Why Keeping It Simple Saves Your Wallet
Shipping from the USA to Türkiye in 2026 shouldn't feel like a part-time job. Most shoppers just want to click 'buy' and see their package arrive at their door without a call from a customs officer. However, Turkish customs regulations are notoriously specific. If you accidentally ship a prohibited item, you don't just lose the product; you might also lose your shipping fees and face hefty return charges.
Using a reliable package forwarder like comGateway is the first step to a smooth experience, but knowing the 'no-go' list is what keeps your journey stress-free. Here is the shortcut to understanding what you can and cannot send to Türkiye this year.
The Strict No-Go List for 2026
Some items are universally banned for import by individuals. If you try to ship these, they will likely be seized and destroyed. To avoid this, steer clear of the following:
- Tobacco and Nicotine Products: This includes cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, and even electronic cigarettes or vaping liquids.
- Alcoholic Beverages: No wine, beer, or spirits can be imported via mail for personal use.
- Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances: Any illegal drugs or unauthorized medications.
- Explosives and Flammables: This includes common items like perfume (which contains alcohol), spray paint, and certain types of batteries if not handled correctly.
- Meat and Dairy Products: Most foodstuffs derived from animals are prohibited to prevent the spread of disease.
The €150 Rule and Personal Use Thresholds
In 2026, the most important rule for Turkish shoppers is the €150 threshold. For most personal shipments, if the value of your goods exceeds €150, you are no longer eligible for the 'Fast Cargo' simplified customs process. Instead, your package may be treated as a commercial import, requiring a customs broker and significantly higher taxes.
Additionally, Turkish customs generally limits individuals to receiving five packages per month. If you exceed this, the sixth package will be flagged as commercial. Before you buy, it is wise to estimate shipping costs to Türkiye and factor in the 20% to 30% import tax applied to US goods under the threshold.
Tricky Categories: Cosmetics and Supplements
This is where most shoppers get stuck. In 2026, Turkish regulations remain very strict regarding health and beauty products:
- Cosmetics: Generally, creams, makeup, and perfumes are restricted for individual import. Unless you have a specific medical report or a special permit, these are often rejected by customs.
- Supplements and Vitamins: You cannot simply order a bottle of multivitamins. To import health supplements, you usually need a doctor's prescription and a medical report approved by Turkish authorities. Without these, the items will be returned to the sender.
- Mobile Phones: You cannot import a mobile phone via mail or courier. Phones must be brought into the country by a traveler and registered via the IMEI system with a significant tax payment.
How to Simplify Your Shipping Experience
If you are ever unsure about a specific item, the best shortcut is to check our FAQ at the support center. Our experts stay updated on the latest 2026 customs changes so you don't have to.
When you are ready to ship, remember to:
1. Keep your total value under €150 to keep things simple.
2. Avoid 'restricted' categories like liquids and powders unless you have checked the rules.
3. Use a reliable package forwarder to consolidate your items, which can help you stay within your monthly five-package limit.
By following these shortcuts, you can enjoy the best of US retail without the headache of customs delays. Before finalizing your next purchase, make sure to Get a Quote to see the latest 2026 shipping rates and ensure your budget is on track.
