Introduction: Rising Vape Use and Heightened Customs Enforcement Electronic cigarettes, disposable vapes, pods, and flavored liquids have become increasingly popular worldwide. Many foreign tourists and residents arriving in Türkiye carry: However, Türkiye imposes strict import controls on all tobacco-related and nicotine-bearing products. This means that vape devices and liquids—regardless of whether they contain nicotine—can trigger: […]
Introduction: Türkiye’s Export Market and the Role of Samples Türkiye is a major global supplier in sectors such as: Foreign companies frequently request sample products from Turkish manufacturers to evaluate: Sending commercial samples abroad is permitted and commonly practiced. However, Turkish exporters sometimes ship samples without declaring them properly, either: When Turkish customs detects that […]
Introduction: A Common but Legally Risky Tourist Practice Türkiye welcomes millions of foreign tourists each year, many of whom rent vehicles for: Some tourists bring from abroad: While travelers often view these items as minor personal belongings, Turkish customs evaluates them under strict import rules. Depending on quantity, packaging, and intended use, foreign tourists may […]
Introduction: A Unique Legal Situation for Returning Turkish Citizens and Their Foreign Spouses Each year, thousands of Turkish citizens living abroad return to Türkiye temporarily or permanently, often accompanied by their foreign spouses. During these visits or relocations, they bring: Although these items are typically intended for personal and family use, Turkish customs laws impose […]
Introduction: Growing Tourist Purchases and Increasing Customs Scrutiny Türkiye is one of the world’s most visited destinations, attracting tens of millions of tourists yearly. Foreign visitors frequently buy: While tourists typically intend to bring gifts home, customs authorities may suspect commercial export when quantities exceed personal-use levels. This triggers: This article analyzes the legal framework […]
Introduction: Growing Foreign Investment and Increasing Customs Sensitivity Türkiye has become a prominent hub for foreign entrepreneurs, particularly in sectors such as: Many foreign investors arrive in Türkiye carrying: While the intention is often legitimate business setup or market evaluation, these goods frequently trigger customs scrutiny. If proper procedures are not followed, authorities may classify […]
Introduction: Why Transit Passengers Encounter Seizure Problems Transit passengers—those who land in a Turkish airport solely to change planes without formally entering Türkiye—often assume they are exempt from customs checks, since: However, this assumption is incorrect. Turkish customs authorities retain full legal power to: Transit zones do not provide immunity from customs law. This article […]
Introduction: Rising Consumer Demand and Increasing Customs Scrutiny Türkiye has witnessed a significant increase in imports of dietary supplements, beauty products, vitamins, collagen powders, protein mixes, herbal blends, and skincare items. Many travelers and small-scale online sellers bring such items from abroad for: However, Turkish customs authorities follow a strict regime regarding: When travelers exceed […]
Introduction: Why Foreign Travelers Often Face Seizure Problems in Turkey Foreign travelers entering Türkiye may experience customs-related complications when bringing: Turkish customs authorities apply strict enforcement measures against undeclared or improperly declared goods, often resulting in immediate seizure (el koyma). Because smuggling offenses fall under Law No. 5607, the legal consequences can be serious—even for […]