#importertips

By Engin Sindel, Assist Export, Türkiye

For those new to international trade, importing into Türkiye might seem like a bureaucratic maze—one that’s lined with acronyms, government portals, and procedures that appear rigid on the surface. And yet, the process of becoming a registered importer is not as intimidating as it sounds. With some foresight and clarity, it can actually be quite straightforward.

Let me walk you through it. Slowly. One step at a time.

First, the basics. Anyone—a company or individual—planning to import commercial goods into Türkiye must be registered with the Turkish Trade Registry and hold a valid tax identification number. Without that, nothing moves. So, step one is:

Legal Entity Registration (or Personal Trader Setup) Most importers in Türkiye operate as limited liability companies or joint stock companies. You need to register with the local Chamber of Commerce, submit Articles of Association, and declare your business activities—including foreign trade. It might sound procedural, and it is, but it also sets the tone for everything that follows.

Tax Office Registration Once registered as a legal entity, you must apply for a corporate tax number at the relevant tax office. This number is tied to all import activities, from customs filings to financial reporting. Without it, your shipment could be stuck at port indefinitely.

Importer Code from the Ministry of Trade This is where it gets a little more specialized. Importers must obtain a registration code (importer registration number) through the Ministry of Trade. The General Directorate of Imports oversees this. The application typically includes your tax number, trade registry details, and sector-specific documentation if you're importing regulated goods (like chemicals or electronics).

Registration with the Customs Authority (via EDI/e-customs) Import declarations in Türkiye are filed electronically via the "BILGE" customs system. But to access it, your company must be registered and authorized to use electronic data interchange (EDI). You may need to work with a licensed customs broker to navigate this step, especially if you’re importing for the first time. Many firms choose to outsource this step, but even so, the importer is ultimately responsible for the information filed.

Set Up Digital Signature (e-Signature) You can't get far in Türkiye’s modern customs environment without a digital signature. Issued by authorized providers, the e-signature is required to validate submissions on the customs portal. It's tied to your tax ID and company credentials. Once set up, it allows for secure authentication in filing import declarations, viewing trade data, and submitting additional documentation.

Sectoral Licenses or Permits (if applicable) Depending on what you're importing—textiles, pharmaceuticals, machinery, agricultural goods—you may require additional licenses. For example, chemicals may need prior authorization from the Ministry of Environment, and food items might require clearance from the Ministry of Agriculture. This step is often overlooked until the goods are already en route. Better to check early.

Open a Customs Brokerage Agreement Even if you plan to manage things internally, having a customs broker on retainer is almost always a good idea. These professionals deal with customs paperwork daily and can alert you to procedural changes or new rules. They’ll also act as your representative at the port or airport if physical inspections occur.

First Import Declaration Finally, once you’ve lined up all documents, registrations, and digital credentials, you’re ready to file your first import declaration. The customs system will prompt you to submit your commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin (if applicable), and other relevant forms. Your importer code and tax ID will be referenced throughout.

Let’s pause here. That might seem like a lot. And yes, in some ways it is. But it’s not chaos. It’s just choreography—and once you learn the steps, the routine becomes familiar.

At Assist Export, we’ve supported dozens of businesses through this process, especially small and mid-size companies that are just starting to diversify their sourcing or trade strategies. We’ve seen how a clear roadmap can reduce costs, prevent mistakes, and even build confidence with foreign partners.

One client, a family-owned lighting company in Kayseri, had struggled to import energy-efficient fixtures from Poland. The paperwork felt overwhelming at first. But within six weeks, with some guidance and steady progress, they were registered, certified, and importing their first container. Sometimes, just knowing what to expect is half the battle.

And in case you're wondering what keeps us motivated in helping others navigate these layers—well, there are moments of pride too. Assist Export, headquartered in Türkiye, has been nominated for the 2025 Go Global Awards, happening in London this November. It’s more than an accolade. It’s a gathering of business visionaries, a forum where trade meets transformation, and where practical know-how shares the stage with big ideas. Being part of that ecosystem means something to us.