What happens if I do not declare obscene materials and counterfeit currency/securities in Turkey?

Under Gümrük Kanunu 4458, Madde 235/1: an administrative fine of 4 times the duty is imposed; the normal duty becomes payable on the excess; the goods are returned to where they came from. Under Kaçakçılıkla Mücadele Kanunu 5607, Madde 3/7, if it is treated as smuggling: it carries between 2 and 6 years of imprisonment; the goods are confiscated.

Can I post or ship obscene materials and counterfeit currency/securities 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.

Where does this rule come from?

Ticaret Bakanlığı Gümrükler Genel Müdürlüğü states it in 5237 sayılı Türk Ceza Kanunu, Madde 188 (1). CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19.

How does Turkey compare with other countries on obscene materials and counterfeit currency/securities?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 19 prohibit obscene materials and counterfeit currency/securities, 1 limit it and 0 let it through. Turkey is among the strictest.

How much Obscene materials and counterfeit currency/securities can I bring into Turkey?

Prohibited

You cannot bring Obscene materials and counterfeit currency/securities into Turkey.

Carried Not allowed

Declaration Required — surrender

Limit No stated quantity

What you need to know

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

5237 sayılı Türk Ceza Kanunu, Madde 188 (1) Mevzuat Bilgi Sistemi (mevzuat.gov.tr), Cumhurbaşkanlığı Hukuk ve Mevzuat Genel Müdürlüğü

Questions about Obscene materials and counterfeit currency/securities in Turkey

How many obscene materials and counterfeit currency/securities can I bring into Turkey?: obscene materials and counterfeit currency/securities may not be brought into Turkey at all. The allowance is per traveller and cannot be pooled between people.
Do I have to declare obscene materials and counterfeit currency/securities at Turkey customs?: There is nothing to declare — obscene materials and counterfeit currency/securities cannot be brought in at all. Declaring it does not make it admissible; it hands it over.
What happens if I do not declare obscene materials and counterfeit currency/securities in Turkey?: Under Gümrük Kanunu 4458, Madde 235/1: an administrative fine of 4 times the duty is imposed; the normal duty becomes payable on the excess; the goods are returned to where they came from. Under Kaçakçılıkla Mücadele Kanunu 5607, Madde 3/7, if it is treated as smuggling: it carries between 2 and 6 years of imprisonment; the goods are confiscated.
Can I post or ship obscene materials and counterfeit currency/securities 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 obscene materials and counterfeit currency/securities out of Turkey?: Turkey publishes no separate rule for taking obscene materials and counterfeit currency/securities out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Turkey limit for obscene materials and counterfeit currency/securities 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 5237 sayılı Türk Ceza Kanunu, Madde 188 (1). CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19.
How does Turkey compare with other countries on obscene materials and counterfeit currency/securities?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 19 prohibit obscene materials and counterfeit currency/securities, 1 limit it and 0 let it through. Turkey is among the strictest.

Related items

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