Shipping and Customs Clearance to Turkey: Expert Tips

Shipping goods from China to Turkey requires understanding Turkish customs regulations, port procedures, and documentation requirements. Turkey serves as a strategic gateway between Europe and Asia, making it an important trading partner.

Major Ports in Turkey

Turkey has several major ports including Istanbul (Ambarli and Haydarpasa), Mersin (the largest container port), Izmir, and Gemlik. Istanbul ports handle most container traffic, while Mersin is crucial for Mediterranean trade.

Required Documentation for Turkey Customs

1. Commercial Invoice

Must be in Turkish or English, detailing product descriptions, quantities, unit prices, and total value. The invoice must be signed and stamped by the exporter.

2. Packing List

Detailed list showing contents, weights, dimensions, and packaging type for each package in the shipment.

3. Bill of Lading

Original B/L or sea waybill required. Must be properly endorsed if consigned to order.

4. Certificate of Origin

Required for most goods. Must be issued by a recognized chamber of commerce and may need consular legalization.

5. Import License

Certain products require import licenses from relevant Turkish authorities. Check if your goods need special permits or certifications.

Turkey Customs Procedures

Customs Declaration

All imports must be declared to Turkish customs within 20 days of arrival. The declaration must include accurate HS codes, values, and product descriptions. Electronic declaration through the Turkish customs system is mandatory.

Duty and Tax Calculation

Turkey applies customs duties based on CIF value. Standard rates range from 0% to 20%, with most goods at 0%, 3%, or 8%. VAT is 20% on most products. Additional fees may apply.

Inspection Requirements

Turkey customs may inspect shipments for compliance, especially for restricted items, high-value goods, or random checks. Proper documentation reduces inspection delays.

Restricted and Prohibited Items

Turkey prohibits or restricts certain items including weapons, narcotics, certain chemicals, and products that don't meet Turkish standards. Food products require health certificates and may need TSE (Turkish Standards Institution) certification. Always verify if your products need special permits or certifications.

Shipping Options to Turkey

Sea Freight

Most cost-effective for large shipments. Transit time from China to Istanbul is typically 25-30 days. FCL and LCL options available.

Air Freight

Faster option (5-7 days) but more expensive. Ideal for urgent shipments or high-value goods. Istanbul and Marrakech have international airports.

Why Choose Yiwu Go Cargo for Turkey Shipping

• Local office in Istanbul for on-ground support
• Expert knowledge of Turkey customs regulations
• Established relationships with Turkey customs officials
• Fast clearance times and reduced delays
• Competitive shipping rates from Yiwu to Turkey
• Door-to-door service available

Common Challenges and Solutions

Language Barriers

Turkey customs prefer documentation in French or Arabic. Our team ensures all documents are properly translated and formatted.

Documentation Errors

Incorrect or incomplete documents cause delays. We verify all documentation before submission to prevent issues.

Conclusion

Shipping to Turkey requires careful attention to customs regulations and documentation. With Yiwu Go Cargo's expertise and local presence in Istanbul, you can navigate Turkey customs smoothly and ensure timely delivery of your goods. Contact us for professional shipping and customs clearance services to Turkey.