Are you planning to send goods or personal belongings across the Atlantic?
Shipping from Turkey to North America (USA & Canada) is booming in 2026—whether you’re a seller exporting Turkish products to Amazon FBA, or part of the Arab diaspora shipping a taste of home.
But the long distance and strict customs regulations in both countries can make the process seem daunting.
In this comprehensive guide from Turk Mersal, we simplify the logistics, explain the key differences between shipping to the USA vs. Canada, and help you choose the best method—air vs. sea—based on cost and urgency.
1. Available Shipping Options (Speed vs. Cost)
Since land shipping isn’t possible, you only have two main options, depending on your shipment size and urgency:
1. Air Freight
Best for: personal parcels, commercial samples, small-to-medium e-commerce shipments.
- Express (DHL, FedEx, UPS): Fastest, most expensive.
- Economy Air: Offered by Turk Mersal via commercial airlines. Slightly slower, but around 30% cheaper than express.
2. Sea Freight
Best for: bulky goods (over 500 kg) or full container loads.
- LCL (Less than Container Load): Pay per CBM (cubic meter).
- FCL (Full Container Load): Your own 20 or 40-foot container.
2. Estimated Transit Times & Costs (2026 Data)
| Comparison Point | Express Air | Economy Air | Sea Freight |
|---|---|---|---|
| To USA | 3–5 business days | 7–10 business days | 30–45 days (East/West Coast) |
| To Canada | 4–6 business days | 8–12 business days | 35–50 days |
| Estimated Cost | High ($$$) | Medium ($$) | Very Low ($) |
| Best for | Documents, gifts, samples | Parcels (30–100 kg) | Furniture, bulk commercial goods |
💡 Pro Tip: Shipping by sea to the US East Coast (New York/New Jersey) is faster and cheaper than to the West Coast (California).
3. Customs & Tax Exemptions (USA vs. Canada)
Many shippers fall into this trap: U.S. and Canadian customs laws are completely different!
Shipping to the USA 🇺🇸
- Generous Duty-Free Limit:
Shipments under $800 USD in value (for personal use) typically enter duty- and tax-free. - FDA Notice Required:
For food or medical items, a Prior Notice must be submitted to the FDA. Turk Mersal handles this for you.
Shipping to Canada 🇨🇦
- Strict Thresholds:
Duties and taxes apply to any shipment over CAD 20—yes, only $20! - Taxes:
You’ll pay GST and HST, depending on your province (between 5% and 15%).
✅ Advice: Always expect to pay import fees in Canada—don’t be surprised at delivery.
4. Special Services for Sellers (Amazon FBA & B2B)
Turkish products (e.g., towels, carpets, cotton clothing) are booming on U.S. marketplaces.
What do we offer for Amazon sellers?
- DDP Service (Delivered Duty Paid):
Amazon won’t accept shipments with pending import charges. We handle customs duties and deliver your goods to Amazon FBA—fully cleared. - Prep & Labeling:
We apply all FNSKU and carton labels to meet Amazon’s strict packaging rules. - Appointment Booking:
We schedule delivery slots with Amazon warehouses through their authorized carrier system.
5. Prohibited & Restricted Items (Red Flag Checklist)
Both U.S. and Canadian customs are strict on biological safety. Avoid these to prevent seizure:
🚫 Meat & Dairy: Completely banned (including pastrami, sausages)
🚫 Seeds & Plants: Due to agricultural pest risks
🚫 Counterfeit Goods: Items mimicking brand logos (e.g., Nike, Gucci) will be confiscated
⚠️ Liquids & Batteries: Allowed under specific packaging (DG certified)
6. How to Save with Turk Mersal (The Power of Consolidation)
Air freight is pricey—how do you reduce cost?
Answer: Shipment Consolidation.
Scenario:
You want to ship a shirt from Trendyol + Turkish delight + a handbag. Sending them in 3 separate parcels = 3 minimum charges (e.g., $40 × 3 = $120).
Our Solution:
We consolidate all items into one box in our Istanbul warehouse.
- Weight increases slightly
- Cost per kilo drops
Result:
Ship everything for $50–$60 instead of $120—50%+ savings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Will I pay customs when receiving my shipment in the USA?
A: If your shipment is under $800 USD and for personal use, it’s typically duty-free. Above that, CBP may charge import duties based on the product’s HS Code.
Q2: I live in Canada—do the same rules apply?
A: No. Canada is stricter. Any shipment over CAD 20 is subject to duties and GST/HST (5%–15%). Always factor this into your budget.
Q3: Can I ship food (like sweets or coffee)?
A: Yes, with conditions:
- To the USA: Dry, packaged, processed foods (e.g., coffee, nuts, baklava) are allowed. Meat/dairy is banned. FDA Prior Notice is required—we handle it.
- To Canada: Similar rules. No fresh or refrigerated products.
Q4: What’s the difference between actual and volumetric weight?
A: Airlines charge based on whichever is greater:
- Actual weight: The scale reading
- Volumetric weight: (L × W × H in cm) / 5000
Bulky items like pillows or winter coats may cost more. We offer repack & compression services to reduce size and save up to 40%.
Q5: Can you ship directly to Amazon FBA in the USA?
A: Yes. We specialize in Amazon services:
- Print & apply FNSKU and box labels
- Ship via DDP to ensure no delivery refusals
- Coordinate appointments with Amazon’s warehouses
Q6: How long does sea freight take?
A:
- To East Coast USA (NY/NJ): 25–35 days
- To West Coast USA (CA): 40–50 days
- To Canada (Montreal/Toronto): 30–45 days
Q7: Can I ship personal medication?
A: Yes—limited quantities only (up to 3 months’ supply). Must have a prescription in English and keep meds in their original packaging. Use express services (DHL/FedEx) for fastest clearance.
Q8: What happens if my shipment is lost or damaged?
A: While rare, we offer full insurance coverage (1.5%–2% of invoice value). This protects you for full loss or damage. Without insurance, compensation is limited by weight (Warsaw Convention rules).
Q9: Do you offer Door-to-Door delivery?
A: Absolutely. We pick up from your home or factory in Turkey and deliver to your doorstep in New York, Toronto, or anywhere else. The price includes all transport stages (except import duties—unless DDP is agreed).
Q10: How can I track my shipment?
A: Once we receive your package, you’ll get an online tracking link. You’ll see every step:
Istanbul → Frankfurt (Transit) → New York → Out for delivery.
In Conclusion: Don’t Let Distance Hold Back Your Ambition
Shipping from Turkey to the USA and Canada isn’t just “moving boxes”—it’s a process that requires deep knowledge of federal laws and customs procedures to avoid seizures or penalties.
At Turk Mersal, we bridge the gap for you. Whether you’re furnishing your new home in Montreal with Turkish furniture, or launching your brand in California via Amazon—we are your logistics partner who protects your investment, saves you money, and delivers peace of mind.
🎯 Stop wasting time comparing quotes. Get a FREE consultation and cost estimate in minutes.
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