Importing automotive components into Turkey requires more than cost comparison. Distributors, repair networks, and manufacturers sourcing from China face regulatory compliance, customs valuation, and supplier reliability challenges. For commercial-scale imports, prioritizing regulatory and operational risk management is essential to avoid cargo delays, penalties, or financial loss. Learn more about our import consulting services.
Many businesses focus on unit prices and supplier quotes. Real risks arise at customs if GTIP is misclassified, CE documentation is incomplete, or TAREKS inspections fail. Lupos Dış Ticaret ensures Turkish importers manage these risks proactively before placing orders. Contact our team for detailed guidance here.
Why Import Car Parts from China?
China remains a global leader in automotive component manufacturing, offering both OEM and aftermarket parts. Turkish importers source components to supply distributors, service networks, and industrial users.
- Engine and powertrain parts: pistons, valves, cylinder heads
- Suspension and steering assemblies
- Braking components: discs, pads, calipers
- Filters and maintenance items
- Electrical components: sensors, modules, control units
- Lighting systems and body panels
- Aftermarket accessories
Cost advantages and product variety are attractive, but supplier reliability, regulatory compliance, and pre-shipment verification remain critical.
Step-by-Step Operational Guide for Importing from China
Turkish companies benefit from a structured approach that mitigates customs, compliance, and supplier risks.
- Define product and GTIP: Identify the correct GTIP (HS) code for each part. GTIP affects customs duty, VAT, and additional fees. For ambiguous components, request binding tariff classification from Turkish customs.
- Check regulatory constraints: Used, reconditioned, or salvaged parts may require special permits. Verify CE, UNECE/E-mark, or other technical compliance for safety-critical items (lighting, brakes, airbags, wheels).
- Supplier research and verification: Evaluate factories vs. trading companies. Check certifications, production capacity, references, and B2B platform reputation (Alibaba, DHgate, AliExpress for sourcing visibility, not compliance guarantees).
- Contract and Incoterms: Confirm responsibilities for shipment, insurance, and customs. Common terms:
- EXW/FOB – importer responsible for freight and Turkish-side costs.
- CIF – supplier covers shipping and insurance; importer still handles customs.
- DDP – high risk; often avoids clear assignment of Turkish import obligations.
- Document preparation: Commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading/air waybill, certificate of origin, CE/DoC, test reports.
- Shipping and logistics: Choose FCL/LCL sea freight for volume; air freight for urgent shipments. Ensure packaging, labeling, and documentation meet Turkish import requirements.
- Customs declaration and tax calculation: Prepare e-beyan entry with accurate GTIP, CIF value, and origin. Calculate:
- Customs Duty (GV)
- Additional Duty / Special Levy (EMY)
- VAT (20% of customs value + duties)
Example (illustrative):
CIF 10,000 USD, GV 10%, EMY 5%, VAT 20% → Customs Duty 1,000 USD, EMY 500 USD, VAT 2,300 USD → total tax 3,800 USD.
- Pre-shipment quality check: Verify batch consistency, CE marking, serial/lot traceability, and visual inspection for critical parts.
- Delivery, post-clearance inspection, and acceptance: Confirm condition, quantity, and compliance upon receipt.
Common Risks and How to Mitigate
- Fake factories or undisclosed trading companies: Verify business licenses, factory audit reports, and references.
- Quality drift between batches: Insist on pre-shipment inspection or third-party quality verification.
- Incomplete compliance documentation: Request Declaration of Conformity, test reports, and labeling proof before shipment.
- GTIP errors: Validate classification against technical specs; customs brokers rely on importer-provided info.
- Customs valuation disputes: Maintain contracts, payment records, and historical price reference files.
CE Compliance and TAREKS
Electrical components, safety-critical parts, and lighting systems require CE or UNECE/E-mark certification. TAREKS inspection can involve document review, label verification, sampling, and lab testing. Non-compliance can lead to shipment rejection, re-export, or destruction.
- Declaration of Conformity (DoC)
- Technical documentation
- Test reports and laboratory certificates
- Product/packaging labeling verification
- Manufacturer identification
How Lupos Dış Ticaret Secures Your Automotive Imports
Lupos Dış Ticaret acts as the accountable import operator, managing every operational risk:
- Supplier verification and factory audits
- GTIP analysis and regulatory strategy
- CE/TAREKS document validation
- Pre-shipment inspections and lot tracking
- Logistics planning and customs preparation
- Financial and fraud risk mitigation
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can car parts be imported from China to Turkey?
Yes. B2B importers such as distributors, service networks, and manufacturers routinely import parts. Compliance with Turkish GTIP, CE directives, and TAREKS inspections is mandatory.
Do all auto parts require CE or UNECE certification?
No. Mechanical components may not, but electrical, lighting, and safety-critical parts generally require full documentation.
How are customs duties calculated?
Duties depend on GTIP and origin. Total payable typically includes Customs Duty, any Additional Duty (EMY), and VAT calculated on CIF + duties.
Can used or reconditioned parts be imported?
Only if special permits are obtained. Without authorization, shipments may be rejected, returned, or destroyed.
How does Lupos Dış Ticaret manage supplier risk?
We verify legitimacy, audit factories, and ensure documentation integrity, reducing financial and operational exposure.
Are personal imports or small parcels handled?
No. Lupos Dış Ticaret exclusively manages commercial-scale B2B imports. Personal, dropshipping, and small-parcel imports are outside our scope.
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