Navigating Turkish Customs with InstaCarrier

Turkey’s strategic location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia makes it a vital logistics hub. However, its customs procedures are governed by a blend of national and EU-aligned regulations, and can be complex. That’s where InstaCarrier comes in. With deep operational knowledge of Turkish import and export flows, we simplify the entire process and ensure your cargo crosses borders without disruption.

Importing to Turkey from the EU

When importing goods into Turkey, especially under the Common Transit Convention (CTC), InstaCarrier ensures full compliance and smooth transit. Here’s how the process works:

1. Document Preparation
   
   The driver must carry all necessary documents:
   – Export declaration (EX1) from the EU country of origin
   – Commercial invoice, packing list, and CMR consignment note
   – ATR Certificate (if applicable), which provides duty exemption for eligible EU-origin goods under the EU–Turkey Customs Union.
   
2. Carrier Identification
   
   As of 1 September 2024, Turkey requires the carrier’s EORI number to be listed in the NCTS system for all transit declarations. This change supports transparency and harmonization with EU systems (source).
   
3. Border Crossing
   
   Upon arrival at the Turkish border, drivers typically wait between 2 to 8 hours. There are two possible customs scenarios:
   
   – On-the-spot clearance: Goods are imported directly at the border customs office.
   – Inland clearance: If a T1 or T2 transit declaration has been issued in the EU, the driver can continue inland and complete customs clearance at the destination customs office listed in the transit document.
   
   (Note: The use of a T1 or T2 is optional, but it is a common practice when customs clearance is planned for an inland Turkish office.)
   
4. Final Delivery
   
   Goods are released to the destination or delivered to bonded storage, depending on the clearance structure.

Exporting from Turkey to the EU

InstaCarrier also supports EU-bound shipments from Turkey:

1. Customs Inspection and Export Declarations
   
   The Beyanname (EX export declaration) is issued at a Turkish customs office near the loading site, where the declaration is made and the export process is initiated. The driver brings goods to a Turkish customs office near the loading site and here, a physical inspection is performed.
   
2. Border Formalities
   
   At the Turskish exit border, if T1 has not been issued in customs office inland, T1 has to be issued here in border crossing for smooth crossing through EU countries to the final destination. Drivers should expect waiting times, especially at high-volume border checkpoints. Once transit is activated, the shipment continues into the EU.
   
3. Arrival in the EU
   
   
   – If the shipment arrives without a valid T1, customs clearance will need to be completed immediately at the EU border customs office.
   – If the T1 was issued, it is closed at the final EU customs office stated in the document.
   
   Only after all customs formalities are completed in the EU customs office, the vehicle proceeds to the unloading site, where the goods are delivered.

Key Documents Required for Turkish-EU Trade

• Export Declaration (EX1 / Beyanname)
• T1 or T2 transit declarations (via NCTS)
• Commercial Invoice
• Packing List
• CMR consignment note
• ATR certificate (for customs duty exemption on qualifying goods)
• EORI number (mandatory as of September 2024)

Why Choose InstaCarrier for Turkish Customs?

• Local Expertise: Our carriers have an in-depth understanding of Turkish customs regulations.
• Streamlined Processes: We simplify the customs process, saving you time and effort.
• Comprehensive Services: We handle all aspects of customs clearance, from document preparation to border crossing.
• Compliance and Efficiency: Our focus on compliance ensures smooth and efficient shipments.

By entrusting your Turkish shipments to InstaCarrier, you can benefit from our expertise and experience, ensuring that your goods cross borders seamlessly and efficiently. Contact us today to learn more about our Turkish customs services.