Turkish rugs, swords tough to mail

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Kali L. Gradishar
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  Due to recent changes in Turkish customs processes, the Official Document Center has seen a rise in the number of returned parcels recently; and the main reasons behind the returns are improper shipping of Turkish rugs and swords.

"These issues are relatively new developments. From my understanding, most items that were sent out in the past haven't been as scrutinized as much as they are now," said Master Sgt. Joseph Speed, ODC postmaster.

While rugs and souvenir swords may be shipped via mail, the ODC advises people ship these items in their household goods when making a permanent-change-of-station move.

If mailing, however, rugs must be accompanied by a certificate stating the rug is not an antiquity or of historical importance. The certificate should not only be on the outside of the parcel, but also on the inside in case the document on the outside is damaged or lost.

"Given there are so many ancient artifacts and items of historical value, there is reason to be concerned about people shipping items out," said Speed. "You should receive a declaration of certification from the vendor... Every local vendor here can provide a certificate for something purchased here. If you go on the outskirts of the town, vendors may or may not have a certificate available; but it would behoove the person to ask the vendor before making a purchase.

"Usually there's not a problem if the certificate is accompanying the item," he added.

While it is highly advised to purchase from a vendor able to provide a certificate, there may be options for people to obtain a certificate after the purchase.

"It may be a possibility for a local vendor to provide a certificate for a purchase made elsewhere, but I can't say if or what vendor would be willing to do that," said Speed. "Try to get the certificate from the vendor where the item is purchased."

Obtaining a certificate, however, does not provide certainty that an item will clear customs.

"Customs has the means and the authority to open items and inspect them," said Speed. "Having the certificate is not a free pass if they deem it to be an antiquity."

Just as rugs have become less simple to ship, so have swords.

"With swords, it's not so much a customs issue, but a security issue when going through the airport," Speed said. "If TDY here, it's best to not pick one up at all. For people who PCS, it's best to send them in their household goods."

"What we've experienced is (items not meeting customs standards get) sent back. (Customs has) the option to pursue the matter in a more legal matter, but have not done so thus far," Speed added. "Those are the main points of focus right now, but things can change quickly with customs."

For more information, call the ODC at DSN 676-6301.