Importing from Turkey: How to Deal with Trade Barriers Effectively

Turkey is a significant market for imports, particularly from the European Union (EU) and the United States (U.S.), due to its growing economy and large population. However, importing from Turkey can be challenging due to various trade barriers, including regulations, customs, and tariffs.

These barriers can affect the cost, timing, and accessibility of products or markets. Therefore, to import successfully from Turkey, it's essential to understand the trade regulations, local business practices, and legal requirements.

In this article, we will provide some tips and tricks to navigate these challenges and import from Turkey successfully.

What is a Trade Barrier?

A trade barrier is any government-imposed restriction or policy that limits the flow of goods and services across international borders. Trade barriers are used to protect domestic industries and economies from foreign competition or to promote local production and consumption of goods and services.

They can take many forms, including tariffs (taxes on imports), quotas (limits on the number of imported goods), embargoes (prohibitions on certain products or countries), subsidies (financial assistance to local industries), regulations, and administrative procedures (such as licensing or customs procedures).

These barriers can make it more difficult or expensive to import goods and services from other countries, and they can have significant effects on international trade and the global economy.

Impacts of Import Barriers on Business

Import barriers can have various impacts on businesses that import goods or services from Turkey. Some of the common impacts of import barriers are:

Increased Costs: Tariffs, customs duties, and other import barriers can increase the cost of imported goods, making them more expensive for businesses to purchase. These additional costs can reduce profit margins, making it more challenging for businesses to remain competitive in the market.

Delays in Shipments: Import barriers can also cause delays in the delivery of goods, as customs clearance processes and regulatory requirements can take longer to complete. These delays can result in additional expenses, such as storage and demurrage fees, and may cause supply chain disruptions that can affect a business's operations.

Limited Access to Products: Import barriers can limit a business's access to certain products or markets, reducing its ability to source the goods or services they need to operate. This can lead to a loss of market share and revenue, as well as reduced competitiveness.

Legal and Regulatory Challenges: Import barriers often come with complex legal and regulatory requirements that can be challenging for businesses to navigate. Failure to comply with these requirements can result in fines, penalties, or even the suspension of import activities.

Barriers to Watch Out for When Importing from Turkey

When importing from Turkey, businesses need to be aware of various barriers that can impact their import activities. Here are some key barriers to watch out for when importing from Turkey:

International Trade Contracts: Importers need to ensure that they have a comprehensive and legally binding contract with their Turkish suppliers. A poorly drafted or ambiguous contract can result in misunderstandings, disputes, and even legal action. Importers should pay particular attention to the terms of payment, delivery, warranties, and dispute resolution mechanisms in their contracts.

Documents: Importing from Turkey requires a range of documentation, including bills of lading, commercial invoices, certificates of origin, and customs clearance documents. Missing or incorrect documentation can lead to shipment delays, customs issues, and additional costs. It's essential to ensure that all necessary documents are accurate and complete before initiating any import activities.

Exchange Rate Fluctuations: Exchange rate fluctuations can impact the cost of imported goods and affect the profitability of import activities. Importers should keep a close eye on exchange rate movements and consider hedging strategies, such as forward contracts or currency options, to manage currency risks.

Smuggling: Turkey is a country with a high incidence of smuggling, particularly in products such as tobacco, alcohol, and textiles. Unscrupulous suppliers may try to pass off counterfeit or substandard products as genuine, or attempt to evade import taxes or duties. Importers should take steps to verify the authenticity and quality of products and work with reputable suppliers who have a track record of compliance with import regulations.

Mistakes to Avoid When Importing from Turkey

Importing from Turkey can be a great way to source high-quality products at competitive prices. However, there are several mistakes that you should avoid to ensure a smooth and successful importing experience. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when importing from Turkey:

1. Not Having the Correct Certifications: Depending on the product you are importing, you may need to obtain certain certifications or licenses to comply with local regulations. It's essential to research and obtain the necessary certifications to avoid any legal issues or delays in customs clearance.
2. Not Having the Right Commodity Code: The commodity code is a numerical code used to classify goods for customs purposes. It's essential to select the correct commodity code for your product to determine the correct import duties and taxes that apply.
3. Not Applying for an EORI Number: An EORI (Economic Operator Registration and Identification) number is required to import goods into the European Union. It's essential to obtain an EORI number before importing from Turkey to avoid delays in customs clearance.
4. Not Making the Right Import Declarations: You need to provide accurate and complete import declarations to customs authorities, which include information such as the value of the goods, the origin, and the commodity code. Providing incomplete or inaccurate information can result in delays in customs clearance or even fines.
5. Not Factoring in VAT and Duty Costs: Import duties and VAT can significantly increase the cost of your products. It's essential to factor these costs into your overall cost calculations and ensure that you have the necessary funds to cover them.
6. Not Choosing the Safest Transportation Method: Choosing the right transportation method is critical to ensuring that your products arrive safely and on time. You should consider factors such as the type of product you are importing, the destination, and the transit time when selecting a transportation method.

5 Tips for a Successful Import from Turkey

1. Know the Hold-up Policies: Before importing from Turkey, it's important to understand the policies and regulations that may cause hold-ups in customs clearance. Research the applicable regulations and be aware of any potential issues that may arise.
2. Look for Reputable Suppliers: Finding a reputable supplier is key to a successful import from Turkey. Look for suppliers that have experience in exporting and a good track record of delivering high-quality products on time.
3. Make Sure There are No Banned Goods: Certain goods may be prohibited or restricted from importation into your country. Ensure that you are aware of any restrictions or bans on the goods you plan to import from Turkey.
4. Find out the Packing Rules: Each country has specific packing requirements for imported goods. Make sure to research the packing rules for your country and ensure that your products are packed accordingly to avoid any delays or damages.
5. Be Aware of the Route: The route that your products take from Turkey to your destination can impact the time it takes for your products to arrive and the cost of transportation. Research the available transportation routes and choose the best option for your needs based on cost, transit time, and other factors.