Goods seized by Turkish customs? Learn the difference between temporary seizure and permanent forfeiture, when imported goods can be confiscated, how foreign companies can challenge seizure, and how goods may be recovered in Turkey.

When goods are stopped at Turkish customs, foreign exporters and importers often receive alarming information that their shipment has been “confiscated.” Legally, however, temporary seizure of goods and permanent forfeiture are not the same thing. A shipment may be detained or seized while customs authorities, prosecutors or courts investigate suspected customs violations without ownership of the goods having permanently transferred to the State. Permanent forfeiture, commonly associated with the Turkish legal concept of müsadere, generally requires a separate legal basis and appropriate decision-making process. This distinction is extremely important because a foreign company whose goods have merely been seized may still be able to challenge the measure, request release, demonstrate lawful importation, correct factual misunderstandings or protect third-party ownership rights. Customs and anti-smuggling matters can also develop into criminal proceedings under Law No. 5607, making early identification of the legal status of the goods essential. Turkish judicial statistics continue to record substantial numbers of criminal proceedings under the Anti-Smuggling Law, demonstrating that customs enforcement can move beyond an ordinary administrative clearance dispute. (Adli Sicil Genel Müdürlüğü)

What Does Customs Confiscation Mean in Turkey?

The word “confiscation” is frequently used loosely in commercial communications.

A customs broker may tell the foreign exporter:

“Customs confiscated the shipment.”

That statement does not tell the company what has legally happened.

The goods may merely have been detained, administratively held, seized as evidence, subjected to criminal seizure or finally forfeited.

These situations must be distinguished.

What Is Seizure?

Seizure generally means that authorities temporarily take control of property or restrict the owner’s ability to dispose of it during an investigation or proceeding.

The ownership question has not necessarily been finally determined.

The measure may therefore potentially be challenged.

What Is Permanent Forfeiture?

Permanent forfeiture is fundamentally different.

It concerns the definitive loss of ownership of property under the applicable legal framework after the necessary legal conditions are established.

The property may ultimately pass to the State or become subject to legally prescribed disposal procedures.

The Basic Difference

The easiest way for a foreign company to understand the distinction is:

Seizure = temporary control or restriction pending proceedings.

Forfeiture = final deprivation of ownership when the applicable legal requirements are satisfied.

Confusing the two can cause companies to abandon valuable legal rights prematurely.

Does Customs Physically Taking the Goods Mean Ownership Has Been Lost?

No.

Physical possession by customs authorities does not by itself establish permanent forfeiture.

A company should obtain the underlying document establishing why the goods were taken.

Ask for the Legal Document

The importer should determine whether there is a customs detention document, seizure record, prosecutor’s instruction, judicial seizure decision or final forfeiture ruling.

Without that document, foreign management cannot accurately assess the situation.

Who Can Order Seizure?

The answer depends on the nature of the investigation.

Customs authorities can exercise powers available under customs and anti-smuggling legislation, while prosecutors and criminal courts may become involved where suspected criminal conduct exists.

When Does a Customs Problem Become a Criminal Investigation?

Not every incorrect customs declaration constitutes smuggling.

Some disputes involve tariff classification, valuation, origin, documentation or administrative penalties.

Other conduct may trigger investigation under the Anti-Smuggling Law No. 5607.

Law No. 5607 Is Particularly Important

Turkey’s Anti-Smuggling Law addresses various forms of customs-related criminal conduct.

Where customs authorities believe conduct may constitute a criminal offense rather than an ordinary administrative irregularity, prosecutors may become involved.

Administrative Customs Violation and Smuggling Crime Are Different

This distinction should be made immediately.

A company may face an additional customs assessment and administrative fine without facing a criminal accusation.

Conversely, suspected smuggling can expose individuals to criminal investigation while the goods themselves become subject to seizure.

Example: Incorrect GTIP Classification

A foreign company imports industrial machinery.

The importer declares one GTIP classification, but customs determines that another classification applies and additional customs duty should have been paid.

This does not automatically mean that the machinery will permanently be forfeited.

The nature of the alleged violation must be examined.

Example: Concealed Goods

The legal risk becomes substantially different where authorities allege that goods were deliberately concealed to avoid customs controls.

Such allegations can move the case into the anti-smuggling framework.

Seizure Can Preserve Evidence

One reason goods may be seized is to preserve physical evidence.

Authorities may need to inspect the goods, determine their characteristics, obtain samples or establish whether the declaration corresponds to the actual shipment.

Seized Goods May Be Technically Examined

Customs disputes frequently require analysis of composition, origin, intended use or commercial characteristics.

The physical shipment can therefore become important evidence.

Companies Should Preserve Their Own Evidence

Foreign manufacturers should immediately preserve technical specifications, catalogues, manufacturing records, photographs, certificates, laboratory reports and commercial documentation.

This evidence may be crucial in demonstrating that the customs authorities misunderstood the nature of the product.

Can Seizure Be Challenged?

Potentially, yes.

The appropriate remedy depends on whether the measure arises from an administrative customs process or criminal proceedings.

The company must first identify the authority and legal basis.

Do Not File the Wrong Type of Objection

An administrative customs decision and criminal seizure order are not challenged through identical procedures.

Obtaining the underlying decision before choosing the remedy is therefore essential.

Can a Prosecutor Order Goods to Be Seized?

Goods relevant to a criminal investigation may become subject to criminal procedural measures.

Where a prosecutor’s investigation exists, the company should identify the investigation file and determine what decision was made concerning the goods.

Can a Court Become Involved?

Yes.

Judicial decisions may become necessary depending on the type and continuation of the measure.

The company’s lawyer should obtain the relevant judicial documents rather than relying solely on information provided by a freight forwarder or broker.

Seizure Does Not Automatically Prove Smuggling

This point is particularly important.

Authorities may seize goods because they suspect an offense.

Suspicion and final criminal liability are different concepts.

A Foreign Exporter May Not Even Be the Suspect

A foreign manufacturer may have lawfully sold goods to a Turkish buyer while the customs declaration was prepared by the importer or customs broker.

Nevertheless, the physical shipment can become involved in the investigation.

Ownership and Criminal Responsibility Must Be Separated

The person accused of customs misconduct and the owner of the goods may not be the same.

This can create important third-party ownership arguments.

Example: Foreign Seller Retains Ownership

A foreign company sends machinery to Turkey under contractual arrangements where ownership has not yet passed to the Turkish buyer.

Authorities seize the machinery because of alleged misconduct by the importer.

The foreign seller should immediately examine whether it can assert independent ownership rights.

Good-Faith Third Parties Can Be Crucial

Permanent forfeiture questions may require consideration of whether the property belongs to a person involved in wrongdoing or an innocent third party.

The contractual and factual ownership structure should therefore be documented carefully.

What Documents Prove Ownership?

Relevant evidence can include the sales agreement, commercial invoice, payment records, Incoterm arrangements, retention-of-title provisions, bill of lading and accounting records.

No single document should automatically be assumed to decide every ownership dispute.

Incoterms Do Not Always Determine Legal Ownership

Incoterms principally address particular transportation, cost and risk issues.

They should not automatically be treated as complete rules determining title to the goods.

The underlying contract should be examined.

What Is Forfeiture of Goods?

Forfeiture can result in the permanent deprivation of property when the statutory conditions are established.

In criminal cases, the relationship between the property and the alleged offense becomes especially important.

Instrumentalities of an Offense

Property used in committing an offense can potentially raise forfeiture issues under applicable criminal-law rules.

However, the exact statutory requirements must be established.

Goods Constituting the Subject Matter of an Offense

Certain customs cases concern the imported goods themselves as the subject of alleged smuggling activity.

This can create a direct forfeiture risk.

Proceeds of Crime

Assets representing proceeds derived from criminal conduct may also become subject to separate confiscation principles.

This is conceptually different from merely holding imported merchandise for customs examination.

Seizure Comes Before Final Determination

In many criminal investigations, property is initially seized so that it cannot disappear, be transferred or destroyed before the case is resolved.

The later court proceedings determine whether permanent forfeiture requirements exist.

Can Seized Goods Be Returned Before the Criminal Case Ends?

Potentially, depending on the circumstances.

If retaining the physical goods is no longer legally necessary, release may potentially be sought.

The type of goods, evidentiary requirements and applicable statutory provisions matter.

Perishable Goods Create Special Problems

Food, agricultural products, medicines and other perishable goods can lose their entire value during prolonged proceedings.

A seizure lasting months may economically resemble permanent confiscation even before a final judgment exists.

Immediate Action Is Particularly Important for Perishables

The owner should document expiration dates, temperature requirements, deterioration risk and current commercial value.

This information may become relevant to requests concerning how the goods should be handled.

Machinery Can Also Lose Value

Industrial machinery may not physically deteriorate rapidly, but a factory waiting for equipment can suffer major production losses.

Seizure can therefore create damages far beyond storage costs.

Seasonal Goods Can Become Commercially Worthless

Fashion products, holiday merchandise and seasonal consumer goods can lose market value even if they remain physically intact.

The company should document these commercial consequences.

What Happens to Seized Goods During the Investigation?

Depending on the goods and legal procedure, they may remain in customs-controlled facilities or another authorized location.

Storage arrangements should be documented.

Who Pays Storage Costs?

The answer can depend on the circumstances and eventual outcome.

Foreign companies should preserve all storage, handling, transportation and container-related invoices.

Do Not Ignore Demurrage

A seized container may generate charges from shipping companies independently of customs storage expenses.

The company should immediately determine whether the goods can be removed from the carrier’s container into an authorized facility.

Example: Goods Worth EUR 100,000

Suppose customs seizes goods worth EUR 100,000.

The criminal investigation continues for eight months.

Storage and container-related expenses reach EUR 60,000.

Even if the goods are eventually returned, the company has suffered substantial economic harm.

This is why seizure strategy should begin immediately.

Can Goods Be Sold Before the Case Ends?

Certain legal frameworks can permit disposal or liquidation of goods before the final conclusion of proceedings, particularly where maintaining the goods creates practical difficulties or their value is likely to deteriorate.

The applicable procedure must be examined carefully.

Early Disposal Does Not Necessarily Mean Final Forfeiture

This distinction can be extremely important.

Physical disposal of goods during proceedings and the ultimate legal determination concerning forfeiture are not necessarily identical concepts.

What Happens to the Sale Proceeds?

Depending on the applicable legal mechanism, proceeds may effectively replace the physical property for purposes of the continuing dispute.

The specific decision and statutory basis should be examined.

Companies Should Monitor Liquidation Risk

A foreign company should never assume that seized goods will remain untouched in a warehouse until litigation finishes.

The legal status of the shipment should be monitored continuously.

Can Customs Destroy Goods?

Certain goods can ultimately become subject to destruction where applicable legislation requires it—for example, because of their nature, safety concerns or legal status.

Destruction should not be confused automatically with ordinary forfeiture.

Prohibited Goods Can Create Different Consequences

Where importation itself is prohibited, returning the goods to normal circulation may not be possible even if other allegations are resolved.

The possibility of re-export or another lawful treatment should be examined.

Can Seized Goods Be Re-Exported?

Potentially in some customs disputes, but criminal seizure can prevent the owner from freely removing the goods.

Where the goods are evidence or subject to a judicial measure, authorization may be required before re-export.

Do Not Arrange Re-Export Without Checking the Seizure

Attempting to remove goods subject to a valid seizure order can create additional legal problems.

The legal restriction must be lifted or appropriate authorization obtained first.

Customs Confiscation and Import Refusal Are Different

A shipment can be refused entry without being permanently forfeited.

For example, goods may fail an import conformity requirement and need to be re-exported.

That is fundamentally different from criminal confiscation.

Customs Confiscation and Administrative Penalty Are Also Different

A company can face a customs fine without losing ownership of its goods.

Alternatively, a serious customs case may involve both financial penalties and property measures.

Each consequence should be analyzed separately.

Can Customs Duty Still Be Demanded?

Potentially.

The existence of seizure or forfeiture issues does not automatically answer questions concerning customs duties and tax liabilities.

The customs assessment should be analyzed independently.

Incorrect Customs Value

Authorities may allege that the importer intentionally declared a lower value.

The company should preserve commercial invoices, bank transfers, pricing agreements and related-party documentation.

Customs Valuation Disputes Should Not Automatically Become Fraud Allegations

Commercial valuation can involve legitimate legal disagreements.

A difference between customs and importer valuations does not necessarily establish intentional deception.

Incorrect Origin Declaration

Origin can affect preferential customs treatment and trade-defense measures.

Incorrect origin documents can therefore generate serious consequences.

Foreign Manufacturer Evidence Can Be Essential

Production records, supplier documentation and manufacturing processes may establish where goods actually originated.

Foreign companies should preserve this evidence immediately.

Fake or Misleading Certificates

Where authorities allege that origin, conformity or other certificates are false, the company should identify who created and submitted the document.

Responsibility should not automatically be attributed to every participant in the supply chain.

Customs Broker Liability

A Turkish customs broker may have prepared or submitted the declaration.

If the alleged violation results from the broker’s actions, potential contractual or professional responsibility should be investigated separately.

Importer’s Responsibility

The Turkish importer may have supplied inaccurate instructions or documents to the broker.

The foreign seller should determine exactly who controlled the declaration process.

Foreign Seller Responsibility

The exporter may have provided incorrect invoices, technical descriptions or certificates.

The sales contract and correspondence should therefore be reviewed.

Multiple Parties May Be Investigated

Complex customs cases can involve exporters, importers, company directors, customs brokers, logistics companies and other participants.

Their legal positions may conflict.

One Lawyer for Everyone May Create Conflicts

If the importer argues that the exporter supplied false documents while the exporter argues that the importer altered them, their defenses are directly inconsistent.

Separate representation may become necessary.

Company Directors Can Face Personal Criminal Exposure

A customs investigation involving a company can sometimes extend to directors or managers alleged to have participated in the relevant conduct.

Corporate structure alone does not automatically answer personal criminal responsibility.

Signature Authority Is Not Automatically Criminal Responsibility

The fact that someone is a company director or authorized signatory does not by itself establish knowledge of or participation in every customs declaration.

Actual conduct and evidence matter.

Emails Can Become Critical Evidence

Investigators may examine communications concerning pricing, product description, origin, permits or customs classification.

Companies should preserve rather than delete relevant electronic records.

WhatsApp and Internal Messages Can Also Matter

Informal communications may demonstrate who made customs-related decisions.

Document preservation should begin immediately after a serious investigation is discovered.

Never Create Documents After the Event

Attempting to manufacture or backdate documentation can transform a manageable customs dispute into a much more serious legal problem.

Existing records should be preserved in their original form.

What Evidence Should a Foreign Company Collect?

The company should collect the sales contract, invoice, packing list, bill of lading, customs declaration, certificate of origin, technical documentation, correspondence, payment records, permits, laboratory reports and seizure documents.

Obtain the Seizure Record

The seizure record can identify the goods, quantities, authority involved and legal basis.

Any inaccuracies should be identified promptly.

Verify the Quantity

Disputes can arise where the amount recorded by authorities differs from the commercial shipment documentation.

Container loading records and packing lists may become important.

Verify the Description

A technically incorrect description of the goods can affect the entire legal analysis.

For example, a raw material may incorrectly be recorded as a finished commercial product.

Independent Technical Examination

In complex cases, independent engineers, chemists or sector specialists may be necessary to establish what the goods actually are.

Legal arguments cannot substitute for technical evidence where the dispute concerns product characteristics.

Can Foreign Companies Participate in the Criminal Case?

The procedural position depends on the circumstances, including ownership and the allegations involved.

A foreign company asserting rights over seized property should not assume that the Turkish importer will automatically protect its interests.

Power of Attorney May Be Necessary

Foreign companies often need Turkish legal representation to pursue rights concerning seized goods.

Corporate authorization and foreign documentation should be prepared promptly so procedural deadlines are not lost.

Translation and Authentication Can Cause Delay

Foreign corporate documents may require translation and applicable authentication formalities.

Companies should begin this process early in high-value cases.

Can a Seizure Be Disproportionate?

Property measures should have a legal basis and remain connected to their legitimate procedural purpose.

Where continued retention is unnecessary or excessive, the company can examine available remedies.

Example: Samples Could Preserve Evidence

Suppose authorities seize 10,000 identical industrial components because technical analysis is required.

If a representative sample can preserve the necessary evidence, the company may examine whether continued retention of the entire shipment remains necessary.

Whether release is legally available depends on the case.

Substitute Security May Sometimes Be Relevant

Depending on the particular legal framework, alternatives to continued physical retention may potentially be considered.

The applicable provisions must be examined rather than assumed.

Can the Owner Request Return of the Goods?

Potentially.

The appropriate request depends on the procedural stage and authority maintaining the seizure.

The owner should establish title and explain why continued seizure is unnecessary.

What If Customs Refuses to Return the Goods?

The legal basis of the refusal should be obtained.

The company can then determine the applicable objection or judicial remedy.

Final Forfeiture Requires Greater Attention

Once proceedings reach the stage where permanent forfeiture is sought, the company must address not only whether an offense occurred but also whether the statutory requirements for forfeiting the specific property are satisfied.

The Goods’ Connection to the Alleged Offense Matters

Not every asset associated with a company accused of misconduct necessarily becomes forfeitable.

The statutory relationship between the goods and alleged crime must be established.

Third-Party Ownership Must Be Raised Early

If the property belongs to an innocent foreign company, evidence of ownership and good faith should be presented before the matter reaches irreversible stages.

Retention of Title Clauses

International sales contracts sometimes provide that ownership remains with the seller until full payment.

Such provisions may become important, although their legal effect in the particular Turkish proceeding requires individual analysis.

Leasing Arrangements

Imported machinery may belong to a foreign leasing company rather than the Turkish operator.

The leasing company should immediately document ownership if the machinery becomes subject to seizure.

Financed Goods

Banks and financing institutions may have security interests.

Their rights should also be identified where valuable equipment becomes subject to customs proceedings.

Can Transport Vehicles Be Seized?

Customs and smuggling investigations can also involve vehicles used to transport goods.

The legal treatment of transportation vehicles can involve additional statutory conditions.

Innocent Vehicle Owners

A truck may belong to a transport company with no knowledge of the alleged smuggling activity.

Ownership, knowledge and the circumstances of use can therefore become important.

Permanent Forfeiture Is Not an Administrative Shortcut

A temporary customs problem should not simply be treated as if the State has permanently acquired the goods.

The applicable legal procedure and final decision must be identified.

What Happens If the Defendant Is Acquitted?

The effect on seized property depends on the legal findings and whether another lawful basis exists for retaining or disposing of the goods.

Return should be pursued where continued retention has no legal basis.

What Happens If the Case Is Dismissed?

Again, the company should not assume the goods will automatically appear at its warehouse.

A formal return and release process may still need to be followed.

Check the Goods Before Accepting Return

If goods have remained in storage for months or years, their physical condition should be documented when released.

Photographs, inspection reports and inventory counts can be important.

What If Goods Are Damaged During Storage?

Potential claims depend on the cause, responsible party, applicable custody regime and evidence.

The condition of the goods before and after seizure should therefore be documented.

Can Compensation Be Claimed for Unlawful Seizure?

Potentially, depending on the legal basis, procedural circumstances and applicable compensation mechanism.

The company should preserve evidence of both the measure and resulting financial damage.

Storage Costs Can Be Part of the Economic Loss

Preserve invoices for storage, handling, demurrage, detention, transportation and inspections.

Financing Costs May Also Be Significant

A foreign exporter may have financed production but remain unable to receive payment because the goods are seized.

Bank and financing records can help document the commercial impact.

Lost Profits Are Harder to Prove

Claims for lost business require strong causation evidence.

Signed customer contracts and confirmed orders are generally more useful than speculative projections.

Currency Loss Can Also Become Relevant Commercially

Long-running proceedings involving international transactions may expose businesses to exchange-rate changes.

Whether such losses are legally recoverable is a separate question from their commercial existence.

Customs Insurance Should Be Reviewed

Cargo, trade credit and other commercial policies may contain relevant provisions.

The company should notify potentially applicable insurers where appropriate rather than waiting until the customs proceedings conclude.

Cargo Insurance Does Not Automatically Cover Confiscation

Many insurance arrangements contain exclusions or special conditions concerning governmental seizure, customs action or illegal trade.

The actual policy wording should be reviewed.

Contractual Claims May Exist Against the Buyer or Seller

The customs proceeding does not eliminate contractual remedies between commercial parties.

If one party breached warranties concerning legality, origin, permits or documentation, compensation may potentially be sought separately.

Example: False Origin Certificate Supplied by Seller

A Turkish importer purchases goods after receiving an origin certificate from the foreign seller.

Customs later alleges that the certificate is false and seizes the shipment.

The importer may need to defend the customs case while simultaneously preserving contractual claims against the seller.

Example: Importer Alters Invoice

A foreign seller issues a correct EUR 500,000 invoice.

The importer allegedly submits a different invoice showing EUR 200,000.

If the goods are seized, the foreign seller should preserve the original invoice, payment records and correspondence demonstrating what it actually supplied.

Foreign Companies Should Not Wait for the Turkish Buyer

This is particularly important where ownership remains disputed.

The importer may have interests that differ significantly from those of the foreign exporter.

First 48 Hours After Learning of Seizure

Management should obtain the seizure record, identify the authority and file number, preserve all commercial and technical documents, determine ownership, identify applicable deadlines and prevent destruction of electronic evidence.

Determine Whether the Case Is Administrative or Criminal

This should be one of the first legal questions answered.

The difference affects virtually every later procedural step.

Determine Whether There Is a Forfeiture Request

Goods being seized does not necessarily mean prosecutors have requested permanent forfeiture.

The procedural stage should be verified.

Monitor Every Decision Concerning the Goods

Foreign companies should monitor release, storage, liquidation, destruction and forfeiture decisions separately from the criminal accusations against individuals.

2026 Legal Strategy for Customs Seizure and Forfeiture in Turkey

A foreign company whose goods are seized in Turkey in 2026 should first determine whether the shipment is merely detained under customs supervision, administratively seized or subject to a criminal seizure order. The seizure record and underlying decision should be obtained immediately. The company should then establish ownership using the sales contract, invoice, payment documentation, transportation records and any retention-of-title arrangements. If the seizure arises from an alleged violation of Anti-Smuggling Law No. 5607, the investigation file and precise allegations should be examined before statements are made. Technical evidence concerning classification, origin, product composition and value should be preserved, while responsibility among the exporter, importer and customs broker should be separated. If the company is an innocent third-party owner, those rights should be asserted before permanent forfeiture becomes an issue. Continued retention should be challenged where legally unnecessary or disproportionate, and the company should monitor whether goods face liquidation, deterioration or destruction. The practical strategy is therefore: identify the exact measure → obtain the seizure documents → determine whether proceedings are administrative or criminal → establish ownership → preserve technical and commercial evidence → identify the alleged customs violation → challenge unlawful seizure → assert innocent third-party rights → prevent unnecessary liquidation or destruction → oppose permanent forfeiture where its legal conditions are absent → seek return of the goods and evaluate compensation for resulting losses.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is customs seizure the same as permanent confiscation in Turkey?

No. Seizure generally restricts control over property while proceedings continue. Permanent forfeiture involves a definitive loss of ownership where the applicable legal conditions are established.

2. Can seized customs goods be returned?

Potentially, yes. Return may be possible where continued seizure is no longer legally necessary or where the proceedings do not justify retention of the property.

3. Does seizure mean the importer has committed smuggling?

No. Seizure can occur because authorities suspect an offense or need to preserve evidence. It does not itself establish criminal guilt.

4. Can goods belonging to a foreign company be seized because of the Turkish importer’s conduct?

Potentially, yes. However, foreign ownership and innocent third-party rights may become important when determining whether the goods can ultimately be permanently forfeited.

5. Can a foreign company challenge the seizure?

Potentially. The correct remedy depends on whether the measure is administrative or criminal and which authority ordered it.

6. Can Turkish authorities permanently confiscate goods before the criminal case ends?

Temporary control or certain disposal mechanisms should be distinguished from final forfeiture. The statutory basis and procedural status must be examined carefully.

7. What happens if seized goods are perishable?

The deterioration risk should be raised immediately. Special treatment, disposal or other procedures may become relevant depending on the goods and legal framework.

8. Can a foreign seller claim ownership of seized goods?

Potentially, particularly where ownership remained with the seller under the contractual arrangement. The seller should submit strong documentary evidence establishing its rights.

9. Can compensation be claimed if the seizure was unlawful?

Potentially, depending on the legal basis of the measure and applicable compensation procedure. Evidence of storage costs, lost value and other damages should be preserved.

10. What should a foreign company do immediately after customs seizure?

Obtain the seizure decision, identify the investigating authority and file, establish ownership, preserve documents and electronic evidence, determine whether Law No. 5607 or another legal framework is involved and calculate the deadline for challenging the measure.

Legal Support for Customs Seizure and Forfeiture in Turkey

Customs seizure and forfeiture disputes can involve imported goods, Anti-Smuggling Law investigations, customs declarations, GTIP classification, origin disputes, customs valuation, criminal seizure, innocent third-party ownership, liquidation proceedings and permanent forfeiture. Because seizure does not automatically mean that ownership has permanently been lost, early intervention can be critical for foreign companies.

Fırat Fesih Kaya Law Office provides legal assistance to foreign exporters, manufacturers, importers, investors and international companies whose goods, machinery, cargo or other commercial assets are seized during customs or anti-smuggling proceedings in Turkey.

Fırat Fesih Kaya can assess whether the measure constitutes detention, administrative seizure or criminal seizure; examine the underlying customs and anti-smuggling allegations; protect foreign-company ownership rights; challenge continued seizure; oppose permanent forfeiture where its legal requirements are absent; and pursue the return of goods through the appropriate procedures.

Phone: +90 312 434 22 22
Mobile Phone: +90 532 769 22 22
Email: info@firatfesihkaya.av.tr
Address: Mevlana Boulevard No: 221, Yildirim Tower, Balgat, Cankaya / Ankara, Turkey