Importing from Turkey to the UK: A Complete Customs Guide

Turkey and the UK: A Strong Trade Relationship

Turkey is one of the UK's most important trading partners. Since Brexit, the UK has maintained a preferential trade relationship with Turkey, largely mirroring the previous EU-Turkey Customs Union arrangements. This means that many goods originating in Turkey can benefit from reduced or zero import duty rates when imported into the UK.

Step-by-Step: Importing from Turkey to the UK

1. Confirm the Commodity Code

Every product imported into the UK must be classified using a commodity code from the UK Trade Tariff. The commodity code determines:

The applicable duty rate
Whether any licences or certifications are needed
VAT treatment

2. Check the Applicable Duty Rate

Using the commodity code, check the duty rate in the UK Global Tariff. If the goods originate in Turkey, you may be eligible for a preferential duty rate under the UK-Turkey trade arrangement.

To claim the preference, you typically need:

A supplier declaration from the Turkish exporter
Or a movement certificate (A.TR or EUR.1)

3. Arrange the Transport Documents

For road freight via Dover, the key transport document is the CMR waybill (international consignment note). For sea freight, a bill of lading is used. These documents must be provided to the customs agent.

4. Prepare the Commercial Invoice and Packing List

The invoice must state:

Seller and buyer details
Description of goods
Quantity and weight
Price and currency
Country of origin

The packing list details the contents, dimensions, and weight of each package.

5. Submit a CDS Import Declaration

The customs agent submits the import declaration to HMRC via CDS before the goods arrive at the UK border. The declaration states the commodity code, customs value, origin, and duty/VAT calculation.

6. Pay Duty and VAT (or Use PVA)

Duty must be paid at the time of import (or from a duty deferment account). VAT-registered importers can use Postponed VAT Accounting (PVA) to defer import VAT to their next VAT return.

7. Goods Released

Once HMRC grants permission to proceed, the goods are released and can enter the UK freely.

Common Goods Imported from Turkey to the UK

Turkey exports a wide range of goods to the UK, including:

Textiles and clothing
Automotive parts and vehicles
Steel and metal products
Food and agricultural products (fruit, vegetables, processed foods)
Furniture and homewares
Chemicals and plastics

Each product category may have different duty rates, VAT treatment, and licensing requirements.

Bilingual Support for Turkish Importers

At Customs Clearance Dover, we provide full customs clearance support in both English and Turkish. We understand the documentation requirements from Turkish suppliers, can liaise directly with Turkish exporters, and guide you through the entire process from invoice to port release.