Importing to Turkey (Türkiye)

When importing goods into Türkiye, businesses must ensure all necessary documentation is in place. Key documents typically include a commercial invoice, which outlines the details and value of the imported goods, and a bill of lading or airway bill, which serves as proof of shipment. A packing list is also required to provide information on how the goods are packaged. A certificate of origin may also be necessary, particularly for products subject to preferential trade agreements or specific customs requirements.

Certain products may require additional documentation. For example, products like electronics and machinery must bear a CE mark to indicate compliance with European standards. Similarly, specific goods such as telecommunications equipment and electronics may require test reports from recognized bodies to verify their safety and technical standards.

Additional regulations apply to IT and technology goods. The Turkish government uses the TAREKS system to monitor the safety and quality of imported goods, and items such as telecom equipment, batteries, and electronics must receive prior approval. Many of these products also require further certification. This is especially important for telecom equipment like wireless technologies and mobile devices, which need additional documentation and test lab reports.

Regarding tariffs, Türkiye generally applies low rates, with an average tariff of around 5.8%. However, tariffs can rise significantly depending on the type of product, with some goods facing duties as high as 41.8%. Finally, although Türkiye has significantly reduced trade restrictions since the 1990s, some goods still face non-tariff barriers. Pharmaceuticals, for example, must be registered with the Ministry of Health before they can be imported.

Türkiye is an active player in international export markets, particularly in automotive, and consumer electronics. Exporting from Türkiye is streamlined due to its customs union with the EU. However, exporters must meet certain documentation and compliance requirements.

Türkiye adheres to various international export control regimes, particularly in the export of dual-use technologies, including the Wassenaar Arrangement and the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR). These agreements regulate the export of sensitive technologies to prevent the proliferation of weapons and other dangerous technologies.

Import and export regulations in Türkiye can be challenging, so it’s crucial to partner with professionals who understand the intricacies of Turkish trade laws. TecEx offers specialized solutions designed to streamline your shipping process and ensure compliance with all local requirements. Our services are tailored to help businesses move goods to and from Türkiye quickly and efficiently.

We handle all aspects of compliance, including the necessary documentation, through comprehensive Import of Record (IOR) services so you can focus on your core business operations. In addition to acting as your IOR, our team also assists with acquiring the necessary licenses and permits from regulatory bodies such as TAREKS, the Turkish Standards Institute (TSE), and the Telecommunications Authority (BTK). These permits are essential for ensuring your products can be legally imported and distributed in Türkiye.

For businesses needing to temporarily import goods—such as trade show samples or equipment for short-term use—TecEx offers expertise in managing temporary import processes. This service ensures that temporary items are handled in accordance with Turkish regulations, minimizing the risk of delays or issues with customs.

Fill in the form to get in touch, and our expert team will contact you with a bespoke customs compliance solution to suit your needs.