Harrow Signage

Import from Turkey

At PACK & SEND, we have been managing shipments to and from Turkey for over 30 years. Large, small, awkwardly shaped or valuable – we handle every type of freight, so you can trust us with all your imports from Turkey. Just complete the form here to obtain a quote.



Start a quote or make a booking

New Quote Teaser (May 2024)

Paperwork Needed for Importing from Turkey

You will need to complete the following paperwork in preparation for importing items from Turkey to the UK:

  • Customs declaration – This document provides details of the Turkish goods you are importing. It can be lodged either by you, your broker, or your freight forwarder.
  • Commodity code – This ten-digit number classifies imports and determines the applicable rates of duty and VAT, as well as any restrictions on your items.
  • EORI number – This registration and identification number is required for anyone importing goods into the UK.
  • Import licences – Most goods do not require a licence, but some items do. These include military goods, technology, art, plants, animals, medicines, and chemicals.
Get a quote
Avoid Brexit paperwork delays

Import Duties and Taxes - Turkey to the UK

The duties and taxes payable on goods from Turkey depend on their commodity codes and the overall purchase and shipping value of the shipment.

Although the UK-Turkey Free Trade Agreement exists, it does not eliminate customs duties for all goods. To benefit from preferential rates under this agreement, your goods must meet the rules of origin requirements.

Customs duties typically apply to goods worth over £135 that do not qualify under the agreement. The exact rate depends on the commodity code of the goods in question. You can check the duty rates for each code on the Trade Tariff website.

Failure to pay required import duties may result in customs holding your goods for approximately three weeks before returning them. In some cases, goods may be seized, and fines may apply.

Get a quote
Plane check

VAT on Imports - Turkey to the UK

Value Added Tax (VAT) is payable on all goods imported into the UK from Turkey. This is calculated on top of import duties at the standard UK rate of 20%, which is the same as if the goods were purchased domestically.

VAT also includes the door-to-port shipping cost, ensuring fairness for businesses located farther from UK ports.

If your EORI number is linked to your UK VAT number, you can reclaim VAT on your regular VAT return using HMRC form C79.

Avoid Double Taxation
Ensure that you do not pay Value Added Tax (VAT) in Turkey for exports, as VAT is charged in the UK and should only be paid once. Confirm with your Turkish supplier that VAT is excluded from the export invoice to avoid complications in reclaiming it later.

Get a quote
Keeping the Paper trail Intact

Sea or Air Freight from Turkey?

Deciding on whether to use sea freight for your goods from Turkey will depend on how much you’re shipping and how urgently you need it. If your item is large or bulky, Sea freight is usually the best option. However, you should allow around two weeks for your items to reach the UK from Turkey, so sea freight isn’t ideal for urgent shipments.

If you want your item to arrive quickly, choose air freight. Flight times will be around 4.5 hours.

Note that smaller items may take longer to arrive via air freight because they will be part of a consolidated flight and may have to wait until a plane is full before departing.

International Shipping
Freight Ship at Sea

PACK & SEND Online Self-Service

Fast and cost-effective, our Online Self-Service is an alternative way to import items from Turkey.

You’ll have access to our full range of shipping capabilities at a lower price than you would pay for a bespoke solution in our service centres. Your items may be eligible if your shipment is pre-packaged and weighs less than 30kg.

Using our Online Self-Service option is quick and easy, and you’re in control of the whole process – packing your own items, scheduling the shipment, printing the labels and tracking the cargo all the way through.

Book your shipment here
OSS Booking

SUBSCRIBE TO THE PACK & SEND EMAIL LIST

Subscribe
Pound icon Get Quote Map pin icon Locations Speech bubbles icon Contact
Packed & Less Than 30kg? Book Now