How to Ship Items to Turkey: A Step-by-Step Guide

Shipping items internationally always comes with its own set of challenges, from navigating customs regulations to picking the right carrier and service. Turkey is no exception. With its bustling population of over 84 million, Turkey is a major importer and exporter, moving over $374 billion worth of goods each year. If you need to send a package to someone in Turkey, whether it’s a gift for a friend or an order for a customer, this guide will walk you through the entire process step-by-step.

Choose the Right Carrier

The first decision you need to make when shipping to Turkey is choosing the right carrier. There are a number of options that offer varying delivery speeds and prices:

• Aramex – Offers economy shipping that takes 3-5 business days.
• Budget Economy – An ultra-budget option with transit times of 8-14 business days.
• DHL Express – A fast option with deliveries in 2-5 business days.
• DHL Express Smallbox – For smaller items, also delivers in 2-5 business days.
• FedEx Economy – Slightly faster than budget, with deliveries in 5-9 business days.
• FedEx Priority – A good blend of speed and affordability, delivering in 3-6 business days.
• Inflation Breaker – Another economy service with transit times of 7-11 days.
• UPS Expedited – Fast service in 5-9 business days.

The carrier you choose depends on your specific needs. If you need it there quickly, opt for DHL Express, FedEx Priority or UPS Expedited. If you can wait a little longer to save money, Aramex, Budget Economy, or Inflation Breaker are good options.

Pack Your Item Securely

Once you’ve picked your carrier it’s time to pack up your item to ship. Protecting your contents is especially important when sending international shipments. Here are some tips

• Use a sturdy box and high-quality packing materials like bubble wrap or foam peanuts, Don’t skimp on cushioning—it will protect your item from damage,

• Seal your box thoroughly with strong packing tape. No gaps should remain where the flaps meet.

• Include an itemized list of all the package contents on the outside for customs purposes.

• Attach the shipping label securely to the top of the box where it won’t get damaged.

• Weigh and measure your package carefully and provide accurate dimensions when purchasing postage. Oversized or overweight items may incur additional fees.

• Insure your package, especially if the contents are valuable. This covers you in case the shipment gets lost or damaged.

Complete Customs Paperwork

One of the trickiest parts of international shipping is making sure your customs paperwork is filled out properly. For Turkey, you’ll need to complete a few key forms:

• Commercial Invoice – Provides info like a description of the contents, their value, and the importer/exporter details. Required for all international shipments.

• Certificate of Origin – States where the products were manufactured or produced. Needed for any commercial shipments.

• PS Form 2976 – The USPS customs form required for all mail entering Turkey. Must be completed accurately.

• PS Form 2976-A – An additional postal customs form that goes inside the 2976-E envelope.

Work carefully as you fill out these forms, making sure all details like product origins, values, and descriptions are correct. Any errors could cause your shipment to be held up in Turkish customs. Attaching the forms securely to the outside of your package is also important.

Understand Prohibited Items

Turkey prohibits certain types of items from being imported into the country. Familiarize yourself with these restricted products before shipping to avoid problems:

• Weapons, firearms, and ammunition
• Alcohol and tobacco
• Most food products
• Counterfeit products or merchandise violating intellectual property laws
• Products from embargoed countries like Iran
• Pornographic materials
• Gambling-related content
• Certain pharmaceuticals and chemicals

Your shipment could be confiscated or returned to you if it contains any prohibited items. When in doubt, check Turkey’s current customs regulations before sending your package.

Purchase Postage and Ship

The final step is purchasing postage and getting your package shipped out. You can buy postage and schedule a pickup through your selected carrier’s website. Make sure to keep your receipt and tracking number too. This allows you to monitor your shipment’s progress as it makes its way across the ocean to its destination in Turkey.

With the right carrier, secure packaging, properly completed paperwork, and an understanding of customs rules, you can ship items to Turkey without hassle. Just follow each step carefully to keep your shipment moving smoothly across borders. Your recipient will be thrilled when your delivery shows up right on time.