Turkey is one of Iran’s closest and busiest trading partners. Thanks to its geographical proximity, the wide range of goods available, and the affordable cost of road freight, many traders prefer to import through this route. But importing from Turkey is a multi-stage process, and if you do not plan for each stage, delays and hidden costs will catch up with you. In this article we have prepared a complete step-by-step roadmap for importing from Turkey.
1. Choosing the Goods and Supplier
Every import starts with the right decisions:
- Determine the goods tariff code (HS Code) from the outset: the duty rate, the permits required, and even feasibility of import all depend on this code. Learn about it in our guide to the HS Code.
- Check the import status of the goods: some goods are subject to restrictions or prohibitions. Before any action, verify the status of the goods.
- Identify a reliable supplier: review the Turkish supplier’s price, quality, and export track record, and clarify the delivery terms before the final purchase.
- Check the necessary permits: if your goods require standard and health permits, include obtaining them in the shipment schedule.
Important: choosing a “close but wrong code” to pay lower duty is the classic import error. An accurate code both clarifies the duty and prevents the shipment from being referred to a valuation expert.
2. Choosing the Border Route and Transport Method
When importing from Turkey you face two main land routes, and the choice affects both time and cost. See the full comparison in Urmia customs or Bazargan customs?.
| Criterion | Bazargan border | Urmia border |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | High, suitable for heavy loads | Medium |
| Congestion | High and constant | Usually lower |
| Best suited for | bulky goods and machinery | medium and fast shipments |
| Main risk | queues and delays | peak-hours limits |
The common transport method on this route is road freight by truck, carried either as a full-truckload (FTL) or less-than-truckload (LTL/some-load). For an estimate of costs, see the example of freight costs from Istanbul to Urmia.
3. Required Documents and Papers
Complete these documents before the shipment moves:
- Valid commercial card (see the steps for obtaining it in the commercial card guide)
- Proforma invoice and final sales invoice
- Packing list stating the exact weight, dimensions and number of pieces
- CMR (international road waybill) and insurance documents
- Health and standard permits if the goods require them
- Certificate of origin if you need to use preferential regulations
Review the complete checklist in the documents required for export from the Urmia border.
4. The Customs Declaration and Clearance
After the goods enter, the import declaration is lodged and the clearance is carried out. Key points:
- The import declaration is based on the customs value CIF, not the invoice value.
- Learn to fill the declaration without errors in how to fill out the customs declaration.
- If you are unsure about the difference between an import and a export declaration, read import versus export declaration.
- Clarify delivery terms (Incoterms) in the contract with your supplier; this term decides who owns the transport and clearance costs. See the full guide in Incoterms 2020.
Warning: If you meet unpaid duties or a value discrepancy on the import route, do not hesitate. Every day of delay costs you money from the hidden costs of customs clearance, and it adds up quickly.
5. Calculating the Landed Cost
For a business decision, you need to see the total cost at a glance. The landed cost is the total of the goods value, transport, insurance, customs duties and incidental costs. Learn the exact method in the guide to calculating the landed cost, and ask for a clear waybill with no hidden costs before the shipment moves.
Guide summary: importing from Turkey falls into five steps: choosing the goods and supplier, choosing the border and transport method, completing the documents, filing the declaration and clearance, and calculating the landed cost. With proper planning, each step avoids a costly delay.
FAQ
How long does importing from Turkey take?
Depending on the route, type of goods and speed of clearance, usually from a few days to two weeks. Filing the declaration on time and having the documents complete drastically reduces the time.
Which border is better for importing from Turkey?
For heavy and bulky goods, Bazargan infrastructure; for fast shipments, Urmia customs. More details in the comparison of the two border routes.
Can I import without a commercial card?
Not for trading. The commercial card is a prerequisite for filing the declaration and for clearance.
Is the insurance of goods mandatory on importation?
It is mandatory for certain types of goods and on some routes, and it is always recommended. Details of the insurance are in your guide to freight insurance.
Summary
Importing from Turkey is profitable when every stage — choosing the goods, the route, the documents and the clearance — is planned. With an accurate tariff code, the right route, complete documents and a professional logistics partner, you can take delivery of the goods without prohibitive delays from the place of purchase to doorstep. The Vira Farabar Logistics team manages this entire route for you from query to delivery; take a look at how we work.
