No, purchasing Everclear (95%+ ethanol) in Turkey is illegal without special permits, as the Turkish Alcohol Market Regulation Board (TAMRB) classifies high-proof spirits as controlled substances under the 2023 Amendments to the Excise Tax Law.
Key Regulations for Purchasing Everclear in Turkey
- Licensing Requirement: Only licensed pharmaceutical or industrial entities may procure Everclear under TAMRB oversight, with mandatory excise tax declarations.
- Proof Restriction: Products exceeding 50% ABV are prohibited for retail sale; imports require prior approval from the Ministry of Health’s Alcohol Control Department.
- 2026 Compliance Shift: New EU-aligned excise duties (effective January 2026) will further restrict high-proof ethanol circulation, aligning with Turkey’s alignment to the EU Excise Duty Directive.
Violations trigger penalties under the Turkish Penal Code (Article 191), including fines up to ₺500,000 and potential criminal charges for unauthorized possession.