Overview
On imports, the customs process starts before your goods arrive in Türkiye. By determining the correct HS code (GTIP), customs value and origin, we make your duties and taxes predictable, and by planning the required licenses and inspections in advance, we aim to keep your goods’ time at customs to a minimum. As customs brokers, we handle your import clearance from our head office in Kayseri and our branch and liaison offices.
How does the import process work?
Before the goods enter the customs territory of Türkiye, the carrier or its representative lodges a summary declaration within the pre-arrival time limits set for each mode of transport; once presented to customs, the goods are placed in a temporary storage facility or a bonded warehouse. From that point, the goods must be assigned a customs-approved treatment or use within the time limits set by law; for imports, this is usually release for free circulation.
The declaration is filed electronically through the BILGE system together with the commercial invoice, transport document, proof of origin and any required licenses or conformity documents. We transmit your declarations to the customs administrations through the PROAKTİF interface software over our leased-line connection. Based on risk analysis, it is routed to the green, yellow or red channel: green-channel declarations are cleared without a document check or inspection, yellow-channel declarations after a document check, and red-channel declarations after both a document check and a physical inspection. Once duties and taxes are paid or secured by a guarantee, the goods are released for free circulation.
Duties, taxes and cost items
The amounts payable on imports depend on the goods’ HS code, origin and customs value. As a rule, customs value is based on the transaction value, plus freight and insurance costs up to the point of entry into the customs territory of Türkiye. Customs duty, any additional customs duty and any anti-dumping or countervailing duties are calculated on this value, and the VAT base is formed by adding these duties to it. Certain goods may also attract special consumption tax (ÖTV), and deferred payment terms may trigger the Resource Utilization Support Fund levy (KKDF).
When a valid origin or movement certificate (such as A.TR, EUR.1 or EUR-MED) is presented under a preferential trade agreement, a reduction in or exemption from customs duty — and in some cases additional customs duty — may apply. We therefore recommend confirming the document status with your supplier before shipment.
Trade controls and licenses
Imports of certain products are subject to checks by the relevant authorities before or alongside customs formalities. Checks relating to product safety and technical regulations are carried out via TAREKS (the Risk-Based Trade Control System), while food, agricultural and animal products may require approval from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, and pharmaceuticals and medical devices from the relevant health authorities.
We identify in advance which checks and documents are required, based on the HS code and the decrees and communiqués governing the import regime, and plan applications in the right order to reduce the risk of delays.
What we do
- Pre-shipment determination of HS code, origin and tax burden
- Determining customs value and preparing the Customs Value Declaration Form (KBF) where required
- Preparing and registering the declaration for release for free circulation
- Tracking TAREKS and other agency control applications
- On-site attendance at inspections, sampling and laboratory testing
- Calculating customs duty, additional customs duty and VAT
- Imports of machinery and equipment under an investment incentive certificate
- Coordination of delivery orders, ports, warehouses and carriers
Documents typically required
- Commercial invoice
- Bill of lading, CMR consignment note or air waybill (AWB)
- Packing list
- Origin or movement certificate (A.TR, EUR.1, EUR-MED, certificate of origin)
- Freight and insurance documents, depending on the delivery terms
- TAREKS reference number, control certificates, conformity documents or licenses where required
- Technical documentation or catalog for the product
- Power of attorney granting representation
Frequently asked questions
Can I find out the import taxes in advance?
Yes. Once the goods’ HS code, origin, value and delivery terms are clear, items such as customs duty, any additional customs duty and VAT can be calculated in advance. The final amount is determined by the exchange rate and legislation in effect on the date the declaration is registered.
What happens if my declaration is routed to the red channel?
The red channel means the goods will undergo a physical inspection in addition to a document check. We attend the inspection on site, confirm that the goods match the declaration and follow the process through. When documents are complete and the declaration is accurate, inspections are usually completed without issues.
Can I get a duty reduction without a preferential origin document?
Preferential tariff treatment generally requires a valid proof of origin to be presented at the time of declaration. Where the document can be obtained later, securing the duty with a guarantee or claiming a subsequent refund may be possible to the extent the law allows — which is why it is important to confirm the document status before shipment.
Can I import used goods?
Imports of used or refurbished goods are restricted by the relevant legislation and require a license for many products. Since whether an import is possible depends on the goods’ HS code and characteristics, we recommend consulting us before making a purchase decision.