Container shipping from Turkey to Libya
We buy your goods from Turkish factories and Istanbul's markets, check them and ship them to Libya by sea to Misrata, Tripoli, Al Khoms or Benghazi. Here are the route, the time it takes, the papers Libya asks for, and its duties.
- By sea from Turkey3–7 days
- By air, for samples3–7 days
- Shared containerFrom one pallet
The route from Turkey to Libya
Libya is reached by sea: weekly container lines sail from Istanbul and the Marmara and Aegean ports, mostly to Misrata. Trucks don't run this route.
From Ambarlı in Istanbul, Gemlik and Aliağa in İzmir to Misrata, Tripoli, Al Khoms or Benghazi. A full container just for you, or space in a shared one.
Direct lines go to Misrata; Tripoli, Al Khoms and Benghazi have fewer sailings. The time shown is to Misrata.
3–7 daysFor samples and urgent, light orders.
3–7 daysTimes are approximate, port to port or border to border, and don't include customs clearance.
Which container fits your goods?
Enter one carton's size and weight and how many cartons you have. We show the volume, the weight and how many cartons each way of shipping takes. The price comes in your quote.
One carton
120 cartons · 11.5 m³ · 2,160 kg
By air you'd be charged for 2,160 kg: the larger of the real weight and the volume weight (volume ÷ 6000).
Usually the best fit: a shared container. You pay only for 11.5 m³.
| Way to ship | Inside size | Max load | Your cartons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared container | You pay for the space you use | — | You pay for 11.5 m³ |
| 20 ft container | 5.90 × 2.35 × 2.39 m · 33.2 m³ | 25 t | All 120 fit35% full |
| 40 ft container | 12.03 × 2.35 × 2.39 m · 67.7 m³ | 27.6 t | All 120 fit17% full |
| 40 ft high cube | 12.03 × 2.35 × 2.70 m · 76.4 m³ | 28.5 t | All 120 fit15% full |
| 13.6 m truck | 13.6 × 2.45 × 2.70 m · about 90 m³ | about 24 t | — |
Sizes are typical and vary a little from one container or trailer to another, and some countries allow less weight on their roads. We work out the exact loading with your quote.
Papers: what we prepare and what Libya asks for
We prepare in Turkey
- Commercial invoiceEvery model, its quantity and price.
- Packing listWhat is in each carton, its weight and size, from the inspection.
- Certificate of originShows the goods are Turkish; the Libyan bank and customs ask for it.
What Libya asks of you
- Letter of creditImports are paid by a letter of credit through a Libyan bank, with Central Bank of Libya approval. Goods paid outside the banks can't clear customs.Official site
- Pre-shipment inspection certificateWhen goods are paid by letter of credit, an independent inspection company checks them before shipping and issues a certificate. The bank doesn't pay without it.
- Conformity and food checksSome goods, such as food, toys, cosmetics, textiles, children's clothing and footwear, may need a certificate of conformity. Food and medicines are checked by the Food and Drug Control Center.Official site
Trade agreement and duties
There is no free trade agreement between Türkiye and Libya. Libya generally charges a single 5% customs duty; cars and some consumer goods pay more.
Before you order goods for Libya
- Libya bans pork, alcohol, meat not slaughtered the Islamic way, used car engines and tyres, and some other goods. Some goods, such as certain medicines and fuel products, only state bodies may import.
- Getting foreign currency for a letter of credit can take time, and the official and street exchange rates differ. Arrange the payment with your bank before you order.
- Consumer goods need Arabic labels, and on food the production and expiry dates must be printed on the pack, not stuck on.
How we ship your order to Libya
Send your request
The goods and the quantity, through the form below or on WhatsApp.
We send offers and samples
Supplier prices and photos of the goods, and samples if you ask.
We check and combine
We count the pieces, look for faults, measure and weigh the cartons, and send you a report with photos and video.
See an example reportWe ship it to Libya
And we send you the papers before the goods arrive, so your customs broker can start.
Questions about shipping goods to Libya
How long does shipping from Turkey to Libya take?
By sea: 3–7 days. By air: 3–7 days, for samples and urgent orders. Customs clearance in Libya comes on top.
Can I ship in a shared container?
Yes. A shared container starts from one pallet, and you pay for the space your goods take. Try the container tool on this page to see your goods' volume.
What papers does Libya ask for?
A letter of credit through a Libyan bank, a pre-shipment inspection certificate for goods paid that way, and a certificate of conformity for some goods. We prepare the invoice, packing list and certificate of origin.
Who clears the goods in Libya?
You or your customs broker in Libya. We prepare the invoice, packing list and certificate of origin and send them before the goods arrive; the duties are paid in Libya.
Can you combine goods from several suppliers into one shipment?
Yes. We receive the goods from every supplier at our Istanbul warehouse, check them and put them together in one shipment to Libya.
Get a quote for your shipment to Libya
The quote is free, with no obligation. It comes itemised: the price of the goods, our service fee and the shipping, each on its own line.
