Turkey, which bridges Western Asia and Southeast Europe, enjoys a robust trade relationship with China. When planning shipments to Turkey, it’s important to consider several key factors. This FAQ guide will walk you through the essentials, including shipping costs from China to Turkey, import duties, and customs clearance.
Table of Contents:
- How much does it cost to ship from China to Turkey?
- Air freight from China to Turkey
- Sea freight from China to Turkey
- Rail freight from China to Turkey
- Express shipping from China to Turkey
- What are the import duties and taxes in Turkey?
- How does customs clearance work for shipments to Turkey?
- What’s the best way to ship from China to Turkey?
How much does it cost to ship from China to Turkey?
The shipping cost from China to Turkey depends on the shipment method, departure city, destination, and cargo size. Here’s a breakdown:
Air Freight: For shipments over 45kg, rates typically range from USD 5 to 10 per kilogram, depending on the carrier and route. Faster deliveries usually mean higher costs.
Sea Freight: For container shipping, estimated rates are:
- 20ft Dry Container (FCL): USD 3,600 ~ 4,500
- 40ft Dry Container (FCL): USD 5,800 ~ 6,100
- 40ft High Cube Container: USD 5,600 ~ 6,700
- LCL (Consolidated Shipping): USD 50 ~ 100 per CBM
Shipping prices aren’t fixed and often fluctuate due to market conditions, carrier strategies, and supply-demand dynamics. For example, peak seasons or carrier capacity changes can impact rates significantly.
To get accurate and up-to-date shipping quotes, contact our ASLG logistics experts. They can provide customized solutions and help ensure your shipment reaches Turkey smoothly and on budget.
Air freight from China to Turkey
Airfreight is the quickest shipping option from China to Turkey, perfect for time-sensitive goods or items with limited shelf life. However, it tends to be more costly, especially for heavy or bulky shipments. Additionally, air transport has limitations on the types of cargo it can handle due to safety and regulatory restrictions.
Key cargo airports in Turkey:
- Istanbul Airport (IST)
- Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB)
- Ankara Esenboğa Airport (ESB)
Key cargo airports in China:
- Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)
- Shenzhen Baoan International Airport (SZX)
- Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
- Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
How long does air freight take?
The transit time for air freight shipping from China to Turkey typically ranges from 2 to 7 days, depending on the airline and customs clearance processes. For door-to-door delivery, the timeline extends to approximately 10 to 15 days, factoring in additional handling and inland transportation.
If speed and reliability are critical for your shipments, air freight offers a balanced solution.
Sea freight from China to Turkey
Sea freight is one of the most economical and widely used methods for shipping goods in international trade. It’s cost-effective and suitable for transporting cargo in containers, accommodating almost all types of products. This makes it an ideal choice for bulk cargo or larger loads.
FCL vs. LCL: Which is right for you?
When shipping from China to Turkey by sea, you can choose between FCL (Full Container Load) and LCL (Less than Container Load):
- FCL:If your shipment fills a container, FCL is the better option. A 40-foot container typically holds up to 22 standard pallets, while a 20-foot container can fit around 10 pallets.
- LCL: For smaller shipments, LCL lets you share container space with other cargo, reducing costs. However, this option may result in longer transit times due to the need to consolidate multiple shipments.
Major sea ports in China:
- Shenzhen
- Shanghai
- Guangzhou
- Qingdao
- Ningbo-Zhoushan
Major shipping ports in Turkey:
- Ambarlı
- Haydarpaşa
- Izmir
- Gemlik
How long does sea freight take?
The typical transit time for sea freight from China to Turkey ranges from 35 to 45 days.
Rail freight from China to Turkey
Thanks to its strategic location, Turkey is pivotal in the Belt and Road Initiative, serving as a vital rail bridge between Asia and Europe.
While rail freight takes longer than air transport, it is significantly faster than ocean freight.
Additionally, rail freight strikes a balance in pricing, offering a cost-effective option for those seeking faster delivery without the high expenses of air cargo. Like sea freight, rail transport also supports containerized cargo, ensuring flexibility for various goods.
Popular rail freight routes between China and Turkey
- Chengdu – Istanbul
- Lianyungang – Istanbul
How long does rail shipping from China to Turkey take?
Rail freight generally requires 12 to 20 days for transit between China and Turkey. Additionally, door-to-door delivery services may add 5 to 10 days to account for last-mile logistics.
Express shipping from China to Turkey
For small parcels under 45kg, express shipping is an affordable and efficient solution. With delivery times ranging from 2 to 5 business days, it’s also ideal for urgent shipments. Leading courier companies like DHL, FedEx, and UPS offer reliable express services between China and Turkey with robust tracking systems to monitor your package every step.
What are the costs of express shipping?
The cost of express shipping depends on several factors, including:
- Volumetric weight and package size:Larger or heavier items may incur higher fees.
- Product type: Items with special requirements, like perishable goods, may need expedited services, increasing costs.
For competitive rates and personalized service, share your shipment details with our team. We’ll provide better pricing than official website rates and comprehensive end-to-end support.
What are the import duties and taxes in Turkey?
When shipping from China to Turkey, most goods are subject to import duties and taxes. The total import tax rate in Turkey consists of three main components:
Standard customs duties
Calculated as a percentage of the CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) value, these duties vary based on the product’s HS code. Rates typically range from 0% to 20%.
Value-added tax (VAT)
VAT applies to the total value of the shipment, including CIF. The standard VAT rate in Turkey is 18%, though certain products may have reduced or higher rates.
Special consumption tax (SCT)
SCT is product-specific and can range from 0% to 200%, depending on the item. Detailed SCT rates are available on the Turkish Revenue Administration’s website.
Example calculation:
For a shipment valued at $20,000, with a product subject to:
- 15% customs duty
- 18% VAT
- 0% SCT
The breakdown of taxes would be
- Customs duty: $3,000 (15% of $20,000)
- VAT: $4,140 (18% of $23,000, which includes the CIF value and customs duty)
- Total additional costs: $7,140
For simplified logistics and peace of mind, consider opting for our Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) shipping. This service includes door-to-door delivery with all import duties and taxes fully covered.
How does customs clearance work for shipments to Turkey?
When goods arrive in Turkey, they must go through a customs clearance process, including inspection, valuation, classification, duty payment, and release. If all steps are handled correctly, the process typically takes 1 to 3 days.
Key documents for customs clearance:
- Invoice: Details the value and description of the goods.
- Packing list: Outlines the shipment contents, quantity, and packaging.
- Bill of lading (B/L) or air waybill (AWB): Depends on whether you use sea or air freight.
- Certificate of origin: Confirms the country of production, if required.
- Permits or licenses: Any additional documentation needed for restricted or regulated items.
Providing incomplete or inaccurate documentation can lead to delays, penalties, or even confiscation of your shipment. To ensure hassle-free delivery, Airsupply provides a team of customs experts skilled in managing shipments through all major Turkish ports, offering seamless and reliable delivery.
What items are prohibited or restricted from shipping to Turkey?
Prohibited items:
- Acids
- Explosives
- Firearms/Air Rifles
- Poisons
- Compressed Gas
Restricted items:
- Alcoholic Beverages (require permits)
- Animal Skins (may need certification)
- Precious Metals & Stones (valuation required)
- Seeds (subject to quarantine rules)
- Perfume (flammable contents)
- Liquid Batteries (require secure packaging)
At Airsupply, we offer expert guidance to ensure compliance with Turkish import regulations.
What's the best way to ship from China to Turkey?
Partnering with ASLG freight forwarders helps you discover the most cost-effective shipping options for transporting goods from China to Turkey. As logistics experts, we use our extensive industry knowledge and networks to secure affordable solutions. With long-standing relationships with multiple carriers, we negotiate competitive rates, often benefiting from volume-based discounts.
What should I do if customs hold my shipment?
If customs hold your shipment, check for any notifications or documentation issues. Contact customs or your freight forwarder to resolve the problem and provide any required paperwork or payments. If necessary, work with a customs broker to expedite the process.
