Customs Procedures

When yachts cross international borders along with their parts or equipment, they are not merely vehicles but also assets that incur customs obligations. For vessels entering Türkiye for the first time, being sent abroad for maintenance or repair, or under construction and requiring imported parts, customs procedures must be handled with precision.

At Deniz Rüyası, we provide expert support in import, temporary import, transit passage, and export operations tailored specifically to yachting. Our services ensure compliance with regulations and include all necessary documentation and procedural guidance.

Our scope of service covers permanent or temporary import of essential components such as hulls and engines, declaration of personal belongings transported with the yacht, temporary export of parts for repair or modification, and duty-free delivery of equipment under the ship-in-transit regime. Additionally, we offer consultancy on VAT and Resource Utilization Support Fund (KKDF) exemptions for customs clearance of equipment intended for yachts under construction abroad, in full compliance with current regulations.

Key Points How Does the Process Work?

Determining the Customs Regime

It is first established whether the process is permanent or temporary. The appropriate customs regime is selected based on the purpose—entry, exit, repair, or assembly.

Document Preparation

Required documents such as invoices, CE certificates, equipment lists, and engine/chassis numbers are prepared. A technical file is submitted if necessary.

Import / Export Declaration

Declarations are submitted in accordance with the customs system. Approvals from institutions like TAREKS, İTKİB, or the Chemicals Directorate are integrated into the process if required.

Temporary Import / Transit Regime Implementation

If the yacht is not intended to remain in Türkiye permanently, temporary import regimes or transit procedures such as T1 or TIR Carnet are applied for a specified duration.

Tracking of Goods and Parts

For yachts under construction, compliance checks of incoming parts, customs clearance, and bonded warehouse deliveries are coordinated accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it mandatory to carry out customs procedures for a yacht arriving in Türkiye?

Yes. Depending on whether the stay is permanent or temporary, an import or transit declaration must be made.

What is temporary importation?

It is a customs regime that allows the yacht to stay in Türkiye for a limited time with tax exemptions. Upon expiry, the vessel must exit or switch to a different customs regime.

What does “ship-in-transit” mean?

It refers to the system that allows materials shipped from abroad to be delivered directly to the yacht without formally entering Turkish customs territory.

Are VAT and other taxes required for parts shipped to a yacht under construction?

With the correct customs regime and documentation, VAT and Resource Utilization Support Fund (KKDF) exemptions can be applied.

What should I do if I send parts or accessories abroad for repair?

In such cases, a temporary export procedure is applied. Since the item will return, it offers tax advantages and must be declared with the correct customs code.

Knowledge Base

Term / Document	Explanation
Temporary Importation Regime	A customs procedure applied to goods entering Turkey for a limited time, allowing temporary, duty-free import under specific conditions.
Transit Regime (T1 / TIR Carnet)	A temporary customs procedure for goods transiting through one country to reach another. Commonly used for yacht transport via road.
Inward Processing Certificate (IPC)	It is issued for materials temporarily imported from abroad to be processed in Türkiye. Commonly used in yacht construction.
Ship-in-Transit	It refers to the process of delivering materials arriving from abroad directly to the yacht. It includes tax exemption.
TAREKS and İTKİB Inspections	Institutions where technical regulations and conformity inspections are conducted. Frequently used in the customs clearance of ship components.