Lupos Dış Ticaret
This page provides clear and concise answers to the most common questions asked by companies in Turkey that import products from China. It summarizes key issues including tax calculation in Turkey, HS Code (GTIP) classification, TAREKS and CE requirements, and common customs risks during import clearance in Turkey. Companies seeking professional support can review our import from China to Turkey consulting service, which covers HS code analysis, regulatory compliance, supplier verification, and full import execution. For project-specific guidance, you can also contact our team.
How is the import process from China to Turkey managed and which stages are critical?
The process includes correct HS Code (GTIP) determination, review of the Import Regime in Turkey, tax simulation, technical compliance analysis (TAREKS, CE, TSE), contract and payment structuring, production and pre-shipment inspection, freight organization, and customs declaration in Turkey. No shipment should be initiated before completing regulatory and tax analysis specific to Turkey.
How is the total import cost from China to Turkey calculated?
The cost is not limited to the product price. Taxes in Turkey are calculated based on the CIF value (goods + freight + insurance), and additional obligations are included.
- Customs Duty
- Additional Customs Duty
- Anti-dumping Duty (if applicable)
- VAT in Turkey
- Surveillance price difference (if applicable)
- Stamp tax, storage, and other operational expenses
Incorrect HS Code declaration or undervaluation may result in tax reassessment, penalties, and delays at Turkish customs.
How are customs duty rates, additional duties, and anti-dumping measures determined in Turkey?
All rates are determined based on the HS Code (GTIP). The Turkish Import Regime is published annually, and China is generally classified under the “Other Countries” category, often subject to the highest duty rates. Certain products are also subject to Additional Customs Duty and anti-dumping measures in Turkey. HS Code-based analysis before placing an order is mandatory.
What is an HS Code (GTIP) in Turkey, how is it correctly determined, and what are the consequences of misclassification?
The HS Code (GTIP) is the technical identity of the product in Turkish customs. Proper classification requires reviewing technical catalogs, composition, intended use, and component structure. Incorrect classification may lead to underpaid taxes, interest charges, administrative fines, and physical inspection at Turkish customs.
For which products is TAREKS approval required in Turkey?
TAREKS approval is mandatory in Turkey for electrical products, certain consumer goods, and product groups subject to technical regulations. Even out-of-scope declarations must be processed through the TAREKS system. Customs clearance in Turkey cannot be completed without obtaining conformity approval where required.
For which products is CE marking required when importing into Turkey, and how is fake documentation risk managed?
CE marking is mandatory for machinery, electrical equipment, toys, and similar products subject to EU technical legislation adopted by Turkey. However, the CE logo alone is not sufficient.
- Declaration of Conformity (DoC)
- Test reports
- Technical file
- Notified Body verification (where applicable)
Fake or incomplete CE documentation may result in rejection, return, or destruction of goods at Turkish customs.
How does the TSE conformity and technical inspection process work in Turkey?
For products subject to mandatory standards, the Turkish Standards Institution may conduct physical inspection or sampling. In case of non-compliance, re-export, destruction, or additional testing procedures may apply. Technical conformity should be verified before shipment to Turkey.
What is a Surveillance Certificate and reference price practice in Turkey?
For certain products, the Turkish Ministry of Trade sets a minimum unit value. If the declared value is below this reference price, the importer must either obtain a Surveillance Certificate or pay taxes based on the reference value. This can significantly increase the total import cost in Turkey.
What is a Specialized Customs Office in Turkey and why is it important?
Certain products may only be imported through designated specialized customs offices in Turkey. Goods directed to the wrong customs office cannot be processed and may incur additional logistics and storage costs.
How can a Chinese supplier’s reliability be verified for exports to Turkey?
An Alibaba badge alone is not sufficient. The following must be verified:
- Chinese company registration and Business License
- Whether the company is a manufacturer or a trading company
- Factory address and production capacity
- Consistency between bank account name and registered company name
The invoicing company and the beneficiary bank account must match exactly.
How should a secure payment model be structured for imports from China to Turkey?
100% advance payment carries significant risk. Preferred methods include:
- Letter of Credit (L/C)
- 30% advance + balance after pre-shipment inspection
- Bank-guaranteed payment structures
Requests for payment to a personal account or to a different company name are critical red flags.
Does sample approval guarantee mass production quality for shipments to Turkey?
No. There may be differences between the “golden sample” and mass production. The balance payment should not be released before a Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI) verifies quantity, quality, and packaging compliance for goods destined for Turkey.
Why is Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI) essential before exporting to Turkey?
Independent inspection verifies product quantity, technical specifications, functional tests, and packaging before container sealing. Receiving the inspection report prior to final payment significantly reduces the risk of defective or incomplete shipments arriving in Turkey.
How should a legally valid contract with a Chinese supplier be prepared for Turkey-bound imports?
The contract should be bilingual (Chinese–English) and signed with the supplier’s official company chop. Contracts prepared only in Turkish may be difficult to enforce in China.
How should disputes with a Chinese supplier be handled when goods are intended for Turkey?
Litigation in China is costly and complex. Including an arbitration clause (for example, CIETAC arbitration) provides a more effective dispute resolution mechanism. The best approach is to structure contracts and inspection systems to prevent disputes before shipment to Turkey.
What happens if goods are held or physically inspected at Turkish customs?
Declarations flagged by risk analysis in Turkey may undergo physical inspection. If missing documentation, undervaluation, or technical non-compliance is identified, the process is suspended. Storage and delay costs are borne by the importer in Turkey.
What is customs valuation investigation in Turkey?
Turkish customs authorities may compare the declared value with comparable reference values. If the declared value is considered low, additional taxes, penalties, and interest may apply. Commercial contracts and payment records must be consistent and transparent.
Are sample shipments exempt from taxes when importing into Turkey?
Limited-quantity, non-commercial samples may qualify for exemption in Turkey. However, shipments that resemble commercial quantities are not considered exempt.
Is there risk when importing trademarked products into Turkey?
For trademarks registered in Turkey, authorization from the rights holder is required. Otherwise, customs may detain the goods under intellectual property protection measures.
What risks must be managed in OEM production for the Turkish market?
Technical specifications, quality standards, trademark usage rights, and exclusivity clauses must be clearly defined in the contract. Otherwise, the same product may be sold to other buyers, including competitors in Turkey.
Is turnkey import from China to Turkey possible?
Operationally, yes. However, HS Code classification, TAREKS approval, CE compliance, customs valuation, and tax declaration responsibility remain with the Turkish importer. Even under a turnkey model, regulatory analysis must be properly conducted on behalf of the importer in Turkey.
What is the fundamental principle of safe and sustainable importing from China to Turkey?
HS Code and tax analysis before ordering, technical regulation review, supplier verification, bilingual contract structure, secure payment planning, and pre-shipment inspection must be integrated as a single risk management system. Logistics is the final step; risk control begins before the purchase order.
