Here is the list of frequently asked questions from companies wishing to export to Turkey
WHICH MINISTRY IS COMPETENT FOR CUSTOMS ISSUES IN TURKEY?
In Turkey, customs depends on the Ministry of trade since 2018 (Ticaret bakanlığı).
Turkish Customs has a website translated into part in English where you can find some information about your transactions.
IS THERE A COMMERCIAL AGREEMENT WITH TURKEY ?
If you wish to export to Turkey, since 1995 there has been a customs union between the European Union
Europe and Turkey. This customs union is applicable to all products, except ECSC products and agricultural products listed in Annex I to the Treaty of Amsterdam.
WHO CAN IMPORT TO TURKEY?
According to article 8 of the import regime decree, any natural or legal person who holds a tax number within the meaning of Turkish regulations.
WHAT DOCUMENTS MUST BE PROVIDED WHEN IMPORTING INTO TURKEY?
In addition to the declaration, you will need to provide a A.TR circulation certificate which allows any goods circulating freely in the EU (of EU origin or non-EU) to be export to Turkey duty-free customs.
It is now mandatory to also provide a exporter declaration “Exporter Declaration”:
“I, the undersigned, declare that the goods named as… listed in this invoice (date and number) originate in the European Union or in Turkey and produced by (name of the firm) in (name of country). I undertake to make available to the related public authorities any further supporting documents they require. Place and date, name, title and signature”.
For non-EU products, since February 28, 2018, a proof of origin must be presented to Turkish customs in addition to the A.TR.
HOW CAN I KNOW THE TAXATION APPLICABLE IN TURKEY?
First of all, the tariff classification must be determined. The Turkey uses the customs classification based on the harmonized designation and coding system goods of the World Organization of Customs (WCO).
This information is included in the tariff program Turkish Customs and are available on the website of Turkish Customs: https://ggm.ticaret.gov.tr/mevzuat/turk-gumruk-tarife-cetveli/2019-turk-gumruk-tarifecetveli
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I TRANSPORT SAMPLES IN TURKEY?
An inscription on the product and on the invoice must mention that this is a free sample and that it can not be sold. However, if you go to a trade show and that the samples are not intended to remain in Turkey, you will need to implement procedures special customs procedures for temporary admission.
IS MY PRODUCT SUBJECT TO A STANDARD TURKISH ?
Before sending goods to Turkey, it is it is imperative to check whether it must comply with
particular norms or standards: https://en.tse.org.tr/
Nomes are inspected by an institution public which depends on the Ministry of Industry and technologies (TSE-Turkish Standards Institution).
The CE marking is in particular mandatory for certain types of products or goods. He will be systematically checked by TSE.
DOES THE TRANSIT REGIME EXIST IN TURKEY ?
Common customs transit is applicable in Turkey since December 2012, notably in through the NCTS system or NCTS in English (New Computerized Transit System).
WHAT ABOUT FREIGHT CLEARANCE EXPRESS AND POSTAL IN TURKEY?
Since May 2019, all goods sent to Turkey by post or by express freight are taxed.
A flat tax of 18% exists for goods who come or are from the Union European.
If the value of the goods is greater than 1,500 euros, please refer to the tariff customs officer in order to know the applicable taxation. Certain goods are prohibited from being sent by Postal route.
WHAT ARE THE FORMALITIES FOR IMPORT TEMPORARILY GOODS IN TURKEY?
Goods can be imported temporarily in Turkey, particularly when he this is active improvement. The principle is to import goods from temporarily on Turkish territory in order to make them undergo modifications, improvements or any operation that will modify them partially or completely, before they are re-exported.
Please click on this link if you are looking to set up a company in Turkey in order to export products in this country.
