Many manufacturers in Türkiye reach a point where they ask how to export from Turkey and what the process really involves. Done well, exporting opens new markets, brings foreign currency revenue and improves economies of scale. The process, however, is a chain of linked stages: company registration, market selection, pricing, documentation, the customs declaration and transport organisation. This guide follows the journey of a company starting from zero and focuses on the questions that come up in practice. At Özd Global we support manufacturers across Gebze and Kocaeli from their very first export shipment, managing logistics and customs under one roof.
Step 1: Legal Setup and Registrations
Anyone researching how to export from Turkey should start with the legal groundwork. To export you first need a registered, tax-paying company or sole proprietorship. The following registrations then follow:
- Exporters' association membership: Membership of the association covering your product group is mandatory before a declaration can be lodged.
- Customs system registration: Customs procedures run electronically, so your company must be defined in the relevant systems.
- Power of attorney for a customs broker: Unless you lodge declarations yourself, a notarised power of attorney is granted to a licensed broker.
At this stage you should also determine the customs tariff code (HS/GTİP) of each product. The tariff code drives duty rates and document requirements throughout the process.
Step 2: Target Market and Customer Research
Not every product sells in every market. When selecting a destination, weigh demand, import duties, free trade agreements, logistics distance and competition together. The Customs Union with the European Union gives duty-free access for industrial goods, which makes the EU a common first destination. Trade fairs, B2B platforms, commercial attachés and sector associations are effective channels for finding buyers.
Step 3: Pricing and Delivery Terms
An export price is not simply production cost plus margin. Packaging, inland transport, port charges, freight, insurance and customs costs are either included or excluded depending on the delivery term, so always state an Incoterms 2020 rule in your quotation.
Seller Costs by Delivery Term
| Term | Costs Borne by the Seller | Best Suited To |
|---|---|---|
| EXW | Packaging only | Buyers who manage their own logistics |
| FCA | Export clearance, handover to carrier | Balanced option, ideal for containers and road |
| FOB | All costs up to loading on board | Sea freight when the buyer has freight contracts |
| CIF | Freight and insurance included | Offering the buyer convenience |
| DAP | Carriage to the destination address | Road exports to Europe |
Step 4: Contract and Payment Terms
A written sales contract should cover product description, quantity, price, delivery term, lead time and payment conditions. Payment options include advance payment, open account, documents against payment and letters of credit. For new customers, secured methods such as advance payment or a letter of credit are advisable.
Tip: For letter-of-credit transactions, list every document the bank will require (type of bill of lading, insurance certificate, certificate of origin) before shipment. Even a minor discrepancy can delay payment.
Step 5: Preparing Export Documents
The core export documents are:
- Commercial invoice: Seller, buyer, goods, quantity, unit price and delivery term.
- Packing list: Number of packages, weights and dimensions.
- Certificate of origin or A.TR / EUR.1 movement certificate: Secures preferential duty treatment depending on the destination.
- Transport document: CMR for road, bill of lading for sea, air waybill for air.
- Product-specific documents: Health certificates, analysis reports or CE declarations depending on the product group.
Step 6: Customs Declaration, Shipment and Follow-Up
Once the documents are ready, your customs broker lodges the export declaration electronically. The export is deemed complete when the declaration closes and the goods physically leave the country; VAT refund procedures rely on these records. Our customs clearance service manages the declaration, movement certificates and inspections from a single point of contact.
Choosing the Transport Mode
The transport mode depends on the nature of the goods and the required lead time. For full or part loads to Europe, road freight is the workhorse; for bulky cargo to distant markets, sea freight is the most economical option. From our operations centre in Gebze, Özd Global coordinates everything from collection to final delivery.
Post-Shipment Follow-Up
Exporting does not end when the truck leaves. Collecting payment, filing the VAT refund, confirming delivery with the customer and handling any damage claims all happen after shipment. Recording cost, transit time and customer feedback after every consignment is the most effective way to improve the next one.
Common First-Export Mistakes
Even companies that know how to export from Turkey in theory make these mistakes:
- Misclassifying the tariff code and facing wrong duties or document demands.
- Quoting without a delivery term and arguing about freight later.
- Designing packaging for domestic rather than international transport.
- Forgetting the movement certificate, so the buyer pays unnecessary duty.
The Özd Global team reviews this checklist with you before your first shipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a company to export? Yes. An export declaration is lodged in the name of a registered taxpayer. Sole proprietorships can export, but corporate buyers generally prefer dealing with limited or joint-stock companies.
Which transport mode is best for a first export? It depends on the market and volume. Road freight suits Europe, sea freight suits distant markets, and air freight suits urgent or high-value goods. For small lots, groupage (LCL or part-load) keeps costs down.
How does the export VAT refund work? Export deliveries are exempt from VAT, and VAT paid on inputs can be refunded under certain conditions. A closed declaration and complete documentation are critical; track the process together with your accountant.
Learning how to export from Turkey becomes far simpler with sound planning and a reliable logistics partner. Özd Global stays with you from choosing the delivery term through customs clearance, transport and follow-up. Visit our contact page or call +90 551 462 41 34 to plan your first export together.
