How to Import from Turkey

Quick answer

Everything you need to import from Turkey. A practical buyer's guide covering how to find verified suppliers, agree Incoterms and payment, inspect goods, ship from Turkish ports and clear customs with EU Customs Union duty advantages.

Mersin / Izmir / Ambarli

Main ports

0% (Customs Union / ATR)

EU duty

3-10 days

Transit to EU

7-14 days

Sea to Gulf

How to Import from Turkey, Step by Step

Importing from Turkey follows a clear path: identify verified suppliers, request samples, agree commercial terms, arrange inspection, then ship and clear customs. Turkey's biggest advantage for EU buyers is the Customs Union, which lets most industrial goods enter the European Union free of import duty when accompanied by an A.TR movement certificate, while EUR.1 certificates support preferential rates in many other markets.

A typical order begins with an RFQ and supplier verification, moves to samples and price negotiation on agreed Incoterms such as FOB Mersin or FOB Izmir, and is protected by staged payment terms and a pre-shipment inspection. Goods then move by sea from Mersin, Izmir or Ambarli, or by road for fast European delivery, with a freight forwarder handling documentation and customs clearance at destination.

Find & Verify Suppliers

Use FromTurk to shortlist verified manufacturers, check certifications and references, and request quotes from several factories before committing.

Terms, Payment & Inspection

Agree Incoterms (FOB, CIF, EXW), use staged or L/C payment for security, and book a pre-shipment inspection to confirm quality before dispatch.

Shipping & Customs

Ship from Mersin, Izmir or Ambarli by sea, or by road to Europe, with A.TR or EUR.1 certificates to minimise or remove import duty at destination.

How to Import from Turkey — FAQ

Do I pay import duty when importing from Turkey to the EU?

Most industrial goods enter the EU duty-free under the EU-Turkey Customs Union when accompanied by an A.TR movement certificate. Agricultural and some processed goods can follow different rules, so confirm the HS code with your forwarder.

What is an A.TR certificate?

The A.TR is a movement certificate that proves goods are in free circulation between Turkey and the EU, allowing them to be imported without customs duty under the Customs Union. Your Turkish supplier or forwarder issues it.

Which Incoterms should I use when importing from Turkey?

FOB (loaded at a Turkish port such as Mersin or Izmir) and CIF (delivered to your port) are the most common. EXW gives you control from the factory door but requires you to arrange all transport.

How long does shipping from Turkey take?

Road freight reaches Central Europe in roughly 3-7 days and sea freight to Northern Europe in 7-10 days, while sea to the Gulf typically takes 7-14 days depending on the route.

How do I make a first order safely?

Work through verified suppliers, order a sample first, use staged or letter-of-credit payment, and book a pre-shipment inspection. Submit a free RFQ on FromTurk to compare verified suppliers within 24-48 hours.

Related Turkish Sourcing Resources

Plan your import: Turkey shipping & logistics, browse verified suppliers and Mersin sourcing hub. See also Contract Manufacturing in Turkey.

Ready to source? Browse verified Turkish suppliers or submit a free RFQ to get quotes from multiple manufacturers within 24-48 hours.