temporary nature to and from a country, you can obtain an ATA Carnet to expedite the customs clearance process and
ensure that anything of temporary nature is not charged duties and taxes.
Duty and taxes are calculated on the CIF value of the shipment, which is the sum of the customs value, insurance costs, and freight charges.
CIF Value = Customs Value + Insurance Amount + Freight Costs
By knowing the CIF value of a shipment, you will be able to predict the duty and taxes owed by the recipient.
Thresholds
There is no threshold (de minimis value) for goods entering Turkey. All shipments will incur duties and VAT.
Currency
Turkish Lira (TRY)
Duty Exemption
(De minimis Value
N/A
Duty Calculation Method
CIF
TAX (VAT)
1%, 8%, 18%, depending on the good
Tax Exemption
(De minimis Value)
N/A
Tax Calculation Method
CIF
Duties on Imports
Certain shipments will incur the Special Consumption Tax (ÖTV) over and above duties.
Items subject to the Special Consumption Tax include: Luxury products, Alcoholic beverages, & Tobacco and tobacco products
Candy13.4%
Chocolate8.3%
Spirits and Wines0% / 70%
Tobacco26%
Books0%
Documents0%
Video Games & Consoles0%
Computers & Laptops0% (requires authorization)
Tablets0% (requires authorization)
Mobiles0% (requires authorization)
Cameras4.2%
Accessories for Electronics0% (requires authorization)
You can purchase
insurance
through Secureship and it is provided by the carrier that will be transporting your shipment.
Each carrier will charge a different amount per $100 of declared insurance. If you indicate that you need insurance for your shipment our system will automatically include the insurance costs for your shipment.
Insurance is great to have in case your package is accidentally lost or damaged by the carrier. But be careful, not everything you ship is insurable. Worse - even if your package contains items that are insurable, if it doesn’t meet the ISTA 3A packaging standard, the insurance purchased through the carrier would not be available to you.
Here are some items that cannot be insured by the carrier:
Personal belongings
Antiques
Artwork
Liquids (including alcohol)
Televisions
Jewellery in excess of $500
Perishable goods
Glass or Ceramic
And many more items
For more information, please see the carrier's terms and conditions.
Shipping to Turkey from Canada can take between 3-5 business days through the fastest carriers available on the Secureship platform.
More economical services, such as Canada Post, can take up to 1-2 months to complete the delivery.
