Importing from Türkiye to the UK: Complete Business Guide

Planning to import goods from Türkiye? If your business is setting up links with international suppliers based there, you’ll need to understand how the importing process works.

To help make it just a little easier for UK businesses, we’ve put together a complete guide on how to import goods to the UK from Türkiye. We’ll run through the step-by-step process, including info on licences, shipping, customs and more.

We’ll also show you a cost-saving way to pay your Turkish suppliers in their own currency - using a Wise Business account.

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How to import from Türkiye - FAQs

Let’s start by tackling some of the most commonly asked questions about importing goods from Türkiye to the UK.

Do I need a licence to import goods into the UK?

A licence is only required to import specialist types of goods into the UK. This includes things like chemicals, animals, drugs, medicines and weapons.¹ Find out how to get an import licence in the UK here.

What you will need is an EORI number. This is an Economic Operators Registration and Identification number and it’s issued by HMRC as part of the registration process for importers and exporters.¹

Other required steps to start an import business in the UK include:

• Checking the labelling and licensing laws relating to the goods you’ll be importing
• Checking if you need to register for VAT
• Making sure that the Turkish suppliers you’re working with have the required export declarations, licences and certificates

What are 3 major imports of Türkiye?

Researching what to import from Türkiye? As a starting point, these are the three most common items the UK imports from the country:²

1. Road vehicles (other than cars)
2. Clothing
3. Cars

How do I ship goods from Türkiye to the UK?

There are a few different options for shipping goods from Türkiye to the UK. These include air, sea and road freight shipping.

Sea freight is the most commonly used, and can be the most cost effective. However, it is usually slower than air freight.

To choose the right shipping option, you need to weigh up cost vs. speed, while also selecting the most suitable method for the quantity and type of goods you’re transporting.

How long does it take to ship from Türkiye to the UK?

The average time it takes to ship goods from Türkiye to the UK varies depending on the freight method chosen. Here’s an idea of average times for each:³

• Air freight - around 2-3 days
• Sea freight - around 14-16 days
• Road freight - around 7 days

Bear in mind that it could take longer for your goods to clear UK customs, especially if your paperwork isn’t fully in order.

Does the UK have a free trade agreement with Türkiye?

The UK does have a free trade agreement (FTA) with Türkiye, which continued after the UK left the EU.⁴

However, talks are in progress about improving the agreement - to offer benefits such as increasing access to Turkish goods for British consumers, and providing opportunities for British firms to increase exports of services.⁴

At present though, the current FTA means preferential tariffs for UK businesses importing from and exporting to Türkiye.⁵ This could result in lower or no import duty from Türkiye to the UK. You can find out more about import duty and how to calculate it here.

Importing from Türkiye to the UK - Step-by-Step

Now, let’s take a closer look at the process of buying goods from Türkiye and importing them into the UK.

Below, you’ll find a step-by-step guide covering what to expect, and what you’ll need to do as an importing business based in the UK.

Finding and choosing an Turkish supplier

The first step in the process is finding your suppliers.

There are a few different ways to find potential suppliers in Türkiye, including online B2B marketplaces, trade associations and sourcing agents. You can also use recommendations from other importers working within the same markets.

Another way of finding suppliers for a specific product or industry is to attend trade fairs in the country you intend to buy from. This means flying to Türkiye, and visiting a trade fair where you can check the products first handed, get to know suppliers in person and even negotiate better deals. To discover Turkish trade fairs you can check the Jetro Database.

If you decide to visit a trade fair in Türkiye, Wise Business debit card can be a great way to spend in Turkish lira with ease.

You can pay in TRY with your Wise Business card even if you don't have a balance for the currency on your multi-currency account. Wise's smart technology will convert your spending automatically to GBP with the mid-market exchange rate. What is even better? You earn 0.5% cashback on your purchases.

Get started with Wise Business 🚀

It’s crucial to ensure that any suppliers you work with are properly set up to export to the UK. They may need a licence or certificates to send goods to the UK, along with needing to make export declarations in their own country.

You’ll need to do your due diligence when it comes to the quality of goods, which includes requesting sample products. Suppliers you work with should be able to provide the required documentation for their goods.

To choose reliable suppliers, you should assess each on their communication, commitment to meeting delivery schedules and reputation within the wider market.

Negotiating payment terms

Lined up a shortlist of Turkish suppliers? The next and most important thing to do is negotiate payment terms.

Some of the most common payment terms when importing to the UK include the following:

• Open account
• Letter of credit
• Bank collection
• Advance payment

It may require some discussion to find a payment method that works well for both parties.

For importers, a Wise Business account could be the ideal solution. It’s a powerful multi-currency account that lets you pay suppliers in their own currency, whether it’s Turkish lira, Euros or even US dollars.

All currency conversions are carried out using the mid-market exchange rate. When combined with low, transparent fees, this could make Wise a cheaper option than using your bank to pay overseas suppliers.

Manage your international finances
with Wise Business 🌎

Arrange transport from Türkiye

You’re nearly ready to place your first order, but there’s another important thing to organise - and that is shipping from Türkiye to the UK.

Available transport options include air freight and sea freight. Air freight is the fastest, although it can be the most expensive. Sea freight is slower but more affordable. You could also look into the options for road or rail freight.

If you prefer, you can work with a freight forwarding service, who can handle the process for you.

Preparing customs declarations

The last crucial step is to get your shipment ready to clear UK customs. You’ll need to do the following:¹

• Decide if you’ll be making customs declarations yourself, or if a freight forwarder, customs agent or other third party will do it
• Find out the commodity codes and work out the value of your goods. This will help you calculate customs duties and identify if any goods require certificates or licences.
• Check the labelling and marking rules for your goods
• Arrange for the goods to be inspected (if applicable)
• Submit and manage your import declaration
• Pay the required import duty and VAT

Pay Turkish suppliers with Wise Business

Importing and customs processes for the UK may be a little complex, but paying your Turkish suppliers doesn’t have to be.

Open a Wise Business account and you’ll be able to pay suppliers in their own currency. You can send Turkish lira or 40+ other currencies in just a few clicks.

You can easily make batch payments when paying multiple suppliers at once, and even automate the process using the Wise API to save even more time.

Wise payments are fast and fully secure (even for large amounts). Best of all, you’ll only pay low, transparent fees and always get the mid-market exchange rate.

Get started with Wise Business 🚀

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After reading this guide, you should have a better understanding of the process of importing goods from Türkiye to the UK.

We’ve run through the requirements for licences and customs clearance in the UK, along with how to find suppliers and negotiate payment terms.

There is quite a bit of paperwork involved, so some setup time will be required before you can bring in your first shipment.

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Sources used for this article:

1. GOV.UK - Import goods into the UK: step by step
2. UK Government Department for Business & Trade - Information Note for the Call for Input on a new Free Trade Agreement between the United Kingdom and Türkiye
3. Tebadul - Shipping from Türkiye to the UK: Freight Costs and Duration
4. Reuters - Britain, Türkiye to begin talks on new free trade deal in June
5. GOV.UK - Trade with Türkiye

Sources checked on 09-05-2024.