China is Türkiye’s third largest trading partner and second largest source of imports.

China and Türkiye are located at the east and west ends of the Asian continent, and are the starting and end points of the ancient Silk Road and the Maritime Silk Road in Asia.

Türkiye’s strategic location as a bridge between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East makes it a vital trade hub. Spanning both Eastern Thrace in Europe and Anatolia in Asia, Türkiye enjoys a unique transcontinental position.

If you are planning to ship containers, pallets or cartons to Türkiye from China via air/sea freight or rail freight, CFC is the one to lean on. With us, you will enjoy the convenience of our air freight shipping to Türkiye and container shipping to Türkiye.

Türkiye Customs

An importer needs only a tax number to import all but restricted items.

Customs surcharges include a value-added tax (VAT) levied on most imported and domestic goods and services. The importer is responsible for paying VAT. VAT is calculated on a cost insurance freight (CIF) basis plus duty rate and any other applicable charges levied before the goods clear customs. VAT for most agricultural products ranges from 1% to 10% but may be as high as 20% for certain processed products.

Turkish documentation procedures require that a commercial invoice, bill of lading or airway bill, packing list, and a certificate of origin, accompany all commercial shipments.

All packages, cases, and bales must bear shipping marks, numbers, dimensions, country of origin, and the gross weight of the merchandise.

Special provisions of customs procedures: If the importer does not pick up the imported goods and the exporter does not apply for an extension within 45 days after the imported goods arrive at the port, the goods will be confiscated by the customs and the confiscated goods will enter the auction procedure; without the consent of the importer, the customs cannot agree to ship the goods back to the port of departure upon the application of the exporter.

Türkiye Customs Tariff

The twelve digit code used in Turkish Tariff Nomenclature is called “Customs Tariff Statistics Positions”.

The first six digits of this code indicate Harmonized System (HS) code, which is used within the World Customs Organization member countries, 7-8th digits indicate Combined Nomenclature Code, which is used within the European Union Member Countries, 9-10th digits indicate national subheadings which has opened because of Turkish different tax applications, and 11-12th digits indicate the statistical codes.

Türkiye applies the common external tariff (CET) to industrial goods, and its most-favored nation (MFN) tariffs on non-agricultural products on average of 5%.

Sea Freight from China to Türkiye

Türkiye is surrounded by seas to the north, west and south, namely the Black Sea, the Sea of ​​Marmara, the Aegean Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, as well as the Dardanelles and the Bosphorus. Its coastline is 7,200 kilometers long, which gives it a competitive advantage in maritime transportation.

Containerized shipping is commonly used in sea freight, offering secure and efficient transportation. Full Container Load (FCL) and Less-than-Container Load (LCL) options are available, depending on the volume of goods. Sea shipping to Türkiye provides competitive transit times and cost advantages for businesses dealing with large quantities of goods.

Top Container Ports in Türkiye

Sea freight transport in Türkiye covers about 7% of all freight transport. 85% of foreign trade volume is carried out through sea transportation.

Turkish cargo transport is mainly concentrated in industrially important metropolitan areas. Turkish main logistics centres are located near these areas, including Istanbul with Ambarli Limani port. The port is of great international importance for freight transport from Europe to Asia and vice versa, and thus plays an important key role in Turkish position as an internationally important logistics centre.

Another logistics centre is located in the Turkish capital, Ankara. The city is located on the Mediterranean Sea and is, after Istanbul, the most important economic and logistics centre. The port of Mersin located there is the second largest port in Türkiye and is also of supra-regional importance for freight transport.

Sea Freight Cost from China to Türkiye

Ocean shipping costs to Türkiye are influenced by various factors such as distance, shipment weight and size, chosen shipping method, customs duties and taxes, as well as additional services like insurance or special handling.

The sea rate of shipping a 20-foot container (FCL) from China to Türkiye is rough $2,000, while the cost of a 40-foot container (FCL) is rough $3,000. The cost of shipping a Less than Container Load (LCL) shipment can vary depending on the volume and weight of the cargo. Please note that these are approximate estimates, and the actual cost may vary based on the specific details of your shipment.

Sea Freight Transit Time from China to Türkiye

Sea freight from China to Türkiye takes approximately 18-23 days.

Air Freight from China to Türkiye

Air shipping is the fastest option, ideal for time-sensitive shipments, high-value goods, and perishable items. It offers quick transit times and reliable tracking, making it a preferred choice for businesses requiring expedited delivery. One of the key advantages of air shipping is its ability to connect businesses to global markets seamlessly.

CFC’s international air logistics solution for Türkiye is always ready when you must move your time-sensitive goods by air. We offer door-to-door and airport-to-airport air freight shipping service to Türkiye. CFC provides the most reliable air logistics solutions for your Türkiye shipments.

Top Airports in Türkiye

With multiple international airports and well-established air cargo infrastructures, Türkiye has excellent connectivity to major cities around the world. This connectivity allows for efficient and reliable transportation of goods, enabling businesses to access a wide range of world customers and suppliers.

• Istanbul International Airport – IST
• Antalya International Airport – AYT
• Sabiha Gökçen International Airport – SAW
• Dalaman International Airport – DLM
• Adnan Menderes International Airport – ADB
• Esenboğa International Airport – ESB
• Milas Bodrum International Airport – BJV

Air Freight Cost from China to Türkiye

Air freight services available to all the airports in Türkiye, with direct service to Istanbul Airport. We can pick up your cargo from any address in China and deliver it to you at the nearest airport in Türkiye.

We work with most major international air cargo carriers including Turkish Airlines to make sure you’re getting the best possible rate. Using Air Freight we ship to Istanbul, Ankara, Antalya and few other Airports.

Also, we have discounted contractual rates with major carriers like FedEx, UPS, and DHL. Our specialized courier service offers a complete door to door service for small boxes.

Volume and weight are essential considerations in air freight shipping. Depending on which is more expensive, airlines will either charge by actual weight or dimensional weight. For quick pricing that won’t break your budget, please complete the quote request form.

Air Freight Transit Time from China to Türkiye

The direct flight to Istanbul takes approximately 10 hours, so the express air freight takes 1-3 days, while the classic air freight takes 5-7 days.

Working with CFC

In a world where international trade thrives, mastering the art of shipping to Türkiye is paramount for businesses and individuals alike. Working with CFC to simplifying and optimizing your shipping process till İstanbul, Ankara, İzmir, Bursa, Mersin, Gaziantep, Kayseri, Trabzon, Antalya and other city in Türkiye, ensuring efficiency and reliability every step of the way.

Whether it involves shipping via sea, air, rail, or door-to-door delivery, our commitment to precision in moving your goods stands firm. Consequently, when you share your shipping requirements, we develop a delivery strategy that promises an exceptional logistical service experience.

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