Turkey-EU Customs Union: Benefits for Shippers
The Turkey-EU Customs Union provides zero customs duty on industrial goods, giving Turkish exporters and European importers access to each other's markets without tariff barriers. Over 85% of Turkey-EU trade uses this framework.
The Customs Union
The Turkey-EU Customs Union (Decision 1/95, effective January 1996) eliminates customs duties on industrial goods between Turkey and the 27 EU member states. Turkey applies the EU Common External Tariff, creating a unified tariff area for manufactured products.
Over 85% of Turkey-EU trade operates under this framework. It is the most extensive customs union between the EU and a non-member country.
Benefits
For Exporters
- 0% customs duty via A.TR certificate
- Price competitiveness vs third countries that pay duty
- Standards alignment with EU (quality improvement)
- Investment attraction (access to EU market)
For Shippers
- Lower total shipping cost (no duty component)
- Faster customs clearance (A.TR expedites processing)
- Single document (A.TR) for all 27 EU countries
Scope and Limitations
| Covered | Not Covered |
|---|---|
| Industrial goods | Raw agricultural products |
| Common External Tariff | Services |
| Technical standards | Free movement of persons |
Modernization
Turkey and the EU are negotiating Customs Union modernization to include agriculture, services, and public procurement. This would further reduce trade barriers.
FAQ
Is it EU membership?
No. Customs Union is separate from EU membership.
Does UK qualify?
No, post-Brexit. Separate Turkey-UK FTA applies.
Can it be cancelled?
International agreement; cannot be unilaterally terminated.
How does Kolay Parsiyel benefit?
A.TR enables duty-free delivery of customer goods across all EU countries.
References
- Decision 1/95 Association Council
- European Commission
- Turkish Ministry of Trade
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