The Ministry of Commerce provided information about the process of bringing the awards won by citizens who were successful in international competitions held abroad to Türkiye. The Ministry detailed the facilities provided in the customs processes of trophies, medals and similar symbolic items.

This regulation aims to ensure that citizens who represent Türkiye in the international arena receive the awards they deserve without any problems. The entry of the goods in question into the country is carried out in accordance with the legal procedures determined within the framework of the Customs Law No. 4458.

Legal support and operational process of customs exemption

The basis of the customs exemption is the first paragraph of the 65th element of the decision no. 2009/15481 regarding the implementation of some elements of the Customs Law no. 4458. In accordance with this issue, full customs exemption is applied for awards, trophies and medals of a symbolic nature given in foreign countries to individuals whose residence is in the Turkish Customs Territory.

The process begins with the award winners sending these items to Türkiye by mail or express cargo. It is sufficient for buyers to submit official documents proving that the goods were won in an international competition to the relevant postal administration or cargo company. Intermediary institutions receive these documents to be presented to the customs administration.

If the customs administration evaluates that the goods sent are of a symbolic and non-commercial nature, it includes the shipment within the scope of direct exemption. All customs declaration processes and delivery processes are carried out by the postal management or express cargo company on behalf of the citizen.

Zero customs duty and ease of delivery

If the conditions specified in the legislation are fulfilled completely, no customs duty is requested when the items subject to the award are entered into free circulation. In this way, the awards of citizens who achieve international success are delivered directly to their addresses from the competition at an additional cost.

This facility offered by the Ministry accelerates the process of individuals who successfully represent Türkiye receiving their awards. Since the passage of these symbolic items through customs is not considered a commercial activity, it does not create any tax burden for citizens. This process stands out as a valuable step that encourages the transfer of international successes to Türkiye. Do you think this exemption from customs processes for awards won abroad is enough to encourage success?