Turkey is a strategic trade center with strong connections to both European and Asian markets. Customs duty rates play a critical role in cost calculations and pricing for both importing and exporting companies.
In this article, we've compiled current tax practices in Turkey as of 2025, tax rates by product group, and details to consider in foreign trade transactions.
What is Customs Duty in Turkey?
Customs duty is a basic tax levied on goods imported into Turkey. It varies depending on the product's country of origin, its GTIP (Customs Tariff Statistics Position) code, and the type of product.
Main Tax Types Applied in Türkiye:
Customs Duty (CST): Can range from 0% to 50%
Value Added Tax (VAT): Applied at rates of 1%, 10%, and 20%
Special Consumption Tax (SCT): Applied to products such as tobacco, alcohol, and automobiles
Dumping Duty: Additional safeguard duty on products imported from certain countries
Sectoral Customs Duty Rates as of 2025
Product Group Average Customs Duty Rate
Textiles 10%–25%
Electronic Devices 0%–10%
Automobiles and Parts 10%–40% + SCT
Food Products 20%–45%
Furniture 10%–20%
Customs duty is generally not applied to products coming from European Union (EU) countries because Turkey is in a Customs Union with the EU. However, this exemption applies to industrial products; Taxes may be imposed on agricultural and some special products.
Exporting from Turkey: Is There a Tax?
There is no direct tax on exports from Turkey. However, exporters must prepare complete documents such as:
Export declaration,
Certificate of origin,
ATR/EUR.1 documents.
Export transactions are exempt from VAT, and government support is available for some export items (e.g., VAT refund, freight support, etc.).
Required Documents for Customs Procedures in Turkey
Commercial invoice
Packing list
Product classification according to GTIP code
Certificate of origin
ATR, EUR.1, or invoice declaration (for EU and FTA countries)
Import license (for some products)
Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and Tax Exemptions
Turkey has FTAs with many countries. Customs duty exemptions or discounted rates may apply to certain products during trade with these countries.
Major Countries with FTAs:
South Korea
UK
EFTA countries
Singapore
Malaysia
Kosovo, Georgia, Egypt, etc.
To benefit from these advantages, the correct certificate of origin must be presented.
Strategic Tips for Foreign Trade
Determine the product's GTIP code correctly, as tax rates are calculated based on this code.
Control the risk of dumping or additional duties when importing from non-EU countries.
Be sure to check whether the country you are trading with is covered by the FTA.
Don't forget to take advantage of government support and VAT refunds when exporting.
Manage transactions electronically through the Digital Customs system (TAREKS, BILGE, etc.)
Conclusion
Importing and exporting in Turkey by 2025 could become quite advantageous with proper planning and regulatory compliance. A sound understanding of customs duty rates is critical to competitive pricing and profitability. For any business engaged in international trade, this information is fundamental to developing a sound strategy.