Turkey Importer of Record at a Glance:
Importer of Record
- Turkey requires an experienced Importer of Record that can help satisfy compliance and permit requirements set forth by TAREKS, TSE, BTK, and various other bodies
IT Shipping & Logistics
- Turkish infrastructure is reliable and offers expeditious last-mile delivery
- Turkish customs may allow used goods, with proper value declarations and labelling
Importer of Record and Pre-Shipment Documentation
Turkey is one of the more complex markets for IT Imports. There are a number of requirements, strict standards of accuracy, and multiple regulatory bodies.
TAREKS
TAREKS (Risk-Based Trade Control System) is an import regulatory body established to ensure that certain health and safety requirements for specific products are met. For FGX’s clients, the main products that they regulate are telecommunications equipment, batteries, electronic equipment, and terminal devices.
Additionally, TAREKS values equipment based on their set estimations of product cost. Meaning regardless of how much you may have ultimately paid for the equipment, tax rates are variable based on MSRP and use status (used or new). While in other markets you can petition for a lower tax rate based on documentation like purchase orders, Turkish customs is less amenable to this process.
Your equipment will also need a CE Mark to verify that it has been tested and met the necessary requirements.
TSE
TSE (Turkish Standards Institution) is “the sole authorized body for standardization in Turkey, operates in diverse fields of the quality infrastructure that includes certification, testing, training as well as surveillance and inspection activities” (TSE.org). TSE sets the standards and conducts product testing for all products entering the market.
BTK
BTK is the telecommunications regulatory body. Think of it as the Turkish counterpart to the FCC. While we do not typically need to file any paperwork with the BTK directly (just adhere to their telecomms guidelines), if the product has 4G, LTE, or GSM modem we have to apply to the BTK to register the IMEI number of the modem.
IT Shipping & Logistics
Used vs. New Equipment
Turkey does allow used equipment to be imported. However, the shipment documentation must clearly state what is used and what is new. Used power electronics such as power supplies are not permitted for import at all. Most servers, switches, routers, and firewalls may be imported used, with FGX’s detailed guidance.
IT Shipping
Although Turkish Customs processes can be relatively complex, air freight and last-mile delivery are relatively easy. Air Freight into Turkey is frequent and typically only takes one or two working days. Once the equipment has been cleared by customs, last-mile delivery only requires another one to two working days. If your shipment documentation is managed properly, shipping and clearance should be quick and painless, especially when working with an experienced logistics partner like FGX.
FGX manages all of our client’s shipments door-to-door (or door-to-data center). This case study showcases how we navigated IT logistics and importation into Turkey at the time that it was written. Regulations and challenges are constantly changing and exact shipping requirements may have changed. To learn more about FGX and how our global shipping platform can help your company, reach out here.
