A.TR vs EUR.1: Which Document Do You Need?
A.TR and EUR.1 are both customs preference documents but serve different purposes. A.TR certifies free circulation for Turkey-EU Customs Union trade. EUR.1 certifies preferential origin for free trade agreement countries.
A.TR and EUR.1: Overview
A.TR and EUR.1 are the two most important customs preference documents in Turkish trade. Both provide duty savings, but they serve fundamentally different purposes. Using the wrong document means missing out on duty-free benefits.
Key Differences
| Criteria | A.TR | EUR.1 |
|---|---|---|
| Document type | Free circulation certificate | Preferential origin certificate |
| What it proves | Goods are in free circulation | Goods meet origin rules |
| Legal basis | Turkey-EU Customs Union | Free Trade Agreements |
| Used for | Turkey-EU (industrial goods) | FTA countries + EU (agriculture) |
| Origin requirement | Free circulation is sufficient | Must meet origin rules |
| Third-country goods | OK if in free circulation | Must be substantially transformed |
Which Document Do You Need?
| Scenario | Document |
|---|---|
| Turkey to Germany: machinery | A.TR |
| Turkey to Germany: olive oil | EUR.1 |
| Turkey to Switzerland: textiles | EUR.1 |
| Turkey to UK: any goods | EUR.1 (post-Brexit) |
| Chinese goods via Turkey to EU | A.TR (if in Turkish free circulation) |
| Turkey to South Korea: auto parts | EUR.1 |
Common Mistakes
- Using A.TR for agricultural products to the EU (should be EUR.1)
- Using A.TR for UK shipments (A.TR no longer valid post-Brexit)
- Assuming EUR.1 works for all EU shipments (A.TR needed for industrial)
- Not requesting either document (duty savings lost)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use both for one shipment?
No, only one document per shipment. Industrial to EU: A.TR. Agriculture to EU or anything to FTA countries: EUR.1.
What about the UK post-Brexit?
EUR.1 under the Turkey-UK FTA. A.TR no longer applies to the UK.
Without either document?
Standard MFN duty rates apply (3-20%+). Significant cost increase.
Does Kolay Parsiyel handle these?
Yes, Kolay Parsiyel arranges the correct certificate (A.TR or EUR.1) as part of standard customs clearance.
References
- Turkey-EU Customs Union Decision 1/95
- Pan-Euro-Mediterranean Origin System
- Turkey-UK FTA
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