This document was submitted in response to a questionnaire distributed by Global Hand regarding humanitarian customs information. It provides regulations for importing humanitarian aid into Turkey.

Required Documents

• Bill of lading/airway bill
• original of invoice or bill of sale with Turkish Consulate’s endorsement and notarised Turkish translation. If one has not been issued for used materials being sent to officially registered Turkish charity organisation, this requirement can be waived if all other required documents are produced
• deed of donation issued by Turkish Notary Public or by a Turkish Consulate for ambulance or firemen’s trucks, and ownership certificate and information on the vehicle. If owner does not wish to disclose details, then the original invoice or bill of sale with Turkish Consulate endorsement and notarised Turkish translation will suffice
• food and medicines must be accompanied by an official health certificate, issued by foreign government institutions stating that the products are safe for human use.

Prohibited Goods

Alcohol, tobacco, coffee, tea, or motor vehicles other than ambulances or firemen’s trucks, are not allowed into Turkey as humanitarian aid.

Tax Exemption

• Tax exemption from customs duties applies to the following:
• Humanitarian aid which covers vital human need (e.g. food, medicine, clothing, bedding etc) imported by government institutions of by officially registered aid organisations for the purpose of free distribution to the public.
• Goods send by foreign persons or companies for non-profit use by government institutions or officially registered humanitarian aid organisations.
• Office goods or other materials send by foreign persons or companies for the use of the officially registered charity/humanitarian air organisations in the course of their activities.
• Goods imported by government institutions or officially registered foundations working for the public, to be distributed to victims of a natural disaster, or left for use by such persons with ownership remaining with the institutions. (This does not apply to construction materials, even for the purpose of rebuilding after a natural disaster).
• Goods imported by aid organisations for their own use during the period of their aid activities.

PreShipment Application

Contact nearest Turkish Consulate.

Restrictions

There are no restrictions regarding new or second hand goods.

Other Info

In the case of a natural disaster, the basic humanitarian aid materials should be sent to Turkey with a bill of lading. If an official health certificate is not provided, then a declaration should be given in writing by the donor, the recipient or the importer that the products are safe for human consumption. In the absence of this declaration, samples will be taken from the products and sent to the Government Health Department for testing. All other documentation mentioned above applies.

Source:

Turkish Consulate, Hong Kong. Date published: 17/06/2002