Import from Turkey
Entrepreneurs in the Netherlands frequently import products like clothing, leather goods, and food items from Turkey. Interested in importing from Turkey? You can find Turkish suppliers through various channels, such as trade fairs, online directories, and import-export agencies. For most products imported from Turkey, no import duties are charged, giving you a competitive advantage with potentially higher profits.
Products imported from Turkey must be declared at customs, and you’ll need the appropriate import documentation. This article will cover what to consider when importing products from Turkey.
Actual
Turkey has high inflation. In July 2024, prices were on average 62% higher than in the same month a year ago. The weak Turkish Lira makes importing goods from Turkey cheaper.
Important import products
Turkey is a key trade partner for the Netherlands. In 2023, the Netherlands imported goods worth €5.1 billion from Turkey, with many of these products including clothing, yarns, fabrics, vegetables, and fruit. fishing products, electric products, aluminium and cars.
Finding Turkish suppliers
Are you looking for a Turkish supplier? You can find them at local fairs. Or make use of RVO or the European Enterprise Network (EEN). These organisations help Dutch enterprineurs making contacts. Investigate the reliability of your businesspartner. Ask for free samples. With these trial versions you can see whether the products meet your quality requirements. You can also use samples to compare products from different suppliers.
Custom-union EU with Turkey
Via the with Turkey you do not pay import duties for most products from Turkey. For example, if you import clothing from China or the United States, you usually pay 12% import duties. But if you import from Turkey, this rate is 0%.
What do you pay in import duties?
Turkey is not a member of the EU. That is why you must declare your import shipment to customs and a EORI-number You will need this number when dealing with customs. TOP will arrange the customs declaration for you.
No duties with a ATR certificat
The customs union gives you an exemption from import duties with a ATR-certificat.. With this certificate you prove to customs upon import that your imported product is of Turkish origin. This means that the product was made in Turkey or previously imported into Turkey from another country.
You apply for the ATR certificate from your Turkish supplier. The supplier arranges this document with Turkish customs. Turkish customs places a QR code on the certificate instead of a signature. Dutch customs will accept ATR certificates with a QR code from July 8, 2024. A signature from a Turkish customs officer is then no longer required.
EUR.1 certificat and invoice
A lot of agricultural goods and some fall outside the customs union. This means you cannot use an ATR certificate for those products. Would you like to pay less import duties? Then you have one EUR-1 certificate from Turkey. The Turkish supplier applies for this certificate from Turkish customs. If the value of the shipment is less than 6,000 euros, the Turkish supplier may issue an invoice declaration use instead of a EUR.1 certificate.
Only for preferential origin products
A EUR.1 certificate or invoice declaration is only possible for preferential origin products. These products are wholly obtained or sufficiently processed in Turkey. Wholly obtained means that the product was harvested, extracted or born in Turkey. Without EUR.1 or invoice declaration, you still pay the amount due upon import duties.
Duties
When importing into the Netherlands, you pay Dutch VAT. You can deduct this import VAT in your VAT return as input tax if you are entitled to VAT deduction. You then pay no VAT on balance. Do you import regularly? With a permit article 23 from the Tax Authorities, you do not pay VAT at the time of import. You instead enter the VAT amount on your VAT return. If you are allowed to deduct VAT, you declare it as deductible input tax in the same tax return. On balance you will then pay no VAT.
Import documents
An ATR certificate or a EUR.1 certificate gives a discount on import duties. In addition to the standard invoice, packing list and transport documents sometimes you need extra documents For example, for goods that may pose a risk to safety, health, economy and the environment. Ask us in advance which you need.
Agreements about transport
Make agreements with your Turkish supplier about the transport of the goods. With the Incoterms-rules agree on which of the two will arrange and pay for the transport. And who bears the risk of damage to the goods during this transport.
Product requirements and product liability
Follow the European and national rulesv if you import from Turkey. You may only place safe products on the European market. As an importer, you are liable for (personal) damage caused by a bad product. You can insure your protect against product liability. verzekeren.
UPV: extended producer responsibility
Does a a UPV apply to your product? Then you are also responsible for your product if it is discarded or used up. You will be faced with additional costs and rules, for example for collection and recycling. There are EPRs for textiles, disposable plastic, packaging, car tires and cars, batteries and accumulators, electrical and electronic equipment.
Parallel imports and counterfeit goods
You are not allowed to simply import branded items from Turkey. Often there is already an official importer of the product and the brand name is registered in the. In that case you must obtain permission from the trademark holder. This is usually the producer. Import outside the official distribution channels is called.
Please note: importing and trading counterfeit items is always a punishable offense.
Do you have any questions? Would you like to know more about importing from Turkey? Let us know! Or do you want a quote immediately? Of course that is also possible!
Source: Chamber of Commerce/ Dutch customs / Tax authorities
