Turkey’s strategic location at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East makes it a prime hub for transshipment business—the trading of goods between two foreign countries via Turkey, without being subject to import or export procedures in Turkey. This model provides a tax-efficient and fast-track route for international trader.
Why Transshipment Business Matters
Transshipment (also called transit trade) allows companies to purchase goods from a foreign country and sell them directly to another, using Turkey as a logistical base. Since the goods do not enter Turkey’s domestic market, they are exempt from Turkish customs duties, VAT, and standard import/export regulations.
This makes transshipment an ideal tool for:
- International trading companies
- E-commerce businesses operating cross-border
- Commodity dealers
- Supply chain operators
Key Advantages of Transshipment in Turkey
-Tax & Customs Efficiency
Goods involved in transshipment are not subject to:
- Turkish VAT or Customs Duties
- Import/Export Declarations under standard regimes
Instead, they are governed by simplified Transit Trade rules under Turkish Customs Law and International Agreements.
-Fast & Simplified Logistics
With Turkey’s access to multiple sea ports, modern customs zones, and bonded warehouses, goods can be moved efficiently across borders without unnecessary delays.
– Legally Recognized Framework
The Turkish legal definition of transit trade (transshipment) ensures clarity and protection. As long as the buy-sell transaction occurs abroad, and the goods are not released for domestic consumption in Turkey, the activity remains compliant.
Regulatory Conditions
To operate transshipment in Turkey legally:
- A company must be a registered legal entity in Turkey (LTD or A.Ş. preferred).
- Both the purchase and sale must be executed from foreign entities (i.e., outside Turkey).
- Invoices must not show Turkey as a party in the delivery terms, except as a transit location.
- Payment flow should not involve Turkey-based banks unless used as intermediaries.
- Goods may pass through Turkish free zones or customs warehouses, but are not released to the Turkish market.
Our Advisory Services
We assist local and international companies in:
- Setting up Turkish legal entities suitable for transit trade
- Drafting compliant trade contracts
- Coordinating bonded warehouse operations
- Ensuring compliance with Turkish Customs & Trade legislation
- Managing FX, invoicing, and international documentation
Whether you are expanding your global trade network or diversifying your supply chain, our team ensures your transit operations remain compliant, cost-effective, and risk-free.
Industries That Benefit Most
We support companies engaged in:
- Electronics & machinery distribution
- Automotive spare parts
- Medical equipment & pharmaceuticals
- Textile raw materials
- Agricultural commodities
