Every shipment crossing a Turkish border — sea, air or road — must be declared through the BİLGE electronic customs system managed by the Turkish Ministry of Trade. Unlike some countries where a single agent can submit remotely from any city, Turkish customs requires a locally licensed customs broker registered at the relevant port or customs gate.

The Three Customs Channels

After a customs declaration is submitted, BİLGE assigns the shipment to one of three channels based on risk profile, commodity, and importer history:

  • Green channel — automatic release without physical inspection. Accounts for the majority of low-risk commercial shipments.
  • Yellow channel — document review only. A customs officer checks that submitted documents match the declaration.
  • Red channel — physical examination. Goods are counted, weighed and sometimes sampled. Can add 1–3 days to release time.

HS Codes (GTİP) and Import Duties

Turkey uses the 12-digit GTİP code (aligned to the WCO Harmonized System). The correct code determines the import duty rate, VAT applicability, and whether a surveillance or quota license is required. Common mistakes: misclassifying textile vs. technical goods, applying wrong chapter for machinery parts. A wrong code not only causes delays — it can trigger a customs fine.

Import duty formula: Customs duty = CIF value × duty rate. Under the Turkey–EU Customs Union, most industrial goods of EU origin enter Turkey duty-free. However, agricultural products and some processed foods are excluded from the union and subject to standard MFN rates.

Required Documents

Commercial Invoice

Must show seller, buyer, HS code description, unit price, total value, Incoterms and country of origin.

Transport Document

CMR (road), Bill of Lading (sea), AWB (air). Must match the declaration exactly.

Packing List

Gross/net weight per package, number of packages, dimensions. Required for all shipments.

Origin Certificate

EUR.1 or A.TR for EU preferential rates; Form A (GSP) for developing country preferences; CO for non-preferential.

Export from Turkey

Turkish exports are processed through the KKDF/ÖTV-exempt export declaration. Exporters must register for the EORI-equivalent ETB number. Export goods are loaded after customs approval — the export declaration (ihracat beyannamesi) must be confirmed before goods leave Turkish territory. VAT refund (KDV iadesi) is available for confirmed exports.

Need customs support for an import or export shipment? Our customs clearance team handles all formalities at Turkish sea, air and land ports.