1 Turkmenistan Country Profile

1 Turkmenistan Country Profile

Turkmenistan Country Profile

Generic country information can be located from sources which are regularly maintained and reflect current facts and figures.

For a generic country overview, please consult the following sources:

Turkmenistan Country Map

Generic Information:


Turkmenistan, formerly also known as Turkmenia, is one of the Turkic states in Central Asia. Turkmenistan is bordered by Afghanistan to the southeast, Iran to the south and southwest, Uzbekistan to the east and northeast, Kazakhstan to the northwest and the Caspian Sea to the west.
Present-day Turkmenistan covers territory that has been at the crossroads of civilizations for centuries. In medieval times Merv (today known as Mary) was one of the great cities of the Islamic world and an important stop on the Silk Road. Annexed by the Russian Empire in 1881, Turkmenistan later figured prominently in the anti-Bolshevik movement in Central Asia. In 1924, Turkmenistan became a constituent republic of the Soviet Union, Turkmen Soviet Socialist Republic (Turkmen SSR); it achieved independence upon the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991.
Turkmenistan's GDP growth rate of 11% in 2012 comes on the back of several years of sustained high growth, albeit from a very basic undiversified economy powered by export of a single commodity. It possesses the world's fourth largest reserves of natural gas resources.Although it is wealthy in natural resources in certain areas, most of the country is covered by the Karakum (Black Sand) Desert.

Find the country in the generic links below:

Wikipedia Country Information Website of Wikipedia on Turkmenistan

IMF Country Information Website of the IMF on Turkmenistan

Economist Intelligence Unit Website of the Economist on Turkmenistan

(*note - this is a paid service)

 

Facts and Figures:

Wolfram Alpha Website of Wolframalpha on Turkmenistan

World Bank Website of the Worldbank on Turkmenistan

Population Information: Website of the Worldpopulationreview on Turkmenistan

1.1 Turkmenistan Humanitarian Background

Turkmenistan Humanitarian Background

Disasters, Conflicts and Migration

Natural Disasters

Yes / No

Comments / Details

Drought

No -

Earthquakes

Yes Year: 2000, Killed People: 11

Epidemics

No -

Extreme Temperatures

No -

Flooding

Yes Year: 1993, Affected People: 420

Insect Infestation

No -

Mudslides

No -

Volcanic Eruptions

No -

High Waves / Surges

No -

Wildfires

No -

High Winds

No -

Man-Made Issues

Civil Strife

n/a -

International Conflict

n/a -

Internally Displaced Persons

No -

Refugees Present

No -

Landmines / UXO Present

Yes 7-Jul-2011 / Number Killed : 15

Other Comments

Transport Accident:

18-Sep-1998 / Number Killed : 40

For more detailed database on disasters by country, please see the Centre for Research on Epidemiology of Disasters:

Website of Emdat - Disaster Database

Calamities and Seasonal Affects

The climate is continental with scarce rainfalls throughout the year. Summers are dry and blistering (40°C) and winters are cold, sometimes freezing (-25°C). Springs and autumns are pleasant, with mild temperatures. The air is dry in the center of the country and wetter on the shores of the Caspian sea. The desert region of Karakoum is often subject to strong winds which case sandstorms.

For further informaiton on seasonal effects, please select the following document:

Turkmenistan Humanitarian Background Additional Information

Capacity and Contacts for In-Country Emergency Response

Government

For information on the Emergency Management Center, please select the following document:

Turkmenistan Humanitarian Background Additional Information

Note: The information provided in the attached documents, which has been taken from the old DLCA, does not match the structure of the new LCA and is therefore provided separately.

For information on Turkmenistan Government contact details, please see the following link:

4.1 Turkmenistan Government Contact List

Humanitarian Community

For information on Turkmenistan Humanitarian Agency contact details, please see the following link:

4.2 Turkmenistan Humanitarian Agency Contact List

1.2 Turkmenistan National Regulatory Departments

Turkmenistan Regulatory Narrative

Turkmenistan’s government nominally has three independent branches. However, after winning an uncontested presidential election in 1992 President Saparmurad Niyazov effectively dominated governance in all branches and at all levels until his death in late 2006. Political opposition reportedly is nearly non-existent. Harsh, arbitrary punishment of administrative “mistakes” and unforeseen shifts in top government positions have discouraged competent individuals from seeking government appointments.

For further detailed information on the national regulatory branches in Turkmenistan, please select the following document:

Turkmenistan National Regulatory Departments Additional Information

Note: The information provided in the attached documents, which has been taken from the old DLCA, does not match the structure of the new LCA and is therefore provided separately.

For information on Turkmenistan Regulatory Department contact details, please see the following link:

4.1 Turkmenistan Government Contact List

1.3 Turkmenistan Customs Information

Turkmenistan Customs Information

Technically, Turkmenistan does not levy tariffs except on imports by individuals. However, in practice, the excise tax system applies higher rates to imported goods than domestic, effectively putting an unspoken tariff in place. Additionally, certain domestic products are exempted from the value-added tax (VAT) and, by special presidential decree, government regulatory agencies have the power to go into certain markets and determine the prices of domestically produced goods and the prices for which importers pay for foreign products. Certain imports from countries outside the rural area are prohibited or require a license.

Turkmenistan is not a member of any free trade agreements and is not a member of the Commonwealth of Independent States customs union. It has signed trilateral agreements with Iran and Ukraine, Iran and Armenia, Iran and Bangladesh, and Iran and the Philippines and is pursuing more such agreements. Turkmenistan has most-favored nation status with the United States and Austria. Duties run from 10% to 100%, the average being 30%.

Duties and Tax Exemption

For contact information regarding government custom authorities, please follow the link below: 

4.1 Turkmenistan Government Contact List

Emergency Response:

[Note: This section contains information which is related and applicable to ‘crisis’ times. These instruments can be applied when an emergency is officially declared by the Government.  When this occurs, there is usually a streamlined process to import goods duty and tax free.]

In the following table, state which of the following agreements and conventions apply to the country and if there are any other existing ones

Agreements / Conventions Description

Ratified by Country?

(Yes / No)

WCO (World Customs Organization) member

Yes, 17May1993

Annex J-5 Revised Kyoto Convention

No

OCHA Model Agreement

No

Tampere Convention (on the Provision of Telecommunication Resources for Disaster Mitigation and Relief Operations)

No

Regional Agreements (on emergency/disaster response, but also customs unions, regional integration)

n/a

Exemption Regular Regime (Non-Emergency Response)

[Note: This section should contain information on the usual duties & taxes exemption regime during non-emergency times, when there is no declared state of emergency and no streamlines process (e.g. regular importations/development/etc.).]

Import Tariffs - Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan does not apply tariffs per se on imported goods. However, in practice the Government of Turkmenistan levies customs duties and higher excise taxes on imports which are significant barriers to trade.

Turkmenistan’s value added tax (VAT) is 15 percent.

Samples/Temporary Entry--Turkmenistan customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into Turkmenistan of items such as carpets, jewelry, musical instruments, pieces of art, archaeological artifacts, antiques, protected animals, etc

Standards - Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan uses National Standards of Turkmenistan (TDS) and General Interstate Standards (GOST). Turkmenistan’s national standards are developed to meet international standards. GOST standards have been developed by 12 FSU countries and incorporate former Soviet Union standards. Standards and metrology are governed by the Law on Standardization and Metrology of 1993 and a series of by-laws.

The Main State Inspectorate “Turkmenstandartlary” is the regulating agency in the area of standards and metrology and publishes national standards updates.

Exemption Certificate Document Requirements

Duties and Taxes Exemption Certificate Document Requirements (by commodity)

 

Food

NFI

(Shelter, WASH, Education)

Medicines

Vehicles

&

Spare Parts

Staff

& Office Supplies

Telecoms Equipment

Invoice

Pro forma invoice in English or Russian / 3 Copies

Pro forma invoice in English or Russian / 3 Copies

Pro forma invoice in English or Russian / 3 Copies

Pro forma invoice in English or Russian / 3 Copies

Pro forma invoice in English or Russian / 3 Copies

Pro forma invoice in English or Russian / 3 Copies

AWB/BL/Other Transport Documents

3 Originals

3 Originals

3 Originals

3 Originals

3 Originals

3 Originals

Donation/Non-Commercial Certificates

1 Original for review / 1 Copy

1 Original for review / 1 Copy

1 Original for review / 1 Copy

1 Original for review / 1 Copy

1 Original for review / 1 Copy

1 Original for review / 1 Copy

Packing Lists

3 originals / 3 Copies

3 originals / 3 Copies

3 originals / 3 Copies

3 originals / 3 Copies

3 originals / 3 Copies

3 originals / 3 Copies

Other Documents

special permission from the Ministry of Nature and Environment.Copy of the passport. Copy of the valid visa / diplomatic card / confirmation of employment (to be issued by the client’s organization in the country of destination) Power of attorney (to be issued by the client’s organization in the country of destination) Valued inventory in English or Russian.

Copy of the passport. Copy of the valid visa

diplomatic card

confirmation of employment (to be issued by the client’s organization in the country of destination) Power of attorney (to be issued by the client’s organization in the country of destination) Valued inventory in English or Russian.

Copy of the passport. Copy of the valid visa

diplomatic card

confirmation of employment (to be issued by the client’s organization in the country of destination) Power of attorney (to be issued by the client’s organization in the country of destination) Valued inventory in English or Russian.

Car title. Technical passport of the car. Copy of the passport. Copy of the valid visa / diplomatic card / confirmation of employment (to be issued by the client’s organization in the country of destination) Power of attorney (to be issued by the client’s organization in the country of destination) Right hand cars are not allowed. Permission of Ooperation department of Ashgabad Customs Office Permission from Transinpspection Certificate standard of state Temporary import declaration

All kind of electronic and electrical appliances should be clearly marked on the packing list along with their serial numbers.Copy of the passport. Copy of the valid visa / diplomatic card / confirmation of employment (to be issued by the client’s organization in the country of destination) Power of attorney (to be issued by the client’s organization in the country of destination) Valued inventory in English or Russian.

All kind of electronic and electrical appliances should be clearly marked on the packing list along with their serial numbers.Copy of the passport. Copy of the valid visa / diplomatic card / confirmation of employment (to be issued by the client’s organization in the country of destination) Power of attorney (to be issued by the client’s organization in the country of destination) Valued inventory in English or Russian.

Additional Notes

n/a

Customs Clearance

General Information 

Customs Information

Document Requirements

Company Papers / Passport & Valid Visa ,Original Invoice & Packing List in English or Russian , Original BL, Cert. Of Origin

Embargoes

Weapons of all kinds. Pornography. Narcotics. Toxic material Radioactive material. Export of antiques, such as carpets, paintings, books, icons or any other items, which is considered to be of Turkmen cultural and historical value. Right hand cars.

Prohibited Items

 Narcotics • Pornography (please consider the term as used under the Islamic law) • Counterfeit items • Cultural artefacts and other objects of cultural importance • Henna • Palm tree and any products thereof • Explosive material

General Restrictions

Live animals – health certificate required along with complete and valid inoculations. • Endangered species and any products or parts thereof as outlined by CITES maybe be brought in only with CITES permission. • Medication • Local currency - Tunisian Dinar (TND) – cash import available only with permission. • Foreign Currency declarable when exceeding the below amounts: * Foreigners - the equivalent of TND 5,000 * Residents - the equivalent of TND 25,000

Customs Clearance Document Requirements

For detailed information on import regulations, please see the following document:

Turkmenistan Customs Information Additional Information

Customs Clearance Document Requirements (by commodity)

 

Food

NFI

(Shelter, WASH, Education)

Medicines

Vehicles

&

Spare Parts

Staff

& Office Supplies

Telecoms Equipment

D&T Exemption Certificate

n/a

 

n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a

Invoice

Pro forma invoice in English or Russian / 3 Copies

 

Pro forma invoice in English or Russian / 3 Copies Pro forma invoice in English or Russian / 3 Copies Pro forma invoice in English or Russian / 3 Copies Pro forma invoice in English or Russian / 3 Copies Pro forma invoice in English or Russian / 3 Copies

AWB/BL/Other Transport Documents

3 Originals

 

3 Originals 3 Originals 3 Originals 3 Originals 3 Originals

Donation/Non-Commercial Certificates

1 Original for review / 1 Copy

1 Original for review / 1 Copy

1 Original for review / 1 Copy

1 Original for review / 1 Copy

1 Original for review / 1 Copy

1 Original for review / 1 Copy

Packing Lists

3 originals / 3 Copies

3 originals / 3 Copies

3 originals / 3 Copies

3 originals / 3 Copies

3 originals / 3 Copies

3 originals / 3 Copies

Phytosanitary Certificate

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

Other Documents

special permission from the Ministry of Nature and Environment.Copy of the passport. Copy of the valid visa / diplomatic card / confirmation of employment (to be issued by the client’s organization in the country of destination) Power of attorney (to be issued by the client’s organization in the country of destination) Valued inventory in English or Russian.

Copy of the passport. Copy of the valid visa / diplomatic card / confirmation of employment (to be issued by the client’s organization in the country of destination) Power of attorney (to be issued by the client’s organization in the country of destination) Valued inventory in English or Russian.

Copy of the passport. Copy of the valid visa / diplomatic card / confirmation of employment (to be issued by the client’s organization in the country of destination) Power of attorney (to be issued by the client’s organization in the country of destination) Valued inventory in English or Russian.

Car title. Technical passport of the car. Copy of the passport. Copy of the valid visa / diplomatic card / confirmation of employment (to be issued by the client’s organization in the country of destination) Power of attorney (to be issued by the client’s organization in the country of destination) Right hand cars are not allowed. Permission of Ooperation department of Ashgabad Customs Office Permission from Transinpspection Certificate standard of state Temporary import declaration

All kind of electronic and electrical appliances should be clearly marked on the packing list along with their serial numbers.Copy of the passport. Copy of the valid visa / diplomatic card / confirmation of employment (to be issued by the client’s organization in the country of destination) Power of attorney (to be issued by the client’s organization in the country of destination) Valued inventory in English or Russian.

All kind of electronic and electrical appliances should be clearly marked on the packing list along with their serial numbers.Copy of the passport. Copy of the valid visa / diplomatic card / confirmation of employment (to be issued by the client’s organization in the country of destination) Power of attorney (to be issued by the client’s organization in the country of destination) Valued inventory in English or Russian.

Additional Notes

n/a