Import and Export Regulations in Türkiye for 2024-2025: A Guide for International Entrepreneurs
The trade policy landscape in Türkiye has undergone significant updates in 2025 with the aim of boosting local manufacturing, enhancing global competitiveness, and expanding trade volume. These regulatory changes hold great significance for entrepreneurs and investors intending to do business in Türkiye. Below is an overview of the most relevant import and export regulations for international stakeholders.
Import Regime and New Applications
1. Suspension System
- Türkiye has expanded its Suspension System to exempt customs duties on certain imports such as raw materials, semi-finished products, or items requiring specialized manufacturing processes.
- Exclusions apply: ready-to-consume final products, fully assembled goods, or items not subject to essential transformation are not eligible for this exemption.
- This system went into effect as of January 1, 2025 and applies to all approved product categories.
2. Surveillance Practices
- Türkiye has introduced new surveillance measures on the import of wheel tractors (HS Code 8701.91.10.00.00) and motorcycles over 250 cc (HS Code 87.11).
- These imports are now subject to value-based taxation, significantly affecting cost calculations for importers.
3. HS Code (GTIP) Updates
- In 2025, Türkiye revised 416 HS Codes across 21 tariff chapters within the Turkish Customs Tariff Schedule.
- The main motivations for these changes include:
- Harmonization with World Customs Organization (WCO) and EU customs nomenclature,
- Improved statistical data collection,
- Implementation of new safeguard measures.
- Importers are advised to double-check product classifications to ensure compliance and avoid penalties.
Export Strategy: 2025 Action Plan
1. Focus Markets
- Türkiye has added Iraq and Serbia as new target markets in 2025.
- The plan maintains strong emphasis on traditional partners such as the US, EU, and Gulf countries, while expanding outreach in Africa and Turkic Republics.
2. Support Programs
- For services exporters, Türkiye offers support for participation in 42 international events and over 1,200 trade fairs.
- The Inward Processing Regime (IPR) now includes incentives to source domestic inputs, improving cooperation between local suppliers and importers.
- A matchmaking guide for producers and importers has been published to streamline this collaboration.
3. Removal of Technical Barriers
- Efforts to enhance product standardization have been intensified—especially for agricultural and food exports. These initiatives aim to overcome technical barriers in international markets.
Tax and Financial Regulations
- Value-Added Tax (VAT) and Special Consumption Tax (SCT): Additional tax increases have been introduced on goods such as electronics, automobiles, and luxury items.
- Customs Duty Exemptions: Machinery imported under investment incentive certificates is now exempt from customs duties, enhancing ease of capital investment.
Practical Tips for Businesses
- GTIP Verification: Review and update your product categorization according to Türkiye’s 2025 tariff schedule to ensure regulatory compliance.
- Local Sourcing: Utilize the guides from Türkiye’s Ministry of Trade for finding local suppliers under the IPR framework.
- Documentation Planning: For imports subject to surveillance (e.g., tractors, motorcycles), allocate at least a 30-day preparation period for required documentation.
These measures support Türkiye’s strategic goal to reach $500 billion in exports. To navigate this evolving trade climate effectively, international entrepreneurs are encouraged to regularly consult official trade policy bulletins and updates from relevant Turkish ministries.
