Lupos Dış Ticaret
Importing a forklift from China may look like a simple cost-saving decision. In practice, it is a high-risk industrial equipment import that involves customs classification, technical compliance, valuation scrutiny, and supplier reliability issues.
Forklifts are not standard consumer goods. They are work machinery. That means mistakes can lead to customs delays, additional taxes, technical non-compliance, or even seizure.
This guide explains what companies in Turkey must evaluate before deciding to import a forklift from China.
1. Is Importing a Forklift from China Really Cheaper?
The unit price quoted by a Chinese supplier is rarely the real cost.
A realistic cost structure includes:
- Product price (EXW or FOB)
- International freight and insurance
- Customs duties based on GTIP classification
- VAT calculated over the customs value
- Port handling and inland transport
- Possible inspection, testing, or conformity costs
- Spare parts and after-sales support gaps
Many importers focus only on the invoice price and discover the true cost only after the forklift reaches customs. To avoid unforeseen expenses and transfer operational responsibility, we manage the process end-to-end with our secure import management from China services.
2. Correct GTIP Classification of Forklifts
Forklifts are generally classified under GTIP heading 8427, but the sub-classification changes depending on:
- Electric vs internal combustion engine
- Lifting capacity
- Whether the machine is self-propelled
- Design and intended use
Incorrect GTIP declaration is one of the most common causes of customs re-assessment. If customs determines the forklift was misclassified, they can apply additional duties and penalties retroactively. For a more comprehensive look at managing these risks, you can refer to our 2026 heavy machinery regulatory guide.
3. Customs Duties and Tax Exposure
Import taxes are not a fixed number. They depend on:
- The GTIP code
- Trade policy measures in force at the time of import
- The declared customs value
- Additional financial obligations like VAT
The most important risk area is customs valuation. If the declared invoice value appears artificially low compared to similar machinery, customs may initiate a valuation investigation and request additional documentation. This can delay clearance and create unexpected tax liabilities.
4. CE Compliance and Machinery Safety Requirements
Forklifts fall under machinery safety regulations. This means CE conformity is not optional.
Before shipment, the importer should verify:
- CE Declaration of Conformity
- Technical file availability
- User manuals in Turkish
- Proper labeling and safety markings
- Traceable manufacturer information
If documentation is incomplete or inconsistent, the forklift may be directed to inspection or prevented from entering the market.
5. Electric vs Diesel Forklifts: Import Differences
The type of forklift significantly changes the risk profile.
Electric forklifts
- Battery specifications must be verified
- Charging systems and electrical safety documentation must be consistent
- Spare battery availability is critical
- To see how these technical requirements are managed in practice, you can review our electric forklift import case study.
Diesel or LPG forklifts
- Engine emission compliance may become an issue
- Fuel system components must meet safety standards
- Noise and environmental exposure rules can affect usage areas
Choosing a forklift type without considering compliance can lead to operational restrictions after import.
6. Risks in Used Forklift Imports
Importing second-hand forklifts carries additional scrutiny.
Common problems include:
- Worn safety components
- Missing conformity documentation
- Inconsistent serial number records
- Modifications that invalidate original compliance
Used machinery imports are more likely to be inspected physically at customs.
7. Common Supplier Risks in China
The forklift sector in China includes both large manufacturers and small trading companies. Importers often assume they are dealing with a factory when they are actually dealing with an intermediary.
Frequent problems include:
- Suppliers showing certificates that do not belong to the actual manufacturer
- Model numbers that do not match documentation
- Lower-grade components used in export versions
- Spare parts that are not available after delivery
- Changes in technical specs without notice before shipment
Without production-site verification, it is difficult to know what is actually being shipped. To mitigate these risks, Lupos Dış Ticaret provides on-site factory inspection services to verify the manufacturer's actual capacity and legal status before you commit to a purchase.
8. Pre-Shipment Controls That Reduce Risk
Before the forklift leaves China, several controls can prevent major losses:
- Verification of manufacturer identity and production capability
- Cross-checking serial numbers with documentation
- Inspection of CE labels and nameplates
- Photo and video inspection before container sealing
- Confirmation that accessories and manuals match the order
Most severe import problems are discovered only after arrival — when corrections are far more expensive.
9. Why Forklift Imports Require Professional Execution
Forklift imports combine machinery regulation, customs valuation, logistics planning, and supplier risk management.
Errors do not usually result in small inconveniences. They can result in:
- Weeks of customs delay
- Additional tax assessments
- Storage and demurrage costs
- Machinery that cannot legally be put into service
For companies importing high-value industrial equipment, the real priority is not the cheapest supplier — it is controlled, compliant, and predictable import execution. You can explore our completed import projects to see how we manage operational risks and professionalize the procurement process for Turkish SMEs.
10. Final Evaluation Before You Import
Before placing an order, decision-makers should be able to answer:
- Is the GTIP classification confirmed?
- Is the declared value defensible under customs scrutiny?
- Are CE and technical documents complete and consistent?
- Has the supplier’s production capability been verified?
- Is there a plan for spare parts and service?
If these questions do not have clear answers, the import is exposed to financial and operational risk.
Frequently Asked Questions About Importing a Forklift from China
What is the customs duty on forklifts in Turkey?
Customs duty on forklifts depends on the correct GTIP classification under heading 8427. The applicable rate varies based on whether the forklift is electric, diesel, or LPG-powered, as well as its lifting capacity and technical configuration.
In addition to customs duty, VAT is calculated over the customs value (including freight and insurance). If the declared invoice value appears inconsistent with comparable imports, customs may initiate a valuation review and reassess the tax base.
Correct classification and defensible valuation are critical to avoid additional tax exposure.
How are import taxes calculated for forklifts coming from China?
Import tax calculation follows these steps:
- Determine the correct GTIP code.
- Establish the customs value (CIF: product cost + freight + insurance).
- Apply the relevant customs duty rate.
- Calculate VAT over the total taxable base.
If customs suspects under-valuation or incorrect classification, they may request additional documentation such as payment records, supplier contracts, or comparable import data. This can delay clearance and increase the final tax burden.
Do forklifts imported from China require CE certification?
Yes. Forklifts are considered machinery and must comply with applicable safety regulations before being placed on the Turkish market.
The importer must verify:
- CE Declaration of Conformity
- Technical documentation file
- Proper labeling and traceability
- Turkish-language user manuals
Incomplete or inconsistent CE documentation can trigger inspection procedures and delay customs clearance.
Is it possible to import used forklifts from China?
Used forklift imports are possible but subject to higher scrutiny. Customs may conduct physical inspection, and conformity documentation must match the machine’s actual condition and serial numbers.
If the forklift has been modified, refurbished, or lacks complete technical documentation, clearance may be delayed or restricted. Importing second-hand industrial machinery requires careful pre-shipment verification.
What documents are required to import a forklift from China?
Typical documentation includes:
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Bill of lading
- CE Declaration of Conformity
- Technical documentation (where applicable)
- Customs declaration
Depending on the machine type and inspection outcome, additional documentation may be requested during clearance.
What are the main risks when buying a forklift from a Chinese supplier?
Common risks include:
- Supplier identity mismatch (trading company vs actual manufacturer)
- Invalid or borrowed CE certificates
- Model specifications differing from documentation
- Under-declared invoice value triggering customs scrutiny
- Spare parts unavailability after delivery
Without structured supplier verification and pre-shipment inspection, these risks are typically discovered only after the forklift arrives in Turkey.
