Can you bring scientific equipment and educational materials into Turkey?
Rules for educational, scientific and cultural books, publications, laboratory and research equipment. For scientific instruments and equipment the exemption is mainly granted to educational or research institutions.
Bringing it with you
Educational, scientific and cultural books, publications and documents in Annex 10 are exempt whoever they come from. For scientific instruments and equipment, the exemption is mainly granted to institutions engaged in education or scientific research.
Example: on goods worth 800 EUR, the first 430 EUR is exempt. On the remaining 370 EUR the flat-rate duty is 30% (111 EUR) for goods coming directly from the EU and 60% (222 EUR) from other countries. For travellers under 15 the allowance is 150 EUR; a single item worth more than 1,500 EUR is subject to the normal import duties.
Documents
- Document showing the institution works in education / scientific research
- Invoice
Good to know
- Scientific equipment brought by an individual passenger is not covered by the institutional exemption; it falls under the 430 EUR gift allowance.
- No institution requirement applies to books, publications and documents under Annex 10.
- Separate conditions apply to audio-visual materials under Annex 11.
- When applying the exemption, the Ministry may ask the relevant public bodies for their opinion.
Legal basis: Decision 2009/15481, Art. 69, 70, 71 · Annex 10, Annex 11
Sending it by post or courier
For educational and scientific goods arriving in the name of an institution, the exemption is requested from the customs office. Individual shipments have no exemption; import duties are payable.
Documents
- Letter from the institution
- Invoice
Good to know
- Books and printed matter may also fall under the 0% flat-rate duty regime.
- Above 30 kg gross the courier cannot file the declaration; you must file it yourself.
Legal basis: Decision 2009/15481, Art. 69, 71 · Art. 126
Frequently asked questions
Can I bring scientific equipment into Turkey as a passenger?
Yes, with conditions. Educational, scientific and cultural books, publications and documents in Annex 10 are exempt whoever they come from. For scientific instruments and equipment, the exemption is mainly granted to institutions engaged in education or scientific research.
Can scientific equipment be sent to Turkey by post or courier?
Yes, with conditions. For educational and scientific goods arriving in the name of an institution, the exemption is requested from the customs office. Individual shipments have no exemption; import duties are payable.
How much customs duty do I pay on scientific equipment?
As a passenger, there is no duty up to 430 EUR (150 EUR for travellers under 15). Above that, up to 1,500 EUR, a flat-rate duty applies: 30% for goods coming directly from the EU, 60% from other countries. By post or courier there has been no value exemption since 6 February 2026; customs duty and VAT (and special consumption tax where applicable) are calculated according to the item's tariff code.
What documents do I need for scientific equipment?
As a passenger: Document showing the institution works in education / scientific research, Invoice. By post or courier: Letter from the institution, Invoice.
Related topics
Rules as of · for information only, not a substitute for the legislation · official information: Turkish Ministry of Trade, call 175 · Türkçe sürüm