People importing televisions, radios, and video and other visual devices - apart from commercial imports - for private use will be required to pay 10 to 215 euros at customs, the Turkish Cabinet has decided.
The decision to charge additional fees for importing televisions and radios as of 1 January, 2011, was published in the Official Gazette on Thursday. According to the decision taken by the Cabinet, people who would like to import colour televisions, black and white televisions, radios, VCRs, satellite receivers and all other devices to receive broadcasting will be charged from 10 to 215 euros.
As part of the new regulations the additional cost to be paid to the state for importing colour televisions with a screen size up to 51 centimetres has been set at 55 euros, while the charge for TVs with screens measuring 52-67 centimeters is 85 euros. For those with screens from 68 to 85 centimetres and screens 116 centimetres and above the cost is 120 euros and 150 euros respectively.
The fee for importing black and white televisions for private use is 25 euros and 30 euros, respectively, for televisions with screens up to and including 51 centimetres and above 51 centimetres. Devices that have radios such as mobile phones and musical instruments with radios will be charged 10 euros at customs.
(Source: todayszaman.com)
on Jan 1st, 2011 at 12:57
This could be disastrous if it applies to tourists!
I’d have a Grunding G5 radio with me, a mobile phone with an FM radio and an MP3 player, also with an FM radio.
Turkey already applies a £10 visa charge, so if I had to pay another €30 I’d just look elsewhere for a holiday.
on Jan 1st, 2011 at 13:19
If this is true then the distinct possibility of a holiday in Turkey this year just became very unlikely. I always carry a small radio with me on holiday. Not paying to use my own property.
on Jan 1st, 2011 at 14:57
I think you have both misunderstood the meaning of “importing”. If you are in Turkey on a visit and intend to take the electronic items with you when you leave, then you are not an importer. You would be an importer if you tried to sell the items for financial gain while you were in Turkey. I presume neither of you intends to do that
The law, as far as I can see, is presumably intended to make it unattractive for Turkish residents to acquire electronic equipment abroad, and to boost sales of home-produced equipment. However, if Turkey wants to join the EU, I think they will find that this new law will have to be rescinded.