For those businesses willing to import goods from Turkiye, the legal dimensions of trade and the fulfillment of the required legal conditions are of crucial importance. Although Türkiye is not a member of the European Union, it offers various advantages in importing industrial and processed agricultural products due to its Customs Union agreement with the EU. However, to take full advantage of these advantages and minimize potential legal risks, some steps have to be followed carefully.

Customs Union and ATR Certificate in Imports from Türkiye
The EU-Тürkiye Customs Union provides for exemption from customs duties for industrial products and processed agricultural goods. In order to get these advantages, the very important requirement is the provision of an ATR certificate. An ATR proves the origin of a good as Turkish, which must be approved by the Turkish customs authorities. An incompletely completed or incorrectly prepared certificate will nullify the privilege of the exemption from customs duties for the importer.
Moreover, there are also specific categories where, instead of the ATR, an EUR.1 certificate might be needed, such as in the case of agricultural products and steel. An EUR.1 certificate is a document proving the goods to be of preferential origin, wholly manufactured, or sufficiently processed in Turkey. Legal Guide to Importing Goods from Türkiye
Tax Obligations in Imports from Türkiye
When goods are imported into the United Kingdom, the importer is obligated to pay Value Added Tax (VAT). However, companies operating in the UK can reclaim VAT as an input tax. Companies that frequently import goods can obtain Article 23 authorization from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to avoid paying VAT at the time of import, allowing them to include VAT directly in their declarations.
Legal Requirements and Documents for Import
The following documents are required for importation from Türkiye, which the business needs to ensure availability:
Invoice: It contains details and the value of the imported goods.
Packing List: It contains information about the type, quantity, and packaging details of the goods.
Transport Documents: It includes information related to the shipment of goods, such as a bill of lading.
ATR or EUR.1 Certificate: Required for customs duty exemptions.
EORI Number: This is a requirement for customs procedures in the UK.
Special Permits: There are also various permits and certificates required for particular products, such as pharmaceuticals or tobacco products.
Product Safety and Liability in Imports from Türkiye
As an importer, it is your responsibility to ensure the safety of products placed on the European market. In case of damage or injury caused by a product, the importer may be held liable for compensation. To mitigate these risks, importers should focus on:
Product Certification: Products should be certified with necessary certification, such as CE marking.
Insurance: Obtain product liability insurance.
Quality Control: Request samples from suppliers in Turkey to check the standard of quality.
Parallel Imports and Trademark Rights
For branded products to be imported into Turkey, the firm should of course examine in detail the legal status of the brand. Each brand normally has an official importer or distributor. Imports made without the permission of the owner, in writing, can bring about legal complications. Imports outside of the official distribution channel are known as "parallel imports" and will result in some sanctions:.
Secondly, the import of counterfeit goods is illegal and the punishments for that are very strict. An importer, therefore, has to be very careful while choosing suppliers.
Terms of transport and delivery when importing from Türkiye
Precise definition of delivery and transportation terms is crucial during importation from Türkiye. Usually, such terms are subject to the regulation of the rules entitled Incoterms® that determine, inter alia, the buyer's and seller's responsibilities as regards transportation cost and risk. Some commonly used Incoterms rules include:
EXW: All costs and risks are for the account of the buyer.
FOB: Free on Board-The seller is responsible to deliver the goods to the ship.
CIF- It means Cost, Insurance, and Freight, whereby the seller covers insurance and freight charges up to delivery.
Legal Issues of Import from Türkiye
The major legal issues that may arise in imports from Türkiye are as follows:
Contract Disputes: These include disputes on delivery, payment terms, or product quality.
Customs Issues: Delays or fines for incorrect or incomplete documentation.
Trademark and Copyright Issues: Cases involving the importation of branded products without official authorization.
Non-Compliant Products: Goods that do not meet the safety and quality standards of the European Union.
Attention to legal requirements while importing goods from Türkiye is the guarantee to reduce commercial and legal risks. Accurate and complete obtaining of ATR and EUR.1 certificates, clear definition of delivery and transportation terms, verification of the accuracy of all import-related documents-these are the crucial steps to be taken. Obtaining legal consultancy will not only speed up the import process but also help solve probable problems efficiently.
For further information and any other clarification regarding the importation of goods from Türkiye with regard to specific legal issues, do not hesitate to contact us. A team of dedicated lawyers with considerable experience is always ready to offer personalized advice and assistance throughout your import compliance journey. Contact CCS Law today for a discussion of your needs.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
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