What You Need to Know Before Starting Export?

In addition, you can develop a clear roadmap by evaluating legal requirements, selecting suitable transportation methods, and assessing potential risks involved in the process. For many exporters, seeking consultancy services can also prove beneficial, helping to make the export process more efficient and sustainable in the long term.

What Is Export and How to Do It?

Export refers to the sale of goods or services produced within the borders of one country to another country for commercial purposes. In simple terms, export involves offering products or services to international markets.

So, how does one go about conducting export business? The first step is to determine the product to be exported and then verify its compliance with international standards. Once that’s done, target markets are identified, and the process of finding customers begins.

At this stage, factors such as pricing, available logistics options, and applicable customs duties should also be considered. The necessary export documentation is then prepared, and registration with the Ministry of Trade is typically completed. Ensuring compliance with legislation at every step of the process can help avoid potential obstacles and setbacks.

What are the most important documents required for export?

Certain documents may need to be prepared during export transactions. These documents may vary according to both the requirements of the receiving country and the customs legislation in Türkiye. However, among the commonly requested documents can be found the following:

• Invoice (Commercial Invoice)
• Packing List
• Transportation document (bill of lading, CMR, AWB, etc.)
• Certificate of Origin
• Health certificates or quality certificates if required

The complete and accurate preparation of these documents can help avoid delays in export business processes.

How to Choose Your Target Market?

Selecting the right target market is one of the most critical and strategic stages of the export process. Identifying the right market not only helps optimise the use of resources but can also significantly increase the likelihood of success in export activities. Understanding which countries have a higher demand for your product can provide valuable insights to shape your marketing and sales strategies.

At this stage, various factors should be considered, including the economic structure of potential markets, import regulations, local legislation, tax rates, the level of competition, cultural differences, and consumer habits.

When looking for guidance on how to conduct export business, focusing on target market analysis can be immensely helpful. To carry out this analysis, you can leverage various sources such as digital analysis tools, sector-specific reports, international trade data, e-export platforms, market analyses published by foreign trade consultancies affiliated with the Ministry of Trade, and statistics from trade fairs.

Particularly useful is analysing potential customer profiles and understanding regional demand intensity, which can give you a clear picture of where your product is best positioned in the market.

Additionally, factors such as your company’s logistics capabilities, available payment methods, and legal obligations should also be considered when choosing a target market. For some businesses, neighbouring countries may offer more advantageous opportunities, while for others, niche markets could present long-term growth potential. Ultimately, selecting the right target market is not just a decision—it can be one of the cornerstones of achieving success in export business.

Customs Procedures and Required Documents

Customs clearance is a critical step in ensuring that exports are carried out within the legal framework. For exports from Türkiye, certain official procedures must be followed for products to clear customs. This process typically involves steps such as product declaration, completing a customs declaration, and the payment of taxes and fees.

In addition to these requirements, it may also be necessary to have the relevant documents for transportation. Providing accurate information and verifying the correctness of documents during customs procedures can help prevent delays and reduce the risk of penalties.

At this stage, working with an experienced customs broker can greatly simplify the process and ensure that everything is handled efficiently and in compliance with regulations.

Export Incentives and Supports

Türkiye offers various export incentives aimed at boosting exports and helping domestic businesses become more competitive in international markets. These incentives provide significant advantages for both new and experienced exporters.

Key support items include freight (transportation) subsidies, incentives for participation in domestic and international trade fairs, support for digital marketing and promotional activities, reimbursement of trademark registration costs, assistance with rental expenses for foreign offices or units, and funding for in-depth market research. In some cases, special incentive programmes may be applied based on specific products.

These incentives enable businesses to offset the high costs associated with the export process and enhance their competitiveness in the global market. For companies seeking to enter new markets, financial assistance can be crucial in facilitating market research and building brand awareness.

Moreover, these incentives encourage businesses to develop a more sustainable export structure by prompting them to adopt professional export strategies.

Applications for incentives are typically submitted through institutions such as the Ministry of Trade, Exporters' Associations, or KOSGEB. To ensure a smooth application process, it is important for businesses to provide the required documents in full and accurately determine which type of support is most appropriate for their specific industry. Companies should regularly check the official website of the Ministry of Trade to stay updated on current support programmes and application requirements.

What kind of government support is available for new exporters in Türkiye?

The Turkish government offers a variety of incentives and support services for start-up exporters. Export-oriented programmes specifically designed for SMEs can make it easier to expand into new markets.

These programmes may include state-sponsored consultancy services, target market research, and re-export incentives. Additionally, Eximbank credit facilities and insurance services are available to help with risk management.

Companies looking to take advantage of these supports will typically need to follow official application procedures. Therefore, it is important to stay updated on the latest announcements and details regarding export incentives.

Do I need a company to start exporting from Türkiye?

For those looking to export from Turkey, establishing a company is generally required. This is because official export transactions must be carried out through companies that are registered with the Tax Office and listed in the Trade Registry. However, in some micro-export models, individual entrepreneurs may also be able to engage in export activities, albeit within certain limitations.

If your goal is to expand your trade volume, establishing a company could be advantageous, as it allows you to engage in the export process in a more professional manner. Additionally, setting up a company may be necessary to access export incentives and support programmes.