Importing Truck Parts from Türkiye: Incoterms, Documents and Practical Steps
A plain guide for first-time importers: which delivery terms to ask for, which documents arrive with the goods and how to prepare a request suppliers can quote quickly.
Türkiye has a large automotive supply industry, and heavy-duty spare parts are a significant part of its exports. For a buyer abroad, the process is straightforward once the terms and the paperwork are clear.
Step 1: Prepare a request suppliers can quote
A good request has four things:
- Part numbers. OE numbers with the vehicle make, or the aftermarket number you buy today.
- Quantities. Per line. Suppliers quote differently for ten pieces and for a pallet.
- Destination. Country and city or port.
- Preferred delivery term. See below.
Step 2: Choose the delivery term
Incoterms define who pays for and who is responsible for each leg of the journey. The ones you will meet most often:
| Term | Seller’s responsibility ends | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| EXW (Ex Works) | At the seller’s warehouse | Buyers with their own forwarder in Türkiye |
| FCA (Free Carrier) | When goods are handed to the buyer’s carrier, export cleared | Road and air shipments |
| FOB (Free On Board) | When goods are loaded on the vessel | Sea freight with buyer’s forwarder |
| CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) | At the destination port, freight and insurance paid | Sea freight arranged by seller |
| DAP (Delivered At Place) | At the agreed address, before import clearance | Buyers who want door delivery |
If you are unsure, ask for two prices, for example FOB and CIF, and compare with a quote from your own forwarder.
Step 3: Know the documents
A typical export shipment of spare parts is accompanied by:
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list with weights and dimensions
- Transport document: bill of lading for sea, CMR for road, air waybill for air
- Certificate of origin, when the destination country asks for it
- A.TR movement certificate for shipments to the European Union, or EUR.1 for countries that have a free trade agreement with Türkiye, where the goods qualify
Your customs broker will tell you which of these your country requires. Ask before the goods ship, not after.
Step 4: Agree payment and lead time
Lead time depends on whether the parts are in stock or made to order. Ask the supplier to state it per line. Payment terms for a first order are commonly advance payment or a split between order and shipment.
Step 5: Check the goods
On arrival, compare the delivery with the packing list and the part numbers on your order, and report differences in writing with photos.
Ready to start? Build an inquiry list in the catalogue and send a quote request with your destination and preferred term.
Quick answers
Which Incoterm should a first-time importer choose?
It depends on who controls the freight. FOB is common when the buyer has a freight forwarder. CIF or DAP is simpler when the buyer wants the seller to arrange transport.
What is an A.TR certificate?
A.TR is the movement certificate used in trade between Türkiye and the European Union under their customs union. It allows eligible industrial goods in free circulation to move without customs duty.
Can small orders be combined?
Yes. Parts from several manufacturers are often consolidated into one shipment, which is one of the reasons buyers work through a sourcing partner.
Looking for a part?
Search by OE number or send your list for a quotation.
