Customs & Antidumping

Turkish Customs Law Framework

Turkey’s customs regime is governed by the Customs Law (Law No. 4458), which largely mirrors the EU Customs Code due to Turkey’s participation in the EU-Turkey Customs Union. However, significant differences remain, particularly in agricultural products, certain industrial goods, and the application of additional duties. The Ministry of Trade (formerly the Ministry of Economy) administers customs policy and conducts trade defence investigations.

We advise importers and exporters on tariff classification, customs valuation methods, and origin determination. Classification disputes are common: a difference in tariff heading can shift duty rates by double digits. We represent clients before the Customs Administration and, where necessary, before the Turkish administrative courts and the Council of State (Danistay) in appeals against customs penalties and duty assessments.

Antidumping and Trade Defence

Turkey is one of the most active users of antidumping measures globally. The Ministry of Trade’s General Directorate of Imports conducts dumping investigations, sets provisional and definitive duties, and manages sunset reviews. These proceedings follow WTO rules but carry distinctly Turkish procedural characteristics that require experienced counsel.

Representing Domestic Producers

For Turkish manufacturers facing injury from dumped imports, we prepare antidumping petitions, assemble the required economic evidence, and manage the investigation process through to the imposition of duties. A successful petition requires demonstrating both dumping margins and material injury to the domestic industry.

Defending Against Antidumping Measures

For foreign exporters and importers subject to Turkish antidumping duties, we prepare questionnaire responses, coordinate with overseas counsel, and represent clients at hearings before the investigating authority. We also handle applications for new shipper reviews and duty refund proceedings.

Free Trade Zones and Special Regimes

Turkey operates several free trade zones, most notably in the Aegean, Antalya, and Istanbul regions. Goods entering free trade zones are exempt from customs duties and VAT, and companies operating within them benefit from reduced corporate tax obligations. We advise on the establishment of free trade zone operations, licensing requirements, and the movement of goods between zones and the domestic market.

We also advise on inward processing regimes, temporary admission procedures, and customs warehouse operations, each of which can materially reduce the duty burden on goods entering Turkey for re-export or processing.