How to import from Turkey: a step-by-step guide for wholesale buyers
Importing from Türkiye comes down to seven decisions: who supplies, what you sample, which Incoterm you buy on, how you pay, which origin document you need, what duty and VAT you pay at home, and how the goods are loaded. This guide covers each one and links the official source for every rule.
1. Find and verify a supplier
Ask for the legal company name, tax number and trade registry record, then check them against the registry. Ask for export references, product certificates that apply to your category, and photos or a video of the production line.
On Maximum Trade you can browse 50+ verified manufacturers and 1000+ products in the supplier directory, and send the same request to several of them at once.
2. Order a sample first
Approve a sample before any production order. Agree in writing what the sample represents (material, size, colour, packaging, print) and keep it as the reference when the bulk goods arrive.
Sample cost and courier fees are agreed with the supplier case by case; confirm them before you ask for the sample.
3. Choose the Incoterm
Incoterms 2020 is the ICC rulebook with eleven rules that split cost, risk and tasks between seller and buyer. Four are common for goods from Türkiye. Name the rule together with the exact place, for example "FOB Mersin".
EXW (Ex Works)
The seller makes the goods available at its premises. The buyer arranges loading, export clearance, freight and insurance.
FOB (Free On Board)
The seller delivers the goods on board the vessel at the named port of shipment and clears them for export. The buyer pays the sea freight from there. Sea and inland waterway only.
CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight)
The seller pays freight and insurance to the named port of destination. ICC reserves CIF for maritime trade; the default insurance is the lower level, Institute Cargo Clauses (C).
DAP (Delivered at Place)
The seller delivers to the named place of destination, ready for unloading but not unloaded. Import clearance and import duties stay with the buyer.
4. Agree on payment terms
Bank transfer (T/T) and letter of credit (L/C) are the usual methods in international trade. Put the amount, the currency, the deposit share and the moment the balance is due into the proforma invoice or contract.
Protection for first orders is described on the Trade Assurance page.
5. Prepare the origin and customs documents
For the EU, goods covered by the EU-Türkiye customs union (industrial products and processed agricultural products) move with zero customs duties when they are in free circulation and accompanied by an A.TR movement certificate. Agricultural products as defined in Annex I TFEU and coal and steel products fall under separate regimes with their own origin rules.
A EUR.1 or another preferential proof of origin may be requested where a trade agreement applies; which document is valid depends on the product and the destination, so check it for your goods in Access2Markets. The UK-Türkiye agreement works with an origin declaration issued by the exporter instead of EUR.1 or A.TR. A certificate of origin (non-preferential) is typically issued by a Turkish chamber of commerce or industry when the importing country asks for it.
6. Find the HS code and the duty at destination
Classify the product under its HS code, then look up the duty for your country. In the EU use TARIC and Access2Markets; in the United Kingdom use the UK Trade Tariff. Both show the duty rate, import conditions and, where relevant, the preferential rate for goods from Türkiye.
Ask your customs broker to confirm the code before you order: the code decides duty, licences and documents.
7. Plan import VAT in your country
Customs duty and VAT are separate. VAT on imported goods is charged in the country of import under that country's rules, normally on the customs value plus duty and import costs. Rates and recovery rules differ by country, so confirm them with your tax adviser or the national tax authority.
8. Choose the container
Inner volume decides how much fits. These are the dry steel container sizes used most often for Turkish exports, with internal dimensions from a carrier specification sheet.
| Container | Internal size | Volume |
|---|---|---|
| 20' standardSmaller orders and heavy goods | 5896 x 2350 x 2393 mm | 33 m³ |
| 40' standardBulky, lighter goods | 12032 x 2350 x 2393 mm | 67 m³ |
| 40' high cubeExtra height for tall cartons | 12032 x 2350 x 2697 mm | 76 m³ |
Figures are the carrier specification (Maersk); containers differ slightly by manufacturer and carrier. Usable cargo volume is lower than internal volume because of pallets and stowage.
Mixed container: several products in one shipment
When one product does not fill a container, you can combine several products and suppliers in a single container. Plan it by carton volume and weight with the container builder, then send the list as a quote request. Terms are confirmed in the quote.
Open the container builderDistributor or reseller in your country?
If you want to distribute Turkish products in your market, register as a buyer and send your product list in a quote request. Our team replies with suppliers that match your categories. Any exclusivity or commission arrangement is agreed individually and in writing with the supplier; none is offered by default.
Frequently asked questions
Do I pay customs duty on goods imported from Turkey?
It depends on the product and the destination. Industrial and processed agricultural goods in free circulation in the EU-Türkiye customs union carry zero customs duties, while agricultural products and coal and steel follow separate rules. Check your HS code in TARIC or Access2Markets.
What is an A.TR certificate?
An A.TR is the movement certificate that proves the customs status of goods moving between Türkiye and the EU under the customs union. Goods covered by the union need it to move with zero customs duties.
Is EUR.1 the same as A.TR?
No. A.TR proves customs status inside the EU-Türkiye customs union. EUR.1 and similar documents prove preferential origin under trade agreements. The valid document depends on the product and the destination.
Who pays import VAT?
Import VAT is charged in the importing country under that country's rules and is normally paid by the importer of record. Check the rate and recovery rules with your tax adviser.
Which Incoterm should a first-time importer use?
FOB is common for sea freight because the price and the handover point are clear. EXW leaves the most tasks with you. Whichever you pick, name the exact place in the contract.
How much fits in a 40-foot container?
A 40' standard container has about 67 m³ of internal volume and a 40' high cube about 76 m³. Usable space is lower because of pallets and stowage.
Sources
Official and carrier pages used for this guide (checked 25.10.2026). Rules change, so confirm your product on the source page before you order.
- Access2Markets: EU-Türkiye Customs UnionCustoms union, A.TR, scope
- Access2Markets (European Commission)Duties, rules of origin and import conditions by product
- Taxation and Customs Union: Turkey, customs unions and preferential arrangementsCustoms unions and preferential arrangements
- EU Customs Tariff (TARIC)EU tariff
- TARIC consultationLook up EU duty by code
- GOV.UK: Trade TariffUK duty and import conditions by code
- GOV.UK: Summary of the UK-Turkey trade agreementUK-Türkiye origin declaration and preferential rates
- GOV.UK: Import goods into the UKUK import process and VAT
- European Commission: VATVAT in the EU
- ICC: Incoterms 2020Incoterms 2020
- T.C. Ticaret Bakanlığı: Gümrük işlemleriTurkish customs authority
- TOBB (Türkiye Odalar ve Borsalar Birliği)Turkish chambers of commerce and industry
- Maersk: dry container equipment specificationsContainer internal dimensions and volume
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