Country profile
Turkmenistan
TM · TKMAs of: 7/1/2026Transit country / energy exporter (natural gas)
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.
Overview
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.
Mentioned countries
Customs & Import/Export
Customs authority
State Customs Service of TurkmenistanImport 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.
Export system
Export clearance through the State Customs Service under the Customs Code; export duties and licensing requirements apply to strategic goods and energy products.
Import VAT
- 15 percent standard rate (VAT on CIF value)
- exports taxed at zero rate
- reductions or exemptions for basic foodstuffs and medicines possible.
Import documents
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Transport document (CMR/AWB/Bill of lading)
- Customs declaration
- Certificate of origin
- Conformity and certification proof
- Import license if applicable
Export documents
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Transport document
- Export declaration
- Certificate of origin (Form CT-1 for CIS trade)
- Export license if applicable
Origin proofs / FTA
Preferential proof within CIS free trade via certificate of origin Form CT-1; no free trade agreements outside the CIS; proof of origin via the Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Restricted & prohibited goods
Prohibited without license: weapons, explosives, narcotic drugs and radioactive substances. License or permit requirements apply, among others, to chemicals, pharmaceuticals and agricultural products.
Export controls & sanctions
No international sanctions against Turkmenistan (as of 2026). National license requirement from the President and the Cabinet of Ministers for weapons, military goods, explosives and radioactive substances.
Without warranty — always verify with freight forwarder/customs agent and official authorities.
Customs / Import / Export (Asia) — General process
Quick operational overview for international shipments to Asia. Product requirements, certificates, and clearance processes can vary significantly by destination.
Documents (typical)
- Commercial invoice (description, value, Incoterms)
- Packing list (weights, dimensions, packages)
- HS code / tariff classification
- Proof of origin / preference docs (where relevant)
- Depending on goods: certificates/compliance documents
Process (simplified)
- Prepare export (docs, HS code, origin)
- Import clearance in destination country (declaration, possible checks)
- Release and delivery; duties/taxes according to classification and value
Common pitfalls
- Vague description or missing HS codes → delays and clarifications
- Incoterms unclear: who clears customs/pays charges?
- Incomplete origin data → preferential treatment may not apply
- Inconsistent documents (invoice vs packing list vs shipment data)
Important: Requirements depend on goods, origin, Incoterms, value, and consignee. When in doubt, confirm with your broker/forwarder and official sources.
Official links
Note: regional/general sources. Country-specific authority links will be added iteratively.
Trade
Freight Infrastructure & Transport Network
Transport relevance
Cargo airports
- Aşgabat International (ASB)
- Türkmenabat (CRZ)
- Türkmenbaşy (KRW)
Seaports / access ports
- Turkmenbashi International Seaport (Caspian Sea)
Road corridors & border crossings
- Lapis Lazuli Corridor (AF–TM–AZ–GE–TR)
- North-South Corridor (INSTC)
- East-West / TRACECA
Rail corridors
- Ashgabat–Turkmenbashi
- North-South railway (Kazakhstan–Turkmenistan–Iran)
- Lapis Lazuli rail route
Top trade lanes
- Turkmenistan–China (natural gas pipeline)
- Turkmenistan–Turkey
- Turkmenistan–Russia
- Turkmenistan–Iran
- Turkmenistan–EU
Risk & Operational Notes
Risk notes
Heavily state-controlled economy with currency controls, import substitution policy, certification requirements and lengthy, bureaucratic customs procedures; limited transparency.
Seasonal & weather risks
Desert climate with very hot summers above 40 degrees affects temperature-sensitive cargo; cold winters and storms on the Caspian Sea can delay ferry traffic.
Current logistics notes
Turkmenistan is expanding its transit role: transit volumes in 2025 exceeded 7 million tonnes (plus 28 percent); expansion of the Lapis Lazuli, North-South and TRACECA corridors and of the Ashgabat–Turkmenbashi railway.
As of: 2026-07-01
Operational notes – no claim to completeness. Verify with your freight forwarder and official sources.
Airports in this country
Latest News
No news for this country yet.
View all news →Sources & Data Confidence
Official sources
Source references without warranty. For legal/tax decisions consult official authorities.
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.
Which trade partners are important for Turkmenistan?
Which logistics terms are especially relevant for Turkmenistan?
For international shipments, these terms are a good quick start:
Next steps
Matching tools and partners