Export to Turkey: 10 Tips You Must Know in 2024

Turkey’s Strategic Role in Global Trade

Located at the crossroads of East and West, Turkey serves as a key gateway for Asian goods entering European and Western markets.

While the opportunities are abundant, it’s essential to be aware of potential risks. Here’s what exporters should know when entering the Turkish market:

10 Key Tips for Managing Risks in the Turkish Market

1. Ensure Product Quality

Quality issues are a common source of disputes in Turkish trade. While Turkish buyers often negotiate for lower prices, it’s critical not to compromise on quality. Supplying substandard goods can lead to disputes and damage your reputation.

2. Align Documentation

All trade documents must match perfectly. Any discrepancies can be grounds for rejection or non-payment, even under a letter of credit (L/C). Turkish banks require a 100% asset pledge to issue L/Cs, so once the buyer releases the documents, payment is generally secure.

3. Choose Secure Payment Methods

• Letter of Credit (L/C): Recommended for established, reputable companies. Ensure the L/C is issued by a bank with a solid reputation.
• Advance Payment + Telegraphic Transfer (T/T): Turkish buyers often avoid L/Cs due to high costs. Alternatives include:
• Advance Payment + Collection: 10% advance payment, with the balance collected via bank collection against blank-endorsed bills of lading. Consider insuring receivables to mitigate refusal risks.

4. Comply with Turkish Customs Regulations

• Exporters cannot retrieve or resell goods without an official “refusal of goods notice” from the recipient.
• Goods left in customs for four months are considered ownerless and may be auctioned.
• The original importer has the first right to purchase auctioned goods.

5. Certify Contracts and Declarations

To prevent tax evasion, the Turkish government requires that sales contracts and export declarations for goods from the Far East (including China) be certified by Turkish embassies or consulates. Complete certification before shipping, especially if required by an L/C.

6. Handle Reselling Goods Carefully

If the original importer refuses the goods, the bill of lading must be endorsed by the first consignee before resale. If not, it must be returned to the issuing bank in your country for amendment.

7. Reject Unreliable Bills

Avoid accepting personal bills secured by personal assets from Turkish merchants.

8. Factor in High Customs and Terminal Fees

• Terminal Storage Fee: USD 8/day for the first week, USD 16/day for the second week.
• Shipping Agent Fee: Free for the first week, USD 8/day for the second week, USD 16/day for the third week (double for 40-foot containers).

• 9. Assess Turkish Company Credit
• Many Turkish companies are small and can easily register or dissolve. Some groups operate multiple entities, so closing one doesn’t impact the overall business. Once a company declares bankruptcy, debt recovery is nearly impossible.

1. 10. Be Cautious with Trade Disputes
2. Avoid litigation in Turkey due to lengthy processes (2-3 years) and high costs. Even if you win, recovering funds can be challenging. Preventative measures are far more effective than legal battles.

Popular Products in Turkey:

• Fashion: Clothing, footwear, accessories, eyewear.
• Electronics: Home appliances, personal care electronics.
• Toys: Traditional & modern toys, model kits.
• Sports: Camping equipment, outdoor gear.
• Home & Kitchen: Furniture, decor, gardening, pet care, DIY.
• Media Products: Online retail media.
• Consumer Electronics: Computers, laptops, TVs, cameras, phones, navigation systems.
• Gaming: Video game consoles and gaming devices.

About Topease:

Topease was established in 2004 as a comprehensive marketing and sales solution service provider for your import-export-trading and logistics businesses.

How can you find global trade opportunities in a smart way?

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