With the UK’s official exit from the EU in December 2020, there had been some important changes in the way we trade with Turkey. These are some of the most commonly asked question by our members and customers which we hope can help you when trading with this high growth market.
Q – Are we able to raise ATRs for Turkey?
A – We no longer issue ATRs for Turkey since the 31st December 2020 as this was a particular arrangement with the EU, which the UK is no longer part of.
The UK has signed a trade agreement with Turkey, which came into force on 1 January 2021, enabling most goods of UK or Turkish origin to continue to be traded tariff-free. Please click here to read more information about Trading with Turkey
Under the UK-Turkey Trade Agreement goods will only continue to benefit from reduced or 0% tariff preferences if they originate in either the UK or Turkey. The ATR certificates have been withdrawn from use and preference is now based on a *declaration of origin either on your commercial invoice or any other commercial document along with a detailed description of your goods.
If you are not the manufacturer of the goods you must obtain a “supplier declaration” to support your use of preference. The rules of preference origin are based on the Harmonised System (HS) code (first four digits) applicable to the goods so it is vitally important that traders get the correct commodity classification. (This code is also commonly known as the tariff number or commodity code.). You can find the declaration on origin wording here.
If your Turkish customer, however, requests a UK Certificate of Origin, we can certify these for you, although they are not legally required but it has come to our attention that many companies have found it easier to use them to avoid delays with customers.
Proof of origin
As an importer, you must declare that you hold proof your goods comply with the rules of origin to benefit from preferential tariffs when:
- importing into the UK from Turkey
- importing into Turkey from the UK
Entitlement to preferential tariffs is based on a declaration on origin issued by the exporter. Your declaration on origin can be in electronic format (for example, emails and PDFs).
UK exporters should be:
- confident that the origin of goods is correct
- prepared to provide the necessary information if requested
“Preference” means that your customer abroad may pay a lower or nil rate of import customs duty on your goods. To qualify for preference, the goods must satisfy the relevant rules of origin.
The preferential rules of origin are not easy to understand, but anyone using preference at export or import must:
- ensure that they know the rules that apply to their goods
- hold evidence to support the claim that preference applies.
EXPORTER REGISTRATION
It has come to our attention some Turkish customers have been asking UK companies for a certified copy of their 'Exporter Registration form'. Our team can help certifying such form as long as we have your formal undertaking up to date and in file. You can download a copy of the Exporter Registry form here
CHIEF/CDS
The measures on CHIEF and CDS have been amended to reflect the introduction of the trade agreement. This means that, instead of an EUR1 or an ATR, you must declare on CHIEF either a:
- statement of origin (U110)
- statement covering multiple shipments (U111)
Please bear in mind if you are planning on trading with Turkey that for all official correspondence and for your documents that the Republic of Türkiye - Ministry of Trade and Republic of Türkiye - Ministry of Foreign Affairs have officially circulated the required notification to all countries and international organizations such as the WTO, EU Commission, EFTA Countries about the change of name from Turkey to 'Türkiye'/ Türkiye is effectively replacing 'Turkey' and is now in place in foreign languages and recognized internationally.
Need further support?
- Join us on our next free webinar on the 9th May where we will provide an overview of the UK-TURKEY FTA and Business Opportunities for British Companies. Whilst this webinar is free for members and non-members, registrations are required. Book your place here.
- Need further advice on customs, documentation or other? If you have any questions about the above or would like support in your international trade journey, please email exportbritain@gmchamber.co.uk or call 0161 393 4314.