Exporting to the US: the Turkish side of the paperwork.

Before goods leave Turkiye for the US, the exporter has obligations on the Turkish side: membership of an exporters' association, an electronic export declaration, the right invoice, and rules on bringing the proceeds home. This guide covers the Turkish side only.

1. 01

   Before the first shipment

   Join an exporters' association.

   Membership of an exporters' association is mandatory for exporters. You join the association for your product sector nearest your registered address, and pay an entry fee and an annual fee for each year you export.

2. 02

   The declaration

   Filed electronically in BİLGE.

   The export declaration is filed in the Ministry of Trade's BİLGE system. Most exporters work through a licensed customs broker (gümrük müşaviri).

3. 03

   Origin

   A certificate of origin only if asked.

   A certificate of origin is not mandatory for exports; it is issued when the importing side asks for one. Chambers issue it electronically. EUR.1 and A.TR are for EU and free-trade partners and do not apply to the US, which has no free trade agreement with Turkiye.

4. 04

   Tax

   Exports are VAT-exempt.

   Goods exports are exempt from Turkish VAT, and the related input VAT can be refunded. Issue the invoice in the form your e-invoice status requires; your accountant will know which applies.

5. 05

   Proceeds

   Bring the money home.

   • Export proceeds must be brought to Turkiye within the period set by the currency rules
   • Banks document them with an export proceeds certificate (İBKB) or a foreign-currency purchase certificate (DAB)
   • A share must be sold for Turkish lira through the bank: currently at least 35%, under a temporary rule extended to 31 January 2027
6. 06

   Check again

   These rules change often.

   The conversion share and its deadline have been changed several times. Check the Central Bank's current Export Circular before each new contract.