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Turkey exports a vast range of goods that serve many global sectors. The nation’s most well-known export industries are textiles and apparel, which are renowned for their premium materials and affordable prices. Turkey’s export sector is also largely composed of automobiles and auto parts, with major companies sourcing parts from the nation. Hazelnuts, fruits, vegetables, and olive oil are among the agricultural items that are in great demand worldwide, as are processed foods like cans and candy. A crucial provider to the industrial sector, Turkey is also a major exporter of home appliances, iron, steel, and equipment.

A large cargo ship loaded with lots of containers.

Getting registered in Turkey as an exporter

Companies that want to export from Turkey must first be created and registered lawfully. It is necessary for the business to get a tax identification number and register with the Turkish Trade Registry. Since these organizations provide exporters access to resources, assistance, and certifications, it is essential to join an exporter association that is relevant to the sector. For the purpose of expediting the customs clearance procedure, businesses must also register with the Turkish Customs Authority. It is essential to confirm that all licenses and permissions related to the exported items are in effect prior to starting a business.

Knowledge of export laws

Export laws in Turkey are well specified to guarantee adherence to both national and international trade norms. Agricultural items, chemicals, and certain equipment are examples of controlled commodities that could need particular permissions or certificates from regulatory agencies such as the Ministry of Trade. The regulations of destination nations, including those pertaining to labeling standards, quality certificates, and packaging specifications, must also be followed by exporters. Exporters may get a number of benefits, such as lower taxes, by becoming familiar with Turkey’s free trade agreements and its customs union laws.

Gathering the required records

For Turkish items to be exported, accurate and comprehensive paperwork is necessary. A commercial invoice outlining the shipment’s contents, value, and conditions of sale must be prepared by exporters. To fully describe the cargo, a packing list is required. Preferential trade agreements may demand a Certificate of Origin, which is provided by the appropriate exporter organization and attests to the items’ Turkish origin. A Bill of Lading (B/L) or Airway Bill (AWB) are two examples of transport papers that are dependent on the method of transportation that is selected. Regulatory agency paperwork is also required for items that need to be certified for quality or conformance. The last step is to file an export declaration using the online portal of Turkish Customs.

Customs clearance process

A crucial stage in exporting products from Turkey is clearing customs. Through the Turkish Customs’ digital platform, the BILGE System, exporters are required to electronically submit the export declaration and any supporting documentation. Customs authorities may physically check the products after reviewing the declaration, depending on the destination and product category. Export taxes or levies may be imposed on certain items and must be paid throughout the clearing procedure. Following approval, the products are made available for shipping. To speed up this procedure and reduce mistakes, work with a registered customs broker.

Choosing appropriate logistics options

Due to its sophisticated logistical infrastructure, Turkey provides a variety of exporting alternatives, including air, sea, and land transportation. A cost-effective option for large shipments is sea freight, with important ports like Istanbul, Izmir, and Mersin acting as export centers. Istanbul Airport facilitates air freight, which is best for valuable or urgent items. Road transport is often utilized for exports both inside Europe and to adjacent nations. Utilizing multimodal transport solutions for effective shipment is another benefit of Turkey’s status as a regional transportation hub for exporters. With experienced freight forwarders, goods are always delivered in good condition and on time. 

Leverage on trade benefits

As an EU member, Turkey participates in the Customs Union which allows imports of industrial goods without tariffs. Also, Turkey has FTAs with countries e.g. South Korea, Canada and United Kingdom, where tariffs are less favorable and trading formalities simplified for exporters. To claim preferential treatment for their goods, exporters must comply with the provisions of these agreements on the origin of the goods and obtain the necessary documents.

Finding overseas buyers

Exporters can search for buyers through different avenues such as online businesses, trade fairs and industry related exhibitions. The Turkish Exporters Assembly (TIM) and Turkish Trade Centers around the world facilitate the process of linking exporters and foreign customers. Furthermore, putting items on international e-commerce sites might increase visibility and draw in new customers. Successful exporting requires establishing effective marketing plans that are suited to target markets and keeping lines of contact open with purchasers.

Controlling exporting hazards

Risks associated with exporting include exchange rate swings, unstable political environments, and nonpayment. Exporters may reduce these risks by obtaining export credit insurance from organizations such as the Turkish Eximbank, which provides protection against trade-related hazards such as non-payment. Additional risk reduction strategies include choosing trustworthy buyers and creating thorough contracts with precise payment conditions. Reduced dependence on a particular nation or area may also be achieved by diversifying export markets.

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