Discusses requirements for products entering the country/economy temporarily, including information on warranty and non-warranty items entering the country/economy for repair.
Last Published: 6/20/2019

Goods may be temporarily imported into Turkey without duties or tax if they are to be used in the production of a product that is to be exported.  The necessary permits for goods that are subject to temporary entry can be received from customs offices.  The Customs Regime with Economic Impact Application Forms should be submitted along with one or two of the following documents:

Pro forma invoice and two copies of translated invoice, catalog and/or technical documents describing technical features of goods - if needed, contract between sender and receiver firms regarding the purpose of shipment and length of stay of the goods – if available, value of the shipment and translation of the contract.

Upon exportation of the finished product, the guarantee is remitted.  Temporary admission of goods intended for re-export in their original form is permissible, free of import duties and taxes with the approval of the Ministry of Trade.  Turkey is a signatory to the International Convention to Facilitate the Importation of Commercial Samples and Advertising Material.  Samples of no commercial value are admitted duty-free.  Other samples are assessed duties and taxes at the time of import, but these are refunded if the samples are re-exported within six months from the date of import.  A letter of guarantee will be provided to Turkish Customs for a temporary import, with the guarantee being returned at the time of re-export.  Samples should be listed on an invoice.  Books, newspapers, magazines, catalogs, pamphlets, brochures and similar advertising materials are exempt from Customs duty.  Goods not allowed temporary entry include:

1.  Prohibited Products
2.  Consumable Products,
3.  Goods that cannot be subjected to a sameness detection,
4.  Goods that can create economic impediments

U.S. traders may also wish to consider a more simplified procedure in the form of an "ATA Carnet."  Carnets are international customs documents permitting the holder to temporarily import products as samples without paying customs duties or posting bonds.  Virtually all goods, personal and professional, including commercial samples, professional equipment, goods intended for use at trade shows and exhibitions, computers, tools, cameras and video equipment, industrial machinery, automobiles, apparel and jewelry are covered under a carnet.

The reader may wish to check the “General List” to see if the goods are covered by ATA Carnet guidelines or call the Carnet-Help-Line at (800) 5-DUTYFREE.

In the United States, carnets are sold by the U.S. Council for International Business, Roanoke Trade Services and Bommerang Carnets.  Once the application is submitted online, standard processing is two business days.  Rush and same-day services are available for an additional charge.  Carnets are valid for one year.

Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.