Do I have to declare goods banned by law at Turkey customs?

There is nothing to declare — goods banned by law cannot be brought in at all. Declaring it does not make it admissible; it hands it over.

What happens if I do not declare goods banned by law in Turkey?

Under MADDE 3/1, if it is treated as smuggling: it carries between 1 and 5 years of imprisonment. Under MADDE 3/7: it carries between 2 and 6 years of imprisonment.

Can I post or ship goods banned by law 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 goods banned by law out of Turkey?

Turkey publishes no separate rule for taking goods banned by law out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the Turkey limit for goods banned by law 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 5607 sayılı Kaçakçılıkla Mücadele Kanunu, MADDE 3. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19.

How does Turkey compare with other countries on goods banned by law?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 15 prohibit goods banned by law, 5 limit it and 0 let it through. Turkey is among the strictest.

Can I bring goods banned by law to Turkey?

Official classification: Goods banned by law

Prohibited

You cannot bring goods banned by law into Turkey.

Cabin baggage —

Checked baggage —

Declaration Required — surrender

Limit No stated quantity

What you need to know

No stated quantity
Channels: Carried with the traveler, Post or courier

Important

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

If you do not declare

Step 1: Criminal prosecution
Step 2: Criminal prosecution

Official sources

Last verified 2026-09-19

5607 sayılı Kaçakçılıkla Mücadele Kanunu, MADDE 3 Mevzuat Bilgi Sistemi (mevzuat.gov.tr), Cumhurbaşkanlığı Hukuk ve Mevzuat Genel Müdürlüğü

Questions about Goods banned by law in Turkey

Can I bring goods banned by law to Turkey?: goods banned by law may not be brought into Turkey at all. The allowance is per traveller and cannot be pooled between people.
Do I have to declare goods banned by law at Turkey customs?: There is nothing to declare — goods banned by law cannot be brought in at all. Declaring it does not make it admissible; it hands it over.
What happens if I do not declare goods banned by law in Turkey?: Under MADDE 3/1, if it is treated as smuggling: it carries between 1 and 5 years of imprisonment. Under MADDE 3/7: it carries between 2 and 6 years of imprisonment.
Can I post or ship goods banned by law 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 goods banned by law out of Turkey?: Turkey publishes no separate rule for taking goods banned by law out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Turkey limit for goods banned by law 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 5607 sayılı Kaçakçılıkla Mücadele Kanunu, MADDE 3. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19.
How does Turkey compare with other countries on goods banned by law?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 15 prohibit goods banned by law, 5 limit it and 0 let it through. Turkey is among the strictest.

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Accompanied cash Accompanying goods, non-commercial (flat-rate band) Agricultural/forestry/fishery/livestock products (general sub-cap) Alcohol and alcoholic beverages above 22% vol (or undenatured ethyl alcohol 80% vol and over)

Related countries

Australia Canada China France

Other items in this group

Antique and replica weapons Banned knives and edged weapons Buddha images, artifacts/objects, antiques CITES-protected species and products Cigarettes, tobacco and alcoholic beverages (commercial import, Excise Department permit) Consumer fireworks