DiFFreight Blog How to clear goods from Turkey — learn everything about customs clearance

How to clear goods from Turkey — learn everything about customs clearance

How to clear goods from Turkey — learn everything about customs clearance

Article content: 

  1. Customs clearance of cargo from Turkey: step by step.
  2. Documents for customs clearance of goods from Turkey.
  3. Possible difficulties and nuances.
  4. Reliable solutions for customs clearance of cargo from Turkey.

Thanks to geographical proximity, wide assortment, and attractive cost prices, Turkish goods are in demand on the Ukrainian market. After arranging delivery, the entrepreneur faces another important stage — customs clearance. Proper customs clearance, contrary to stereotypes, is not just a formality but the key to success and business profitability.

Customs clearance of cargo from Turkey: step by step

Commercial shipments are subject to customs clearance. It includes not only a detailed check of documents but sometimes also a physical inspection.

Since the procedure is complex both in terms of paperwork and time, it is entrusted to a broker. He acts on behalf of the client, freeing them from tons of work. What does a Turkish customs broker do:

  • Collects the full package of documents from the exporter and verifies them.
  • Prepares the electronic customs declaration and submits it.
  • Acts as an intermediary between the client and customs, resolving issues and monitoring all stages.
  • Calculates duties, VAT, and fees. Then either pays them on behalf of the client or provides them with the exact data.

The customs authority, for its part, checks all the documents and decides whether the cargo can be admitted to the territory of Ukraine. DiFFreight’s experience shows that with proper preparation, customs clearance takes only a few hours.

Documents for customs clearance of goods from Turkey

Most of the documents are prepared by the exporter. First of all, he submits an export declaration for the release of goods from the country. The list changes depending on the type of goods, but the basic one remains unchanged:

  1. The foreign economic activity contract (agreement with the Turkish partner) confirms the fact of the deal.
  2. The invoice contains full information about the seller, buyer, description and quantity of goods, their cost, delivery and payment terms.
  3. Packing list describes the contents of each cargo unit (boxes, pallets), including quantity, weight (net and gross), dimensions. This way, customs officers check that the actual cargo corresponds to the declared one.
  4. Transport document. The type depends on the mode of transport. Bill of lading — for sea container shipping, air waybill — for air, CMR — for road transport.
  5. Customs declaration. Among other information, it indicates the HS code for calculating duties. The codes are highly specialized and differ not only by product categories but also by materials!
  6. Certificates of conformity and licenses (if required).
  7. EUR.1 certificate (confirms the country of origin).

The last certificate is an option to obtain a preferential duty rate (0%), since Ukraine and Turkey have signed a Free Trade Area Agreement. The exporter handles obtaining it by applying to chambers of commerce or Turkish customs authorities. Customs may also request receipts (SWIFT copies) to verify the value.

Delivery from Turkey
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In addition, when importing from Turkey, there is another feature: if the Turkish exporter has the so-called “fuel oil”, the transportation cost will be lower. In the Turkish context, “fuel oil” is a term that means the presence of an export declaration confirming the Turkish origin of the cargo. Such a document is issued when loading the goods and gives the right to drivers-carriers to purchase fuel at preferential prices. Thanks to this, logistics costs are reduced, and the delivery of Turkish goods becomes more profitable.

The issue of certificates is critical — for which products are they needed? Popular categories of Turkish exports are still subject to mandatory conformity assessment. These include:

  • electronics and household appliances: refrigerators, air conditioners, washing machines, smartphones, computers, TVs, electrical and lighting equipment;
  • children’s products: toys, clothes, shoes, furniture, and food;
  • cosmetics and perfumes;
  • food and beverages;
  • spare parts for cars and the cars themselves.

The broker will determine under which Technical Regulation the specific product falls and advise which documents to prepare.

Possible difficulties and nuances

Delivery from Turkey to Ukraine is not without its challenges. Entrepreneurs often “stumble” at customs because they do not understand all the nuances. Customs clearance rules are very strict: even the smallest mistakes lead to fines, delays, and even confiscation. Cargo delivery and customs clearance from Turkey is DiFFreight’s specialization, so we will talk about possible problems and how to avoid them.

Problem Consequences DiFFreight’s Solution
Errors in key documents: invoice, packing list, waybill Delay at customs, fines, and transport downtime. We engage a broker who checks completeness and accuracy.
Understated value in the invoice Adjustment of customs value, which leads to increased duties and VAT. The cargo is delayed during this time. We indicate the real value of the goods in all documents. We prepare confirmation of the declared price in the invoice.
Errors in the HS code Calculation of payments at a higher rate. In the worst case — arrest and confiscation. We appoint an experienced broker who knows the specification precisely.
Lack of certificates Delay at customs, return to exporter, fines. We check in advance whether the product is subject to regulation.
Errors in the EUR.1 certificate Customs may refuse to grant tariff preferences. We verify the certificate before shipment. In case of errors, we request the correct form from the supplier.

Delivery of goods from Europe to Ukraine is not only about logistics but also about proper customs clearance. That is why exporters and importers often involve brokers, entrusting the process to professionals.

Reliable solutions for customs clearance of cargo from Turkey

DiFFreight has been working in the international market for more than 5 years. We understand the level of control cargo goes through at customs and why it is important to follow the rules. We offer only reliable solutions for clients — not only logistics but also customs brokerage services.

When purchasing multiple services (for example, inspection, delivery, and brokerage), the rate is more favorable! Moreover, one contractor — DiFFreight — will be responsible for all processes. You won’t have to worry whether someone forgot to request documents, whether the cargo was delivered on time, or what is happening at customs. We will answer all your questions about customs clearance from Turkey — book a consultation!

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