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Preparing For Brexit’s Impact On Turkish‑UK Export Documentation

By Engin Sindel, Assist Export, Türkiye

Brexit. It's been years since the term first entered our daily vocabulary, yet its ripples are still being felt. For businesses in Türkiye that export to the United Kingdom, the terrain has shifted—subtly in some places, dramatically in others. One of the areas where the changes can feel most immediate, and oddly most overlooked, is documentation.

Before Brexit, exporters from Türkiye to the UK often relied on the familiar ATR certificate under the EU-Türkiye Customs Union. It was a relatively smooth process. But with the UK stepping outside of the EU structure, that path closed. The ATR no longer applies. And while a new trade agreement between Türkiye and the UK has filled the gap in many ways, the rules and paperwork have changed. Slightly. Enough to matter.

Let me put it plainly: assuming the old ways still apply can get you into trouble. And not just in theory.

We had a client—a well-established home textiles exporter in Bursa—who assumed that their regular documentation from 2020 would hold up for a January 2021 shipment. The shipment was delayed at the UK port due to lack of a valid proof of origin. They hadn't switched to the new certificate required under the updated UK-Türkiye FTA. What followed was a scramble: reissuing forms, coordinating with freight agents, negotiating customs penalties. It was avoidable. But only with awareness.

So, what does the new process look like? In simple terms, to benefit from preferential tariffs under the current Free Trade Agreement, exporters need to include a Statement on Origin. This isn't a stamped certificate from customs. It's a declaration placed on the invoice (or commercial document) by the exporter, attesting that the goods meet the rules of origin criteria under the UK-Türkiye FTA.

Sounds straightforward? In principle, yes. But getting the content of the statement exactly right—including specific language, exporter details, and HS codes—can be trickier than it sounds. And if the value of goods exceeds a certain threshold, the exporter must also be registered with the appropriate Turkish customs authority (often via the EORI number or equivalent local identifier).

Another nuance is around rules of origin themselves. These are not static. They vary based on product type, material sourcing, and even packaging. In practical terms, a furniture exporter and an electronics supplier might face different compliance requirements even if they're shipping to the same UK client. That's why cookie-cutter solutions rarely work.

The impact is more than administrative. Mistakes in documentation can lead to loss of preferential tariff status, delays in customs clearance, or worse—entire shipments being returned. And we’ve seen all three happen in the past 24 months. Usually not due to negligence, but because the exporter didn’t quite grasp the extent of the shift.

At Assist Export, we spend more time than ever now walking clients through these requirements. We help draft origin statements, verify product codes, and coordinate with customs brokers to make sure everyone is aligned. It’s not glamorous work. But it’s necessary. Because in the world of cross-border trade, clarity is everything.

There’s also a broader implication. Brexit, in many ways, reminds us that trade frameworks are never permanent. Agreements evolve. Countries pivot. Documentation, once taken for granted, suddenly becomes critical. Being nimble isn’t just an advantage—it’s a requirement.

We’re also proud to share that Assist Export, based in Türkiye, is a nominee for the 2025 Go Global Awards, which will be held in London this November. Hosted by the International Trade Council, the event is more than just an acknowledgment of excellence. It's a forum of minds—innovators, strategists, exporters, thinkers—from around the globe. It’s where connections are made and ideas sharpened. We’re humbled to take part, especially as the industry adapts to global shifts like Brexit.

So, if you're exporting to the UK, take a moment. Recheck your documentation templates. Ask yourself: does my invoice include the required origin statement? Are my product classifications up to date? Am I registered as an approved exporter? Because post-Brexit, details matter more than ever.

Exporting isn’t just about getting goods from point A to B. It’s about navigating the spaces between—regulations, expectations, partnerships. And in that space, good documentation isn't just paperwork. It's strategy.

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Step‑by‑step: How to register as an importer in Turkey

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.

So, if you're considering becoming an importer in Türkiye, don't be discouraged by the bureaucracy. Understand it. Plan for it. And remember: every system, even one filled with forms and digital signatures, was built to serve a purpose. Learn the rhythm, and you can move through it with surprising ease.