# Turkmenistan (TM)

**Capital:** Achgabat  
**Currency:** Turkmen manat (TMT) (TMT)  
**Population:** 7,494,498 — Older stored figure; source year not documented.  
**Area:** 488,100 km²

> Turkmenistan is a landlocked Central Asian country with a Caspian Sea coast and a heavily state-controlled economy. A gas exporter and growing transit hub, it links Central Asia with the Caspian region, Iran and Turkey via the port of Turkmenbashi, the Lapis Lazuli and North-South corridors and its rail network. Customs and certification procedures are bureaucratic; VAT is 15 percent.

Turkmenistan (ISO code: TM) is located in Central Asia and borders Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan and Iran as well as the Caspian Sea. Politically it is a presidential republic with strong central leadership. The climate is continental and desert-like, with hot summers, cold winters and very low rainfall. Economically, Turkmenistan relies on natural gas and oil production, agriculture and services, with the energy sector by far the most important internationally. In foreign trade the country mainly exports natural gas, oil and cotton, while relying heavily on imports for consumer goods, machinery and industrial products. In logistics terms, Turkmenistan has road and rail networks, international airports and ports on the Caspian Sea that mainly enable regional transit between Central Asia and the Caspian region. The national currency is the Turkmen manat (TMT). Strategic investment focuses on infrastructure, transport, logistics and energy projects to raise competitiveness and improve integration into regional and global supply chains.

**Top Import Partners:** TR, CN, RU, DE, IR

**Top Export Partners:** CN, TR, IT, RU, AE

**Top Import Goods:** Machinery, Plants, Vehicles, Chemicals, Foodstuffs

**Top Export Goods:** Natural gas, Petroleum products, Cotton

**Key Airports:**
- [Ashgabat International Airport (ASB)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/ashgabat-international-airport-asb)
- [Daşoguz Airport (TAZ)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/dasoguz-airport-taz)
- [Mary International Airport (MYP)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/mary-international-airport-myp)
- [Turkmenbashi International Airport (KRW)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/turkmenbashi-international-airport-krw)
- [Türkmenabat International Airport (CRZ)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/tuerkmenabat-international-airport-crz)
- [Balkanabat Airport (BKN)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/balkanabat-airport-bkn)
- [Cheleken East Airport](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/cheleken-east-airport-6393)
- [Garabogaz (Bekdash) Airport](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/garabogaz-bekdash-airport-11449)
- [Gaurdak Airport](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/gaurdak-airport-11541)
- [Gokdepe Airport](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/gokdepe-airport-11993)

## Customs & Import

**Import VAT:** 15 percent standard rate (VAT on CIF value)  
**Customs complexity:** High  
**Customs system:** Customs clearance under the Customs Code of Turkmenistan through the State Customs Service; electronic advance declaration, customs declaration and a customs fee of 0,2 percent of the contract value.  
**Customs authority:** [State Customs Service of Turkmenistan](https://customs.gov.tm)

## Logistics & Risk

**Logistics role:** Transit country / energy exporter (natural gas)  
**Economic area:** CIS association; WTO observer (not a member)  
**Logistics risk:** medium to high  
**Dangerous goods relevance:** high  
**Pharma/cold chain:** medium

## FAQ

### Which import tax applies in Turkmenistan?

Turkmenistan levies a value added tax with a standard rate of 15 percent on the CIF value of imports. Exports are taxed at zero rate; reductions or exemptions are possible for basic foodstuffs and medicines.

### What are the import duty rates?

Most goods are subject to customs duty rates of 5 to 10 percent, with consumer goods sometimes higher. Machinery, industrial equipment and energy goods often fall within 0 to 5 percent. In addition, a customs fee of 0,2 percent of the contract value applies.

### Which authority is responsible for customs clearance?

The State Customs Service of Turkmenistan (customs.gov.tm) is responsible. It handles imports and exports under the Customs Code and requires, among other things, an electronic advance declaration of the goods.

### Is Turkmenistan affected by international sanctions?

No. According to EU and US information (as of 2026), there are no comprehensive sanctions against Turkmenistan. However, the country operates its own export control system with license requirements for weapons, military goods, explosives and radioactive substances.

### Which ports and transport routes are important for Turkmenistan?

The main seaport is Turkmenbashi on the Caspian Sea, with ferry and container terminals serving Baku, Aktau and Astrakhan. On the landward side, goods move via the Lapis Lazuli, North-South and TRACECA corridors as well as the national rail network.

### Which documents are required for imports?

Commonly required are the commercial invoice, packing list, transport document (CMR, AWB or bill of lading), customs declaration, certificate of origin, and proof of conformity and certification. For certain goods, an import licence is also required.

### Why is Turkmenistan considered logistically demanding?

The economy is heavily state-directed, with currency controls, an import-substitution policy and complex certification requirements. Customs procedures are bureaucratic and time-consuming, which requires careful planning and local partners.

### Is Turkmenistan a landlocked country, even though it has ports?

Yes. Turkmenistan is considered landlocked, because the Caspian Sea is an inland sea with no natural connection to the world's oceans. Caspian ports such as Turkmenbashi serve regional transit via ferry links.

## Sources & Last Verified

- [https://customs.gov.tm](https://customs.gov.tm)
- [https://port.com.tm](https://port.com.tm)
- [https://customs.gov.tm/en](https://customs.gov.tm/en)
- [https://customs.gov.tm/ru/info/tamozhennye-platezhi/aktsizy](https://customs.gov.tm/ru/info/tamozhennye-platezhi/aktsizy)
- [https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/turkmenistan-import-tariffs](https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/turkmenistan-import-tariffs)
- [https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/turkmenistan-customs-regulations](https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/turkmenistan-customs-regulations)
- [https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/turkmenistan-prohibited-and-restricted-imports](https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/turkmenistan-prohibited-and-restricted-imports)
- [https://port.com.tm/?page_id=6003&lang=en](https://port.com.tm/?page_id=6003&lang=en)

*Last verified: 2026-07-01*

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*Freight Academy — Country Profile: [https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/land/tm](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/land/tm)*

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