Turkey-Ireland Trade Today
Turkey is not in the European Union, but it has a Customs Union with the EU covering industrial products and processed agricultural goods. This means that most Turkish manufactured exports can enter Ireland with 0% customs duty if accompanied by the correct paperwork.
The Customs Union covers manufactured goods (HS chapters 25-97 with some exclusions). It does not cover agricultural products, coal and steel under the ECSC framework, or services.
The A.TR Movement Certificate
The key document for Customs Union benefits is the A.TR movement certificate. An A.TR:
- Is issued in Turkey by Turkish customs (Gümrük) or an authorised chamber.
- Proves the goods qualify for free circulation under the Customs Union.
- Must be presented at import into Ireland (or any EU member state).
- Stays valid for 4 months from the date of issue.
Without a valid A.TR, your Turkish goods will be assessed at the standard EU third-country tariff.
What Happens at Import in Ireland?
- Goods leave Turkey with an A.TR (and EUR.1 for agricultural items if relevant) plus invoice and packing list.
- Carrier files entry summary declaration (ENS) before arrival.
- AIS H1 import declaration lodged in Ireland claiming Customs Union preference.
- Revenue routes the consignment green / orange / red.
- Goods released, VAT accounted (Postponed Accounting if eligible).
Common Items That Don't Qualify for Customs Union
If you are importing any of the following, A.TR does not apply and you will need a different certificate or pay full duty:
- Agricultural products (fresh produce, dairy, meat) — covered by separate preferential agreements, usually requiring an EUR.1.
- Textiles — may require additional origin declarations under specific anti-circumvention rules.
- Coal and steel ECSC products — covered by a separate EU-Turkey agreement.
VAT and Practical Costs
Even with 0% customs duty under A.TR, you will pay:
- Irish import VAT at the standard rate (currently 23%). This is usually deferred via Postponed Accounting.
- Anti-dumping duties if the specific product is subject to AD measures (e.g. some Turkish steel products).
- Carrier and handling charges at the port.
How We Help
We work with Turkish exporters and Irish importers in both English and Turkish, so paperwork errors get caught before goods leave the factory. Contact us — siz Türkçe yazın, biz Türkçe cevap veririz.