🇹🇲 Import Customs & Duties: Turkmenistan
Quick Facts
Duty-free threshold
$50
Packages under $50, duty free
VAT / Sales Tax
15%
CIF value + duty. VAT at 15% on imports.
Clearance Time
7-30 days
typical processing
Duty Rates by Category
| Category | Duty Rate | HS Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 0-15% | 85 |
| Clothing | 10-20% | 61-62 |
| Footwear | 10-15% | 64 |
| Food & Beverages | 5-25% | 01-24 |
| Machinery | 0-10% | 84 |
| Cosmetics | 5-15% | 33 |
| Books | 0% | 49 |
| Toys & Games | 5-15% | 95 |
Rates shown are for standard goods. Exact rate depends on the HS code of your item.
Customs Clearance Process
State Customs Service of Turkmenistan manages imports. NOT an EAEU member, independent customs regime. Customs duties 0-15%. VAT at 15% on imports. Extremely closed economy with heavy state control of all trade. Turkmenbashi port (Caspian Sea) is the main sea entry. Ashgabat airport for air cargo. Most imports require state approval. Turkmen manat (TMT) at official rate, but black market rate significantly different.
What to Actually Expect
ONE OF THE WORLD'S MOST CLOSED ECONOMIES. State controls virtually all trade. Private import extremely limited. Foreign currency is rationed, Central Bank allocation required. Official manat exchange rate is far from black market reality. DHL has very limited Ashgabat service. No FedEx/UPS. Postal system slow and unreliable. Internet restricted. Personal imports for citizens are tightly controlled, even sending parcels to Turkmenistan is unreliable as customs can hold or reject items. Natural gas wealth funds state imports but consumer goods scarce. Not recommended for personal shipping.
Required Documents
Commercial Invoice
Item description, quantity, value, sender and receiver details
Packing List
Detailed description of contents in each package
Customs Declaration (CN22/CN23)
Required for postal shipments
Air Waybill (AWB)
Generated by the carrier when booking the shipment
Certificate of Origin
May be required for reduced duties (FTA/preferential rates)
Export/Import License
For restricted goods (electronics, medicines, chemicals)
Import License Requirements
State controls virtually ALL imports. Import licenses required for most goods. State trading enterprises are the primary importers. Private import extremely restricted. Foreign currency allocation from Central Bank required for payments. Content restrictions (publications, media).
Certificate of Origin
Issued by Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan. CIS preferential certificates. Very limited international trade agreements. State trading enterprises handle most imports.
Prohibited & Restricted Items
Prohibited
- xNarcotics and illegal drugs
- xExplosives and flammable materials
- xWeapons and ammunition
- xCounterfeit goods
- xCounterfeit currency and documents
Restricted (permit required)
- !Medicines and pharmaceuticals
- !Food and beverages
- !Plants and seeds
- !Electronics (lithium batteries)
- !Perfumes and cosmetics (volume limits)
Useful Links
Popular routes to Turkmenistan
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duty-free threshold for Turkmenistan?
The duty-free (de minimis) threshold for imports into Turkmenistan is $50. Goods valued below this amount are exempt from customs duties.
What is the VAT rate on imports to Turkmenistan?
The VAT/tax rate on imports to Turkmenistan is 15%. VAT applies to: CIF value + duty. VAT at 15% on imports.
How long does customs clearance take in Turkmenistan?
Typical customs clearance in Turkmenistan takes 7-30 days. Express shipments usually clear faster.
What documents are needed to import into Turkmenistan?
To import into Turkmenistan, you typically need: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading/airway bill, and customs declaration. Some goods may require a certificate of origin or import license.
What items are prohibited from import into Turkmenistan?
Turkmenistan prohibits the import of narcotics, weapons, counterfeit goods, certain animal products, and hazardous materials. Restrictions may also apply to alcohol, tobacco, pharmaceuticals, and certain electronics.