Customs Procedures Guide

In foreign trade, the most common source of delays is not transportation but customs procedures. A missing document, an incorrect HS code or a wrong declaration can leave your shipment waiting at customs for days and lead to extra costs (storage and demurrage). In this guide, we summarize five key steps that will speed up your import and export processes.

1. Start with the Correct HS Code Classification

The Harmonized System (HS) code (GTİP in Türkiye) determines the duty rate applied to your product and the regulations it is subject to. An incorrect HS code means penalties, additional duties and lost time. Clarify the classification before shipment with the support of expert customs brokerage.

2. Prepare Documents Before Shipment

The invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, A.TR/EUR.1 movement certificates and any product-specific permits (TSE, agricultural or health certificates) should be ready before the cargo departs. Managing document tracking with a digital checklist eliminates the "awaiting documents" status at customs.

3. Use Pre-Declaration and Transit Regimes

A pre-arrival declaration allows goods to be processed before they reach the port or border gate. Transit (NCTS) and bonded warehouse regimes allow you to plan duty payments and keep your stock in a customs-controlled area.

4. Take Advantage of Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Status

For companies engaged in regular foreign trade, AEO status (YYS in Türkiye) offers significant speed advantages such as on-site clearance, reduced inspections and priority processing.

5. Manage Transportation and Customs Clearance from a Single Point

When the carrier and the customs broker work separately, coordination losses are inevitable. Sourcing transportation and customs clearance from the same logistics partner creates single ownership of the process and eliminates gaps in responsibility.

"A day lost at customs can cost a week in the supply chain."