Documents and Permits Required for Exporting in Turkey

Today, with globalization, exports are of great importance for many businesses. Turkey, due to its geographical location and production capacity, is becoming a country with increasing export potential. However, in order to export in Turkey, certain documents and permits are required. This blog post will provide detailed information on the documents and permits required to export in Turkey.

Exporter Registration Certificate (IDC):

Exporting companies are required to apply to the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TIM) and obtain an IDB. The IDB is a document showing that the company is authorized to export in Turkey. For the IDB application, documents showing the company's commercial activities and export potential must be submitted. TIM ensures that the application is examined and, if deemed appropriate, the IDB is issued. You cannot carry out export transactions without registration.

Tax Certificate:

Companies that will export are required to provide up-to-date tax certificates. The tax certificate shows that the company has a tax registration and is a taxpayer. This document is requested to prove that tax payments are made regularly in export transactions. The company must have a corporate identity. Trust is always the most important element in exports.

Trade Registry Gazette:

Companies that will export must obtain a copy of the latest trade registry gazette. The trade registry gazette is an official document containing the company's commercial activities, capital structure and partnership information. It is a document requested to show the legal and financial status of the company in export transactions.

Export Declaration

A customs declaration must be prepared for the export transaction. The export declaration contains the details of the exported goods and indicates that the export transaction has been carried out. The declaration must be filled in accordance with the customs legislation in Turkey and contain the required information. It must be submitted to the customs office by the exporting company or exporter.

Transportation Documents

The transport documents required for the transportation of the export commodity must be issued. These documents are used in the logistics process in which the export goods are transported and ensure safe and timely delivery of the goods. Transport documents may include bill of lading (bill of lading), CMR (International Contract of Carriage by Road), air freight bill, rail transport document, etc. These documents may vary depending on the method of transportation and destination.

Certificate of Origin

The certificate of origin, which is a document verifying the origin of the product to be exported, provides information about the country of export and the origin of the product. The certificate of origin is issued in accordance with free trade agreements or international trade rules signed between Turkey and the exporting country. The certificate of origin is used during customs procedures and may be requested by the receiving country.

Payment and Finance Certificate:

Depending on the payment method used in the export transaction, payment and financial documents may be requested. These documents are used to prove the accuracy of the payment process and financial transactions. For example, documents such as letter of credit, collection receipts or bank statements may be requested for letter of credit payments.

Permits and Certificates

Depending on the product or sector to be exported, relevant permits and certificates may be required. For example, in the food sector, a Food Business Registration Certificate (GİKB) or documents from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry may be required. These permits and certificates are required to prove that the products to be exported comply with national or international regulations such as quality, standards, safety or health.

The documents and permits mentioned above are the general requirements for exporting in Turkey. However, export procedures may differ depending on the nature of the product, destination country, trade policies and sectoral regulations.

Detailed information should be obtained by applying to the relevant institutions and organizations according to the characteristics of the product and target markets. Especially sector-specific permits and certificates are important for the successful completion of the export process. For example, a company that will export in the food sector may need to have a Food Business Registration Certificate (GİKB) or certificates proving that it meets food safety and hygiene standards. Similarly, it is important for a textile manufacturing company to have GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certification for organic textiles.

In addition, some products may require special permits for export. For example, exports of certain products such as defense industry products, medical devices, pharmaceuticals or chemicals may require special permits from the relevant ministry or authorized institutions.These permits are required to ensure compliance with laws and regulations governing issues such as safety, national policies, health and the environment.

On the other hand, the import regulations and requirements of some countries must also be taken into consideration when exporting in Turkey. Familiarizing yourself with the specific requirements and certification processes of the exporting country will ensure a successful export process. These requirements may include country-specific import documents, health certificates, certificates of origin or private labeling requirements.

A company wishing to export can obtain detailed information by contacting the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TIM) and the Ministry of Customs and Trade, as well as relevant industry associations or chambers of commerce. These institutions and organizations provide guidance on export procedures and offer support in obtaining the necessary documentation. It is also important to keep abreast of export-related legislation and regulations posted online, as these are updated from time to time and contain important information for exporters.

FDA Certificate is one of the most important documents and permits required for the export of foodstuffs, medicines, medical devices, textile products, defense industry products and many other products. FDA (Food and Drug Administration) operates as an office under the US Department of Health. Foreign companies that will offer products such as food, medicine, medical devices to the US market must obtain FDA approval. FDA approval indicates that the product has no adverse effects on human and/or animal health or that these effects are at an acceptable level. It is not possible to sell to the US without FDA approval.

The document required for products sold in the European Economic Area (EEA) is the CE Certificate. The CE certificate is a certification mark that proves that the product complies with health, safety and environmental standards. To obtain a CE certificate, the product must comply with the relevant EU legislation and directives. The CE certificate shows that the product does not harm the environment and is suitable for human, animal and plant health.

UKCA Certificate is required for products placed on the market in the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland). Companies wishing to export to the UK and UK countries are required to put the UKCA mark on their products as of January 1, 2022. In order to obtain a UKCA certificate, a technical file proving that the product complies with the relevant legislation must be prepared and testing and certification services must be obtained from an accredited organization. UKCA certification is an important step in improving your product quality and entering the UK market.

Halal Certificate is important for companies that will export food in countries where Islam is valid. Halal certificate shows that food products are produced and processed in accordance with Islamic Law. Companies wishing to export food to Islamic countries must obtain a halal certificate. This document proves that raw materials, additives and production processes comply with halal standards.

Kosher Certificate is required for Turkish companies wishing to export food to Israel. Kosher certificate shows that food products are produced and processed in accordance with Jewish religious rules. In order to obtain a Kosher certificate, production facilities and raw materials must be inspected and approved by Jewish religious authorities.

In addition, products must have a COC certificate of conformity in some countries. This document is required to control and monitor export processes between countries. Companies that will export to countries such as Iraq, Algeria, Morocco, Gabon, Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Qatar, Kenya, Kuwait, Libya, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Tanzania, Uganda, Zanzibar and Egypt are required to apply for a COC certificate of conformity.

These documents and permits may vary according to the characteristics of the products to be exported and the target markets. Companies planning to export should contact the relevant institutions and organizations to access up-to-date information and guidelines.

In conclusion, the documents and permits required to export in Turkey may vary depending on the nature of the product to be exported, the destination country and sectoral regulations. Companies planning to export should contact the relevant institutions and organizations to access up-to-date information and guidelines and ensure that the export process proceeds smoothly.