Turkey is the UK’s 13th largest goods trading partner, and trade between the two countries is increasing. In 2023, the UK sold £9.9 billion worth of goods to Turkey – a 7.5% increase on the previous year. And £15.9 billion worth of goods made the reverse journey. So, for importers or exporters looking for a new territory to work with, Turkey makes an interesting proposition. What do you need to know to make the most of the opportunity?
A Simple Guide to Sending Freight Between the UK and Turkey
Get to know the market
When you expand into any new territory, you first need to get to know the market. In 2023, the items most imported to Turkey from the UK were mechanical power generators, followed by cars and car parts, metal ores and scrap, and non-ferrous metals.
While the UK purchased a range of goods from Turkey, including electrical equipment, machinery, boilers, iron and steel products, plastics, aluminium, apparel, metals, fruits and nuts, furniture, and ceramic products.
If you know the products that are in demand, you are in a better position to find a market.
Understand the process
Once you’ve found a buyer or seller to work with within Turkey, there are a number of fixed steps that you must follow to avoid complications.
Importing to Turkey for the UK
- If you are intending to import goods into Turkey, the first step is to register with the Turkish Ministry of Customs and Trade. And gain an Import License.
- Next, you will need to ascertain that the goods you are planning to import do not breech customs regulations.
- Get your paperwork in order. All shipments going into Turkey should be completed with a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or airway bill, Economic Operator Registration Identification (EORI) number, and a customs declaration form. With certain products, you may also require a Certificate of Conformity or have gained the CE Mark. You may also require a Phytosanitary Certificate, and any special permits. As of July 2024, the UK has a trade agreement in effect with Turkey. This means that there are some preferential tariff rates for bilateral trade. To benefit from this, you must produce a certificate of origin.
- Obtain HS codes for your goods.
- Find a reliable freight forwarder and select your form of transportation. At Plexus Freight we’ve been providing logistics services for more than 25 years. Operating globally, we have a network of carefully vetted and trusted partners to ensure that our client’s goods get from A to B quickly, efficiently, and safely. For road and sea freight, we operate a door to door service, fulfilled by our own drivers.
- Find a third-party Importer of Record (IOR) registered with the Turkish Customs Authorities to work with. They must have an office in Turkey.
- Ensure that your packing is up to scratch.
Exporting from Turkey to the UK
For the most part, exporting goods from Turkey to the UK follows a vary similar process. The only things that are likely to really vary are the restricted goods. If you work with a reputable freight forwarder, they will be able to guide you through all of the restrictions. And all of the required paperwork.
Be aware of shipping times
Shipping goods between the UK and Turkey typically takes between 8-12 days by road. Express services are available for when time is of the essence. But it’s important to understand the relevant lead times when planning your logistics.
Turkey presents an amazing opportunity for any UK traders looking to expand their territory. With a growing market on both sides, and a free trade agreement in the pipeline, there’s a lot of potential to be explored.
Are you looking for a freight forwarder to support your move into the Turkish market? Get in touch with Plexus Freight.
