TURKEY CUSTOMS CLEARANCE PROCESS GUIDE: IMPORT AND TRANSIT PROCEDURES

Turkey, due to its strategic location, is one of the customs zones where global trade is most intensive. However, the detailed structure of the Turkish Customs Legislation requires professional management in foreign trade operations. In this guide, we examine the customs processes of cargo arriving at Turkish ports and the critical steps to consider.

1. How Does the Customs Clearance Process Work in Turkey?

When a container arrives at Turkish ports (Ambarlı, Haydarpaşa, Gebze, Mersin, etc.), the process proceeds with the following steps:

Summary Declaration and Delivery Order (Ordino): A summary declaration is submitted before the ship arrives at the port. After port discharge, the receiver of the cargo obtains the Delivery Order (Ordino) document from the shipowner or its agent and presents the right of disposal over the goods to the customs.
Registration of the Customs Declaration: A declaration suitable for the type of cargo, HS Code (GTİP), and value is opened through an authorized customs broker.
Line Inspection: The customs system directs the cargo to one of four different lines:
- Green Line: Passage without inspection and document control.
- Yellow Line: Document control (Invoice, certificate of origin, etc.).
- Red Line: Physical inspection and full determination.
- Blue Line: Post-control (For authorized economic operators).
Tax Payments and Free Circulation: After VAT, Customs Duty, and additional financial obligations (if any) are paid, the “Entry into Free Circulation” process of the goods is completed.

2. Essential Basic Documents in Imports

For a smooth operation in Turkish customs, it is mandatory that the following documents are complete:

- Commercial Invoice: Product details and delivery terms.
- Packing List: Package contents and weight details.
- Bill of Lading: Transport document.
- Certificate of Origin: Proof of where the product was produced for tax exemptions or additional taxes.
- ATR or EUR.1: Provides tax advantages in trade with the European Union and countries with free trade agreements.

3. Transit Trade and Transshipment Procedures (Transit Hub)

The customs process differs for “cargo to be shipped to Russia or North Africa via Turkey,” which is the area of expertise for Vast Lines:

Warehouse Regime: Cargo can be held in bonded areas in Turkey without being nationalized (without paying tax).
Transit Declaration (T1/T2): A declaration used for the shipment of goods from one customs point to another or abroad.
Transshipment: In transfers made from ship to ship within the port, customs processes are managed much faster and in a cost-oriented manner.

4. Ways to Prevent Time Loss in Customs Processes

HS Code (GTİP) Determination: The correct Customs Tariff Statistics Position (GTİP) of the product must be determined before loading. An incorrect code means high penalties.
EAC and TSE Standards: The compliance of products entering Turkey with the Turkish Standards Institute (TSE) or relevant institutional approvals (Agriculture, Health, etc.) must be confirmed in advance.
Digital Integration: Working in harmony with electronic customs systems speeds up the process by days.

5. Seamless Customs Management with Vast Lines

We simplify complex legislations in Turkish customs for you.

- Integrated Solutions: We manage the entire process end-to-end, not just shipping, but also with our customs brokerage partners.
- Transit Expertise: We offer error-free operations, especially in the transit customs clearance processes of European-origin cargo to Russia via Turkey.
- Cost Control: Thanks to our customs clearance speed, we reduce your storage and demurrage costs to a minimum.