Oversight of beyanname key to successful PCS to Turkey

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Brian Jones
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  It's often the first Turkish word learned by newcomers to Incirlik and maintaining proper control over it is key to a successful move in or out of Turkey.

Beyanname is a written declaration between Department of Defense-sponsored personnel and the Turkish government that provides customs control of certain personal items brought into the country.

It's designed to reduce black marketing of items which are produced by the country's developing industries and is required by the Turkish government because DoD-sponsored personnel don't pay customs duties on personal items brought into the country. Beyanname is also a money matter, according to Mehmet Polatöz, a Turkish customs specialist with Incirlik's Turkish Customs Liaison Office.

"It protects the Turkish government from losing money in taxes. People not associated with Incirlik would have to pay customs duties on the items they bring into Turkey (if not for the beyanname)," said Mr. Polatöz.

When household goods or unaccompanied baggage shipments arrive on base (or even before they arrive) people should go to the traffic management office to initiate the beyanname paperwork. Beyanname paperwork must also be started before a vehicle can be picked up at the port.

The program enables Turkish customs to control the disposition of vehicles and other items such as stereos, televisions, microwaves, furniture and anything valued at more than $300. As the movers unpack shipments, a Turkish customs inspector or a representative lists beyanname items on an inventory form.

The items on the declaration must leave the country with the member or be transferred to an authorized person who is allowed duty-free entry of the item into Turkey. Even if the item becomes damaged, it must be taken back out of the country.

The same rule applies to vehicles.

Vehicles totaled or rendered unsalvageable in accidents are still required to be shipped out of country or sold to another person authorized duty-free exemption. There is also the option of turning the vehicle over to Turkish customs, although this alternative might be costly.

The Turkish customs specialist stresses that vehicles brought into Turkey must only be driven by the member or members of their family. Violating this law will be costly.
"Vehicles confiscated by customs are subject to the customs duty for that vehicle plus two times those duties and the member will be required to take the vehicle out of Turkey," said Mr. Polatöz. "These fines could range up to $15,000."

Beyanname items can be sold to another military member or DoD-sponsored civilian provided the proper paperwork is completed at Incirlik's TMO.

"POV transfers can take up to 10 weeks," said Mr. Polatöz. "People need to be prepared for that."

After shipments are received, people are encouraged to visit the TMO Customs Liaison Office to double-check the items and serial numbers appearing on the beyanname. Doing this can help avoid heavy fines or delays of a permanent change of station. Checking the list again several months before departure can also help prevent potential problems.

If a member's tour on Incirlik is extended, or is going to be extended, the TMO Customs Liaison Office requires a copy of the DEROS verification letter no later than five days before the initial tour ending. A verification letter is also required for any additional DEROS extensions.

"Every time somebody extends, it requires a new letter," said Mr. Polatöz.

Failure to accomplish this requirement may cause delays and financial penalties. In accordance with Turkish law, Turkish Customs may require collection of customs duties relating to beyanname items plus two times the amount of those duties and/or a irregularity fine. Currently, the irregularity fine is $135.

Another aspect of the program that has caused some confusion is that beyanname applies only to items on the list, not individuals, according to Mr. Polatöz.

"Members can remain in Turkey after their DEROS as long as their beyanname is cleared," he added.

When preparing to leave Incirlik, members should also be aware of items that cannot be taken out of the country, primarily antiquities.

"Any item over 50 years old requires a certificate from the museum in Adana to be shipped," said Mr. Polatöz. "Antique items are not permitted to leave the country."

Two items, Turkish carpets and old motorcycles, are popular items Americans try to ship that could fall under this rule.

"If a person has an invoice for a Turkish carpet stating that it's brand new, it doesn't require a museum permit," said Mr. Polatöz.

Maintaining control over beyanname items can ensure your stay at and PCS from Incirlik are as smooth as possible, not to mention help you avoid costly fines.