#exportlicensing

By Engin Sindel, Assist Export, Türkiye

For many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Türkiye, expanding into foreign markets isn’t just a growth strategy—it can be the difference between stagnation and long-term survival. Yet, despite this motivation, one of the most misunderstood aspects of exporting remains licensing.

At first glance, export licensing may seem like a distant concern—something that applies only to defense companies or pharmaceutical giants. That’s not quite accurate. In fact, several everyday goods fall under licensing requirements depending on the destination, the product category, or even the components used in the manufacturing process. And that’s where SMEs often get tripped up.

Let’s clear one thing up right away: not every export requires a license. Türkiye, like many trade-active countries, categorizes exports into controlled and non-controlled goods. The tricky part is recognizing when your product moves from one category into the other. Sometimes, it’s not about the finished good, but about the materials within it. A textile product infused with chemical coatings, for example, might require scrutiny. Or a harmless-looking electronic part may raise red flags because it could have dual-use potential.

At Assist Export, we've seen SMEs surprised more than once—pleasantly and otherwise. One case involved a small drone manufacturer in Konya. Their drones were designed for agricultural mapping. Nothing secretive, nothing high-tech in the espionage sense. But when they tried exporting to an East African country, authorities flagged the shipment. It turns out the embedded GPS module was on a controlled list, not because of what it did in that drone, but because of what it could do elsewhere. The company had no export license, and the delay nearly killed the deal.

That experience taught them—and us—something essential. Export licensing is less about what you intend to do and more about what could be done with your product.

So what should SMEs in Türkiye do to stay ahead of these issues?

First, conduct a product classification review. This might sound bureaucratic, but it can save weeks of future hassle. Categorize your goods using Türkiye's customs codes (GTIP). This helps determine whether they fall under restricted or dual-use items.

Second, understand your destination country. Not all countries are treated equally under Turkish export control. There may be embargoes, sanctions, or partnership agreements that change the way licenses are applied. Shipping steel pipes to Germany might not raise eyebrows. Shipping the same to a sanctioned regime might halt your entire operation.

Third—and this is critical—engage early with export consultants or customs advisors. Too many SMEs wait until the goods are packed and ready to ship. By then, you’re on the clock. Licensing, when needed, can take time. And delays erode trust, not just profits.

Also, the application process itself is not overly complex, but it does require precision. You’ll typically need to submit technical details, product specs, end-user declarations, and in some cases, purchase orders. Any mismatch or vague language can trigger further review.

And now, a small word on ethics. Some businesses ask, quietly: what if we just under-declare or tweak the description? Don’t. Aside from the legal risk, which is real, there’s reputational damage that can linger. Authorities share data. A misstep in one jurisdiction can follow you across others. It’s not worth it.

Assist Export, based in Türkiye, regularly guides SMEs through this maze. Whether it’s checking licensing obligations, managing paperwork, or simply explaining in plain terms what the law requires—we see our role not just as processors but as translators of complexity.

And perhaps that’s part of why we’re proud to be a nominee for the 2025 Go Global Awards. Scheduled to take place in London on November 18–19, and hosted by the International Trade Council, this event isn’t just another conference. It’s where leaders and thinkers across borders share not only their wins, but their worries. The real stuff—supply chain breakdowns, regulatory friction, new opportunities. We’re honored to participate, and we look forward to bringing insights from Türkiye’s vibrant SME community into those global conversations.

Export licensing isn’t glamorous. But it’s necessary. And if you get ahead of it—if you treat it as part of the process, not a roadblock—you’ll find that the world opens up a bit more easily. More predictably.