Statutory Scope & Legal Architecture
The international transport and customs importation of wild fauna, hunting trophies, taxidermy mounts, horns, skins, and skulls are governed by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and the National Terrestrial Hunting Law No. 4915. Turkey enforces stringent penal codes against unauthorized wildlife imports, treating unpermitted items as smuggling offences.
Topraklar’s Dedicated Trophy CITES Department operates with profound expertise in international hunting legislation, liaising with hunting safari operators in Africa, Europe, North America, and Asia to secure the mandatory CITES Import Permit (CITES İthalat İzin Belgesi) prior to the physical arrival of the shipment at Turkish customs borders.
Key Operational Competencies:
- CITES Appendices Verification: Establishing the exact scientific taxonomic classification (Family, Genus, Species) under CITES Appendix I, II, or III to determine permit eligibility.
- Ministry of Agriculture & DKMP Filing: Direct application to the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, General Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks (Doğa Koruma ve Milli Parklar Genel Müdürlüğü - DKMP).
- Veterinary Quarantine & Disinfection Audit: Verifying official veterinary health certificates confirming proper taxidermic boiling, salting, and chemical disinfection.
- Airport Border Clearance: Stationed customs brokers at Istanbul Airport (IST Cargo) and Sabiha Gökçen handling personal hunting baggage and air-cargo crated trophies.
Step-by-Step Clearance Workflow
Scrutiny of the original CITES Export Permit and hunting license issued by the safari host nation (e.g. South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Russia).
Formal application filed with the Ministry DKMP Department in Ankara. Issuance of the original Turkish CITES Import Permit.
Upon flight arrival, trophies inspected by state veterinarians at the Airport Border Inspection Post. Disinfection certificate endorsed.
Customs declaration completed under passenger baggage or cargo regime. Delivery directly to the hunter or certified taxidermist.
Required Import Dossier Checklist
Mandatory documents required prior to shipment arrival:
Lisanslı Gümrük Müşavirine Danışın
Submit animal species details and outfitter papers for prompt permit processing.