What cannot be sent by parcel to Northern Cyprus (TRNC)

Complete list of prohibited items for shipment to the TRNC

Before sending a parcel, it is important to ensure that its contents are allowed for transport. International postal regulations and the requirements of Turkey, through which all shipments to the TRNC pass, impose strict restrictions.

• General rules for sending parcels to the TRNC
• Flammable and hazardous materials
• Items that damage packaging and fragile goods
• Perishable goods and items with weight restrictions
• Weapons, electronics, and restricted items
• Hazardous chemical, biological materials, and valuables
• Legally prohibited materials and sender’s responsibility

General rules for sending parcels to the TRNC via Turkey

Before sending a parcel to Northern Cyprus (TRNC), it is important to check in advance that its contents are permitted for transport. All international shipments pass through Turkey, so international regulations and additional Turkish requirements apply.

These rules impose strict restrictions on what can be sent by letters, parcels, and packages. Below is a generalized list of prohibited item categories.

Flammable and hazardous materials

Prohibited items include any substances or objects that may pose a threat to people or equipment.

• Flammable liquids and gases (aerosols, combustible mixtures);
• Explosive and pyrotechnic items (fireworks, firecrackers);
• Poisonous and toxic materials;
• Intoxicating substances and narcotic components.

Items that damage packaging and fragile goods

May damage packaging:

• Sharp and cutting objects without secure protection;
• Items with protruding parts.

Fragile materials:

• Glass, porcelain, and any fragile items without special packaging;
• Unpacked glass containers.

Perishable goods and items with weight restrictions

Prohibited from shipment:

• Any perishable goods without refrigeration;
• Meat and meat products;
• Dairy products;
• Eggs and egg-based products.

Weight restrictions:

• Tea and coffee exceeding permitted limits (usually up to 1 kg).

Weapons, electronics, and restricted items

Weapons:

• Firearms;
• Weapon parts and components.

Electronics:

• Certain electronic devices as per carrier regulations;
• Lithium-ion batteries without labeling;
• High-strength magnets.

Restricted categories:

• Medicines without permits;
• Seeds and plants;
• Tobacco products.

Hazardous chemical, biological materials, and valuables

Hazardous substances:

• Biodegradable substances;
• Radioactive materials;
• Chemical reagents and mixtures.

Valuables:

• Valuable papers;
• Money, coins, precious metals;
• Jewelry.

Legally prohibited materials and sender’s responsibility

Prohibited to send:

• Items that violate the laws of Turkey or the sender’s country;
• Counterfeit products;
• Materials related to illegal activities.

The sender is responsible for ensuring the contents of the parcel comply with regulations.

Consequences of violations:

• Delay at customs;
• Seizure of contents;
• Return to sender without compensation;
• Administrative actions by Turkey or the sender’s country.