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

Shipping packages internationally always comes with its own unique set of challenges. From navigating customs regulations, to picking the right carrier and service, sending an item to someone in another country requires some extra planning and preparation.

Turkey in particular can have specific requirements when it comes to importing shipments from abroad. With over 84 million residents, it is a major destination for international parcels and cargo. If you need to mail a package to a friend family member, or customer in Turkey this step-by-step guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

Choose the Right Shipping Carrier

The first key decision when shipping to Turkey is selecting which carrier you want to use There are a number of major couriers that offer international delivery services to Turkey

• FedEx – Offers an economy option with deliveries in 5-9 business days FedEx Priority is faster at 3-6 business days

• DHL – DHL Express delivers packages in 2-5 business days for urgent shipments. DHL Express Smallbox is also fast for smaller items.

• UPS – UPS Expedited reaches Turkey in 5-9 business days.

• USPS – The United States Postal Service ships to Turkey using Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express.

• Aramex – An international carrier with economy shipping in 3-5 days.

• Budget carriers – For extra budget-friendly rates, options like Budget Economy and Inflation Breaker offer delivery in 7-14 days.

The right choice depends on your timeline, budget, and package contents. Faster expedited services like DHL Express or FedEx Priority are best for time-sensitive shipments, while economy carriers work if you want to save money and don’t mind slower transit times.

Pack Your Item Securely

Carefully packing your shipment is especially crucial when mailing internationally. Your box needs to be sturdy enough to withstand the long journey intact. Follow these tips for secure packaging:

• Use a strong corrugated cardboard box in good condition. No punctures or corner damage.

• Cushion contents generously with packing materials like bubble wrap, foam peanuts, or crumpled paper. Don’t skimp on padding.

• Seal the box thoroughly with high-quality packing tape. No gaps should remain on the seams.

• Attach customs forms and documentation securely to the exterior.

• Include a detailed packing list of all contents in the box.

• Weigh and measure the package accurately. Round up when estimating dimensions.

• Insure valuable contents in case the shipment is lost or damaged.

Sturdy, reinforced packaging is your item’s best defense against damage in transit to Turkey.

Complete Required Customs Paperwork

Sending a package internationally always requires customs forms and documentation. Turkey in particular has very precise requirements. You’ll need to complete:

• Commercial Invoice – Detailed list of the contents, their value, countries of origin, importer/exporter details, etc. Required for all commercial shipments.

• Certificate of Origin – Confirms where products were manufactured or produced. Needed for commercial items.

• USPS Customs Forms – Either PS Form 2976 or 2976-A inside a 2976-E envelope. Declares contents to Turkish customs officials.

Take time to carefully and accurately fill out each document. Any errors could cause the parcel to be delayed or returned at the Turkish border. Make multiple copies too in case forms are lost or damaged.

Understand Prohibited Items

Certain products are illegal to import into Turkey. Familiarize yourself with these restricted items:

• Weapons, firearms, and ammunition
• Alcohol and tobacco
• Most food items
• Counterfeit or copyright-infringing goods
• Products from embargoed countries like Iran
• Pornographic materials
• Gambling-related content
• Some chemicals and pharmaceuticals

If your package contains any prohibited items, Turkish customs will likely confiscate it. When in doubt, check Turkey’s detailed customs regulations first.

Purchase Postage and Ship

The final step is buying postage and getting your package shipped out. You can easily purchase international postage and schedule a pickup online through your selected carrier’s website. Make sure to:

• Keep the receipt and tracking number for reference.
• Notate all required customs documentation on the waybill.
• Affix both the customs forms and shipping labels securely to the exterior of the box.

Once you’ve completed each step and handed the parcel off to your carrier, it will begin the journey to its destination in Turkey! Track the shipment so you know when it has cleared customs and is out for delivery.

Key Tips for Shipping to Turkey

Follow these best practices whenever you need to mail a package to Turkey:

• Choose an established international carrier like DHL, FedEx, or UPS that frequently handles shipments into Turkey. Avoid unfamiliar or budget carriers.

• Know customs policies and prohibited items for Turkey before sending anything.

• Fill out all forms and documentation completely and accurately. Double check for errors.

• Pack items very securely in a sturdy box with plenty of interior cushioning.

• Insure valuable contents in case the parcel is lost or damaged.

• Provide accurate dimensions and weight when purchasing postage. Round up to be safe.

• Include a detailed list of contents in the package and attach it securely to the exterior.

• Track the shipment to monitor its progress through Turkish customs and final delivery.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shipping to Turkey

Here are answers to some common questions about mailing packages to Turkey:

How long does it take to ship to Turkey?

Delivery times range from 3-14 business days depending on the carrier and service selected. Express options are fastest at 2-5 days.

What are the size and weight limits?

Packages can be up to 70 lbs. Boxes may measure up to 42″ long and 79″ combined length and girth.

How much does it cost to ship to Turkey?

Shipping fees start around $10-20 for smaller parcels and go up based on weight. Larger and heavier boxes have higher rates.

What customs forms are required?

A commercial invoice, certificate of origin, and USPS customs declaration forms (PS 2976 or 2976-A) are required.

Can I track my shipment?

Yes, major carriers like DHL and FedEx provide online tracking so you can monitor the package’s progress.

What items are prohibited from import?

Turkey restricts weapons, tobacco, alcohol, food items, counterfeit goods, pornography, and some chemicals/pharmaceuticals.

Do I need any special documentation?

Commercial shipments require a commercial invoice and certificate of origin. Make sure to complete these forms accurately.

Conclusion

Shipping packages and mail internationally always has its challenges. But following the steps in this guide will help ensure your parcel arrives quickly and safely in Turkey. Taking the time to pack correctly, complete paperwork, and choose a reputable courier goes a long way when sending items abroad. With the right preparation and diligence when shipping, your recipient in Turkey will have their package before they know it!