UK-Turkey Trade: An Overview
The United Kingdom and Turkey have a long history of strong trade relations. Since the UK's exit from the EU, the two countries signed a bilateral trade agreement — the UK-Turkey Trade Agreement — which came into effect on 1 January 2021. This agreement largely mirrors the EU-Turkey Customs Union arrangements that previously applied.
For Turkish businesses exporting goods to the UK, understanding UK customs requirements is essential to ensure smooth clearance and avoid delays or unexpected costs.
The UK-Turkey Trade Agreement
Under the UK-Turkey Trade Agreement, many Turkish goods can be imported into the UK at preferential tariff rates — sometimes zero. To benefit from these preferential rates, goods must meet the Rules of Origin requirements set out in the agreement.
Key points:
- Goods must be of Turkish origin (sufficiently processed or manufactured in Turkey)
- A proof of origin document must accompany the shipment (typically a movement certificate EUR.1 or a declaration of origin on the invoice)
- The correct commodity code must be used on the UK customs declaration
If your goods do not qualify for preferential rates, standard UK Global Tariff rates will apply.
What Turkish Exporters Need to Know About UK Customs
1. EORI Number
Your UK buyer will need a UK EORI number to clear goods through UK customs. If they do not have one, they cannot import your goods. We often assist buyers in obtaining their EORI number before the first shipment arrives.
As a Turkish exporter, you do not need a UK EORI number for standard export transactions — your UK importer handles UK customs. However, if you are shipping DDP (Delivered Duty Paid), you may need to appoint a UK customs agent to act on your behalf.
2. Correct Documentation
UK customs requires accurate and complete documentation. Common issues that cause delays for Turkish shipments include:
- Commercial invoices that are not in English or do not include all required details
- Packing lists that do not match the commercial invoice
- Missing certificates of origin (EUR.1 or invoice declaration)
- Incorrect or missing HS commodity codes
3. Commodity Code Classification
All goods must be classified under the UK Tariff using an HS commodity code. Turkish exporters should coordinate with their UK importer or customs agent to ensure the correct commodity codes are used. Incorrect classification can result in higher duties or compliance issues.
4. VAT and Duty Costs for the UK Importer
The UK importer is responsible for paying import duties and VAT at the UK border. These costs must be factored into pricing when negotiating contracts. Under Incoterms such as EXW or FOB, the buyer (UK importer) bears these costs. Under DDP, the seller (Turkish exporter) arranges and pays for import clearance.
Common Turkish Export Categories to the UK
Turkey is a major exporter to the UK across several sectors:
- Textiles and clothing — One of Turkey's largest export categories to the UK
- Automotive parts and vehicles — Strong trade flows in vehicle components
- Food and beverages — Including fresh fruit, vegetables, nuts and processed foods
- Machinery and equipment — Industrial machinery and components
- Furniture and home goods — High-quality Turkish furniture and home furnishings
- Construction materials — Tiles, marble and building materials
Each of these categories has specific documentation requirements, potential licensing requirements and varying duty rates.
How We Support Turkish Businesses
At Custom Clearance, we offer a unique bilingual service in English and Turkish. Our team understands the specific challenges that Turkish businesses face when trading with the UK, and we provide:
- End-to-end import clearance for UK buyers receiving Turkish goods
- EORI registration assistance for first-time importers
- Commodity code classification and duty calculation
- Preferential tariff advice under the UK-Turkey Trade Agreement
- Document review to ensure compliance before goods arrive
Whether you are a Turkish manufacturer sending your first shipment to the UK, or an established UK importer receiving regular consignments from Turkey, we are here to make the process as smooth as possible.
Contact our team today — in English or Türkçe. Available 24/7.