Do I have to declare CITES-protected species and products at Turkey customs?

Yes — it has to be declared to Turkey customs on arrival.

What happens if I do not declare CITES-protected species and products in Turkey?

Under Gümrükler Genel Müdürlüğü Genelge 2020/7, page 2: the goods are held until you leave the country; the goods are destroyed. Under Gümrük Kanunu 4458, Madde 235/3, if the goods are found without being declared: duty is charged at 2 times the normal rate and the goods are released once it is paid; the goods are confiscated. Under Kaçakçılıkla Mücadele Kanunu 5607, Madde 3/1, if it is treated as smuggling: it carries between 1 and 5 years of imprisonment; the goods are confiscated.

Can I post or ship CITES-protected species and products to Turkey instead of carrying it?

Not under this allowance. It covers goods a traveller carries; a parcel is an import and is assessed under the postal rules instead. Baggage sent before or after you travels under the same allowance.

Can I take CITES-protected species and products out of Turkey?

Turkey publishes no separate rule for taking CITES-protected species and products out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the Turkey limit for CITES-protected species and products apply per person or per family?

Per person. Each traveller carries their own allowance and it cannot be pooled with anyone else's.

Where does this rule come from?

Ticaret Bakanlığı Gümrükler Genel Müdürlüğü states it in Nesli Tehlike Altında Olan Yabani Hayvan ve Bitki Türlerinin Dış Ticaretine İlişkin Tebliğ (Dış Ticaret: 2011/1)'de Değişiklik Yapılmasına Dair Tebliğ. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19.

How does Turkey compare with other countries on CITES-protected species and products?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 1 prohibit CITES-protected species and products, 19 limit it and 0 let it through. Turkey is among the ones that set a limit.

How much CITES-protected species and products can I bring into Turkey?

Restricted

You can bring CITES-protected species and products into Turkey only within the stated limits.

Cabin baggage —

Checked baggage —

Declaration Above allowance

Limit No stated quantity

What you need to know

No stated quantity
Channels: Carried with the traveler
No stated quantity
Channels: Carried with the traveler

Important

This allowance applies per person, not per family or group.

Official sources

Last verified 2026-09-19

Nesli Tehlike Altında Olan Yabani Hayvan ve Bitki Türlerinin Dış Ticaretine İlişkin Tebliğ (Dış Ticaret: 2011/1)'de Değişiklik Yapılmasına Dair Tebliğ Ticaret Bakanlığı, Resmî Gazete Sayı 31201

Questions about CITES-protected species and products in Turkey

Do I have to declare CITES-protected species and products at Turkey customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to Turkey customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare CITES-protected species and products in Turkey?: Under Gümrükler Genel Müdürlüğü Genelge 2020/7, page 2: the goods are held until you leave the country; the goods are destroyed. Under Gümrük Kanunu 4458, Madde 235/3, if the goods are found without being declared: duty is charged at 2 times the normal rate and the goods are released once it is paid; the goods are confiscated. Under Kaçakçılıkla Mücadele Kanunu 5607, Madde 3/1, if it is treated as smuggling: it carries between 1 and 5 years of imprisonment; the goods are confiscated.
Can I post or ship CITES-protected species and products to Turkey instead of carrying it?: Not under this allowance. It covers goods a traveller carries; a parcel is an import and is assessed under the postal rules instead. Baggage sent before or after you travels under the same allowance.
Can I take CITES-protected species and products out of Turkey?: Turkey publishes no separate rule for taking CITES-protected species and products out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Turkey limit for CITES-protected species and products apply per person or per family?: Per person. Each traveller carries their own allowance and it cannot be pooled with anyone else's.
Where does this rule come from?: Ticaret Bakanlığı Gümrükler Genel Müdürlüğü states it in Nesli Tehlike Altında Olan Yabani Hayvan ve Bitki Türlerinin Dış Ticaretine İlişkin Tebliğ (Dış Ticaret: 2011/1)'de Değişiklik Yapılmasına Dair Tebliğ. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19.
How does Turkey compare with other countries on CITES-protected species and products?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 1 prohibit CITES-protected species and products, 19 limit it and 0 let it through. Turkey is among the ones that set a limit.

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