Overview
In exports, accuracy matters as much as speed. A single error in the declaration can cost your buyer a duty advantage in the destination country and affect VAT refunds and government incentives in Türkiye. We manage every step meticulously, from the declaration to confirmation of exit. As customs brokers, we handle your export clearance from our head office in Kayseri and our branch and liaison offices.
From export declaration to exit
The export declaration is prepared in the BILGE system using the commercial invoice and product information, and registered once the exporters’ association registration and any approvals required for goods subject to export registration or licensing are complete. Depending on the risk analysis, a document check or physical inspection may be carried out. For companies using simplified procedures such as on-site clearance or authorized consignor status, formalities can also be completed at the company’s own premises.
The actual exit of the goods from the customs territory of Türkiye is confirmed by the customs office of exit, and the declaration is closed. A closed declaration is the official proof of export; VAT refund claims under the export exemption and government incentives rely on this record. That is why we also follow the exit and closure stage through to completion.
Export operations we handle
Alongside standard export declarations, we also handle export operations subject to special procedures. For off-site customs operations (müfrez), we take care of the application and follow-up where the legislation allows the goods to be inspected and sealed outside the customs office — for example, at the exporter’s premises. In exports via a second customs office, the declaration is registered at one customs office while the goods leave the country through another; we follow the formalities at both offices.
We also handle bulk cargo exports, where the declared quantity is finalized on the basis of weighing and loading results; free-of-charge exports, covering shipments for which no payment is received, such as samples, replacements or gifts; and transit trade export operations, covering the customs formalities for goods purchased abroad and sold on to another country.
For goods sent abroad to come back — for trade fairs, exhibitions, samples or repair — we follow temporary export and ATA Carnet export operations; and where goods brought into Türkiye but not released for free circulation must be sent back to where they came from or on to another country, we handle return-to-origin (mahrece iade) operations. Exports under the outward processing procedure are covered separately on our Inward Processing & Customs Procedures page.
Rail and air exports
In addition to sea and road, we handle the customs formalities for exports by rail and by air. For rail shipments, we check that wagon and transport documents match the declaration; for air shipments, we follow the air waybill (AWB) details and complete declaration and exit formalities in line with the cargo acceptance schedule.
Origin and movement certificates
Whether your buyer can benefit from a duty advantage often depends on the right origin or movement certificate. Industrial products covered by the Türkiye–EU Customs Union travel with an A.TR movement certificate; exports to countries with which Türkiye has a free trade agreement use the EUR.1, or the EUR-MED where cumulation is required; and where no preferential regime applies, a certificate of origin is used. Note that for exports to the EU, too, ECSC iron and steel products and agricultural products require an EUR.1 or EUR-MED rather than an A.TR.
We assess whether your product meets the preferential rules of origin by examining the production process and the origin of the inputs used. We also guide you on the correct use of tools such as supplier’s declarations and invoice declarations.
What we do
- Preparing and registering export declarations
- Exports by sea, road, rail and air
- Off-site clearance (müfrez) and exports via a second customs office
- Bulk cargo and free-of-charge exports
- Transit trade exports and return-to-origin operations
- Temporary export and exports under ATA Carnets
- Preparing A.TR, EUR.1, EUR-MED and certificates of origin
- Tracking confirmation of exit and declaration closure
Documents typically required
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Transport document (CMR, bill of lading or AWB)
- A.TR, EUR.1, EUR-MED or certificate of origin, as required
- Relevant licenses or control documents for goods subject to export registration or licensing
- DIIB or authorization details for exports under inward processing
- Power of attorney granting representation
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to join an exporters’ association to export?
As a general rule, exporting companies must be members of an exporters’ association that matches their product group. We guide you through membership and declaration approval procedures before your first export.
Why is closing the export declaration important?
Closure shows that the customs authorities have confirmed the goods actually left Türkiye. Because export VAT refunds, government incentives and the discharge of inward processing commitments all rely on the closed declaration, tracking this step is essential.
What is the difference between A.TR and EUR.1?
The A.TR is a movement certificate used for industrial products in free circulation under the Customs Union between Türkiye and the EU. The EUR.1, by contrast, proves the preferential origin of goods under free trade agreements. Which document to use depends on the product and the destination country.
How can I ship samples and trade fair goods?
For goods sent to trade fairs or exhibitions, or as samples that will come back, methods such as temporary export or an ATA Carnet can be used; samples that will not come back can be shipped as free-of-charge exports. The right method depends on whether the goods will return and on the practices of the destination country.