Check the tariff schedule to confirm exemptions for your goods before shipping. This practical guide shows how to verify eligibility and prepare for smooth clearance at the border.
Identify each item by its HS code, determine its category (personal effect, temporary import, or commercial stock), and assess whether an exemption applies. For devices and essential equipment, confirm that the use aligns with exemptions when imported for education, health, or work-related activities. Consider special cases such as charitable shipments and gifts, which often receive different treatment.
Note that some regulatory notes use Turkish terms hakkını, yerine, benim, olma, şeklinde, somut, maddesinin, faaliyetlerinde, idaresince, tabi, cihazı, ayrıca, akaryakıt, edip, karar, olmadığında to illustrate how rules may reference context and documentation requirements.
Document every item with receipts, purchase invoices, serial numbers, and country of origin. Attach product descriptions and HS codes. For used items, include age and condition. Keep the declared value aligned with the supporting documents. This helps avoid delays and penalties during customs checks, especially if the total value crosses any personal allowance threshold, which varies by country.
For travellers and small businesses: if the destination authority offers it, file a pre-declaration, list all items for check, and bring originals or certified copies of documents. If a decision (karar) from the customs administration (idaresince) grants or denies a duty exemption, follow the stated appeal or correction process. When in doubt, consult a licensed customs broker or the official helpline for country-specific rules.
Fuel shipments generally attract excise and import duty; exemptions are uncommon and usually limited to specific uses or quantities. If you bring fuel legally, declare the quantity, type, and storage method, and verify whether any duty relief applies in your context. For all other goods, prioritise complete documentation and accurate classification to maximise your chances of exemption.
By staying proactive, you convert a potentially complex clearance into a straightforward process. Start with accurate classification, support every claim with documentation, and use official guidance to validate exemptions before you ship or travel.
Non-value samples and prototypes: eligibility criteria and declaration steps

Verify eligibility with customs before import: label the item as a non-value sample and prototype to ensure exemption from duty. For this import, present official documentation that proves intended testing and that the goods are supplied under law, with clear repute maintained by the importer. The origin should be stated as Counties and the shipment routed through airports checkpoints, so accurate values reporting and labelling are essential. This approach helps prevent delays at gates and supports compliance up to the point of entry.
Eligibility criteria
Items qualify only when they are non-commercial, intended solely for testing or development and not for sale as finished goods. The values declared must be nominal or zero and kept separate from any commercial inventory. Documentation must show the purpose clearly and be aligned with official requirements, including legal references. Origin information from their countries, and the labelling should indicate intended use, with the equipment in vehicles identified as demonstrators rather than retail stock. On arrival, the shipment should be presented at airports with a straightforward declaration and evidence that the material is destined for evaluation. The set of items must be described precisely, and the above criteria validated by the customs officer at the gate, ensuring that outgoing status remains accurate until the testing phase concludes.
Declaration steps
Prepare a formal declaration under the law, affixing a statement indicating non-value sample or prototype status and outlining the intended use. Attach official documentation that explains intended testing, including a brief project description, the involved parties, and expected duration. Indicate the country of origin (countries of origin) and the exact items (materials) included, with values shown as nominal or zero. On arrival, present the package at airports and submit the full set of documents to customs for review; be prepared to demonstrate the testing programme and to remove any components (items) that could imply resale. If requested, provide a plan for return or disposal of the items, ensuring that overseas shipments and re-exports are handled under the appropriate legal framework, and that the process does not imply commercial intent up to final disposition.
Passenger exemptions: Green Channel vs Red Channel – what counts and when to declare
Declaring is the safest approach: report any item that could incur taxes or require permission under legislation; if in doubt, declare. Green Channel is for goods used for personal purposes and not subject to licences, staying within general criteria; for items that could trigger duties or restrictions, use Red Channel and declare explicitly to avoid penalties and prosecution, especially when traveling from foreign destinations during your holiday; note that some forms include fields like m31in for reference.
Green Channel: what counts
Eligible through the Green Channel are items clearly for yurt-based personal use, such as clothing, toiletries, gifts to family within the stipulated limits, small electronics for private use, and souvenirs kept within general exemptions. Carry-on and checked baggage should belong to you or your family during your holiday and remain within these limits; if any item risks becoming a commercial good or exceeds the criteria, switch to the Red Channel.
When to declare and consequences
Declare items that could attract taxes, licences, or quotas: alcoholic beverages, tobacco, high-value electronics, jewellery, medicines with restrictions, cash above limits, and goods from outside sources that require proof of provenance. If you fail to declare or misdeclare, authorities may impose penalty fines and initiate proceedings under law or criminal provisions; keep receipts and be prepared to show origin and intended use. Some exemptions apply under general rules, but best practice remains to declare and let customs confirm whether the goods qualify for full or partial exemption.
Items not subject to customs and their thresholds at Istairport
Check Istairport allowances before you travel: for yolcular arriving by air, personal belongings and hediyeler valued up to £430 are generally exempt from customs duties. If your items exceed the threshold, tax applies to the amount above the limit at the door, so carry receipts and be ready to declare at airports. This guidance aligns with legislation and is supported by official references such as givenhttpsdecisionsearchsupremecourtofcassationgovtr.
Personal belongings and gifts
Under these rules, whatever you bring as personal items or gifts for others are counted toward the same cap. According to mevzuata maddede, tarihinden 22yi, gifts (hediyeler) imported by a passenger are included in the threshold; if the total value crosses 430 EUR per traveller, taxes may apply on the excess. At Istairport kapısı, staff may request receipts and inspect items to ensure compliance, especially for goods purchased from firmaları abroad and brought through havalimanlarında. Avoid aykırı shipments by keeping documents handy and tracking whatever you pack buraya.
Medicines and medical devices
Medicines for personal use (medicinal) can be exempt when they are for treatment and accompanied by a prescription or medical certificate. If you exceed the 430 EUR threshold with medicines or medical devices, expect review at the gate and possible tax on the excess. Always carry supporting documents, and check legislation for any updates; as of the 22nd, regulations may dictate additional controls when crossing Istanbul Airport gates with medicinal goods, especially items from companies intended for personal use. If in doubt, declare and let the officers guide you through the process to avoid delays.
Corporate imports for testing, analysis and evaluation: when duty-free treatment applies
Claim duty-free treatment for corporate imports used for testing, analysis, and evaluation when the goods will not enter commerce and are declared with a document that confirms the nature and substance thereof. Now align the declaration with the program requirements and route it to annexe-9's office in Turkey for review, by the company’s compliance team.
Ensure the declaration reflects the true purpose of the import and that the values are presented clearly while noting exemption from taxes. If an item may be exchanged with a supplier or moved to the US for a limited testing phase, document the cost of testing and keep the scope strictly within testing, analysis, and evaluation, while avoiding commercial use.
When shipments arrive with potential two-way movement, such as yolcunun carrying test samples or small kits, keep them separate from commercial stock and confirm the mahiyet in the beyana. For items like kahve-1 used as a test SKU, specify miktarda and türden to demonstrate the experimental nature and to support duty-free handling under the applicable regime.
Documentation and process
| Аспект | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Eligible use | Imports by a corporate entity for testing, analysis, and evaluation qualify when they won't be sold or entered into normal commerce; indicate mahiyet clearly in the document and declaration. |
| Core documents | Prepare a document and declaration that detail the item, its nature, and the intended testing purpose; provide this in advance to the department in Turkey in Annex-9 and document the approval. |
| Quantity and SKUs | Limit shipments to quantities necessary for testing; for example, coffee-1 samples should specify quantity and type to prove non-commercial intent and controlled use. |
| Value declarations | Stated values with a note that exemption applies from duty and tax; ensure the declared value aligns with testing parameters and does not resemble commercial pricing. |
| International considerations | For dye transfer, confirm the testing programme and maintain a clear chain of custody; verify approvals by the designated authority and referenced in the declaration. |
| Operational controls | Monitor items for flow, avoid mixing with saleable inventory, and track in-kind changes as tests progress; document any deviations and obtain rapid re-approval if scope shifts. |
| Traveller-supplied samples | If a traveller delivers samples, declare them upon entry, ensure their intended use remains as testing material, and keep separate records from commercial shipments. |
Import under customs exemption: implications for in-country trade and resale
Confirm eligibility for exemption and attach the relevant circular before import; then lodge registry with the customs authority to minimise the risk of penalisation for non-compliance. The subject here is how exemptions shape in-country trade and resale, not only the initial clearance.
- Eligibility and documentation: Verify the exact exemption category for each item, reference the applicable circular, and prepare a clear list of acts describing intended use. Keep the records at the administration and ensure brought entries align with rules to avoid penalties for punishment. Maintain copies of invoices, product codes, and purpose statements to support the exemption in transit and at the border.
- Impact on in-country resale: Even when duties are waived on entry, limits on their uses may apply. If goods are then sold or utilised domestically, the exemption can be reconsidered, and a portion of tax or penalties may be levied at the time of sale. Plan pricing and compliance checks to reflect potential reclassification under the exemption.
- Transit and temporary imports: Use transit routes only with proper declarations; bringing items in under exemption can occur for exhibitions or samples, but you must track the portion of each shipment and ensure the items do not bypass intended use. Any deviation can trigger penalties or required duties.
- Promotional and sample goods: Promotional items such as photograph equipment or phone accessories may qualify under certain exemption conditions, yet you must document half limits and maintain a robust record trail to support why they were brought in and how they will be used in-market.
- Enforcement and penalties: Non-compliance can lead to penalties, especially if goods are diverted to non-exempt uses or if the uploaded information does not match actual usage. Regular audits may check this for consistency between the declared purpose and actual deployments.
- Travellers and small consignments: For passengers carrying exemptions, keep records and ensure that personal use aligns with the allowed limits. It's necessary to document how these items will be used or re-exported to maintain exemption validity.
- Practical steps for traders: Create a pre-shipment checklist that covers muafiyeti eligibility, kayıt in the idaresine, and a post-arrival verification process. Add a simple monitoring plan to catch changes in kurallar or genelge that could affect the exemption status in dünya markets.
Categories of goods fully exempt from customs duties: common examples and limits
Recommendation: Check the national customs schedule now and confirm exemptions before packing; travellers typically qualify for duty-free personal belongings if items are for personal use and stay within the value limits defined by legislation. I'm sure that proper planning avoids unexpected charges. Keep receipts for each item, list the belongings accompanying you, and be ready to declare anything that could trigger a red flag. If in doubt, consult the legislation; the guidance under outlines the process and the threshold. Do not ignore the risk of misdeclaration, which can amount to an offence.
Common fully exempt categories
Personal belongings of passengers, such as clothes, toiletries, and electronics for personal use, are exempt when the total value stays within the limit not exceeding that set by law. Gifts and samples not for resale and within the article's threshold also qualify. Educational materials and cultural items (relating to education) shipped or carried for educational purposes may be exempt. Medical supplies and assistive devices for personal use are typically exempt. Charitable and humanitarian aid shipped for approved purposes can be exempt, and re-imported goods accompanying the traveller may be treated under the same rules. For travellers returning with goods, ensure that items are clearly for personal use and not intended for commercial distribution.
Note: some items may be subject to special scrutiny if they appear on a red list; prepare documentation now to support the claim of exemption. The 22yi provision can set tighter limits for certain categories, so correct classification matters. Any item that falls under the limits usually only requires standard verification by customs, while items outside those limits may require payment of duties and taxes. Engaging in any suspect activity should be avoided; the goal is to keep the shipment within regulatory and legal frameworks for effortless clearance.
Limits and practical tips
Maintain a concise inventory for personal belongings and accompanying documents; the total value must stay within the cap defined by regulations and the law. Always declare items that could exceed the limits, especially those accompanying the traveller or intended for resale. For gifts and samples, keep clear records and recipient details to satisfy due requirements. Third-level guidance can help identify where to apply exemptions, and the law governs the admissibility of charitable aid and educational materials. If there is any doubt, consult the official guidance in advance; following these steps is necessary to avoid penalties and ensure compliance under the relevant law and regulations, including sanctions on any defendant's goods.
Traveller's gifts, personal effects, and mail/courier shipments: definitions, limits and exemptions
Recommendation: declare gifts and personal effects that could reach the threshold. Keep the cost receipts, attach a clear statement of what each item is, and ask for guidance if the value is close to or above the threshold. For small items like coffee samples or other mementos, mark them as samples and document their origin to avoid delays.
Definitions: Gifts are items you give to another person during travel; personal effects are belongings you carry for your own use, such as clothing, cosmetics, and keepsakes. Mail/courier shipments cover packages addressed to you or to accompany you, including gifts or personal goods. Each item should be described by its tariff line and its value. If an item is recognised as non‑commercial and for personal use, it may be exempt, especially when labelling supports that status. If an item falls into product categories that are external to normal travel, expect closer inspection and a possible border check. Note: provide a simple statement that matches the description and origin.
Limits and exemptions: Thresholds vary by country and mode of travel; many jurisdictions apply a kadar limit per kişi (person). Value above the limit may incur euro-based duties or taxes; some rare cases have yoktur duty for very small or clearly used items. For ürünlerin in a bag or shipment, the total bedeli edilecek duty depends on the maddenin category and its origin. Öngörülen rules are subject to change, so check the latest guidance before departure. If the item is uzun and ilave packaging increases its value, consider separating it from other goods to simplify the analiz at customs. In practice, kalmak within the limit helps avoid formalities, but bunuya bağlı olarak bazı ülkeler 22yi veya benzeri euro equivalent thresholds kullanabilir; bu nedenle her durumda resmi kaynağı kontrol etmek gerekir.
How exemptions apply to gifts, personal effects, and mail shipments
Gifts that you personally give or send to another person during travel are usually treated separately from your own belongings. If the total cost stays within the local limit, no duty applies; otherwise, payable amounts are calculated on the item and the country’s tariff rules. On-pack documentation and descriptions help determine if items like coffee samples or small souvenirs qualify for tax-free status; some items may be recognised as small, non-commercial gifts and fall under specific exemptions. If you travel with multiple gifts, add their cost together and compare with the limit; different countries this may calculate. For shipments, ensure the package is clearly labelled with the sender, recipient, and a brief description of its contents, so the customs officer can assess whether it falls under exempt limits or requires a duty payment, and whether the value of the item triggers any tariff line (item).
Practical tips for travellers and couriers: keep receipts for every new item, especially those labelled edilecek to your avroyu conversion–some offices reference euro or other currencies in local notes. If you are delivering or receiving a package, include a short yorum of the package contents and their purpose (personal use vs. gift). When in doubt, kalmak compliant: declare all items, provide accurate kadar values, and request guidance. In many cases, this approach helps minimise delays and avoids misinterpretation of the haline of goods.
Checklist for travellers
Before you fly, verify the usual rules for gifts, belongings, and mail shipments in your destination country; prepare a simple list that includes item name (items), quantity, cost, and country of origin. Carry copies of receipts for items that may exceed the limit and be ready to present labelling and explanation. If you plan to declare a shipment, include its item code and a note about its purpose to facilitate the analysis by customs officials. This approach, actually straightforward, keeps you aligned with local rules and minimises surprises at the desk. Take into account that some allowances vary by traveller, and thresholds can change with policy updates; staying informed ensures a smoother process and avoids unexpected charges, especially for items like tea-1 samples or other small goods.
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