Foreign Trade Glossary: Export and Import Terms from A to Z

Foreign Trade Glossary (A–Z)

Incoterms, letters of credit (L/C), containers, pallets, road transport, air cargo and freight costs are covered under separate headings.

A

• A.TR Movement Certificate (A.TR Dolaşım Belgesi): A document showing that industrial products covered by the Customs Union are in free circulation between Türkiye and the EU; it is not proof of origin.
• Additional Customs Duty – İGV (İlave Gümrük Vergisi – İGV): A duty applied in addition to customs duty on certain products originating in countries without an FTA.
• Advance Payment / Cash in Advance (Ön Ödeme / Peşin Ödeme): Payment of the price in full or in part before the goods are shipped; the safest method for the seller.
• Agent (Acente): A person/company representing a firm in a given territory in return for a commission; does not take ownership of the goods.
• Agricultural Quarantine (Zirai Karantina): Controls on plants and plant products to prevent the entry of harmful organisms.
• Anti-dumping Duty (Antidamping Vergisi): An additional protective duty applied to products found to be exported below their normal value.
• Approved Exporter (Onaylanmış İhracatçı): An exporter authorized to make origin declarations on the invoice with no value limit.
• ATA Carnet (ATA Karnesi): An international customs document for the duty-free temporary admission of trade-fair goods, samples and professional equipment; issued in Türkiye by TOBB.
• Authorised Consignor / Authorised Consignee (İzinli Gönderici / İzinli Alıcı): Authorization to start/end transit operations at the company's own premises.
• Authorised Economic Operator – AEO (Yetkilendirilmiş Yükümlü Statüsü – YYS): A status granting customs facilitations to trusted companies.

B

• Bailee / Custodian (Yediemin): A person or warehouse appointed to keep goods that have been attached or seized.
• Barter (Takas): Exchange of goods for other goods instead of money.
• BİLGE (BİLGE): The Ministry of Trade's system in which customs declarations are processed electronically.
• Binding Origin Information – BOI (Bağlayıcı Menşe Bilgisi – BMB): A binding ruling issued by the administration on the origin of goods.
• Binding Tariff Information – BTI (Bağlayıcı Tarife Bilgisi – BTB): An official ruling by the customs administration on the GTİP of goods, binding for a certain period.
• Broker (Komisyoncu, Aracı): An intermediary who brings buyer and seller together for a commission without taking ownership of the goods.

C

• Cargo Manifest Entry / Consignment Note (Hamule Senedi): The document relating to each consignment in the carrier's cargo manifest; used to register the goods at customs. Colloquially also used as an equivalent of the bill of lading/AWB.
• Cash Against Documents – CAD (Vesaik Mukabili Ödeme): A method in which the buyer pays the bank and receives the documents needed to take delivery of the goods.
• Cash Against Goods (Mal Mukabili Ödeme): A payment method in which the goods are shipped and the buyer pays after receiving them; the riskiest payment method for the seller.
• Certificate of Conformity (Uygunluk Belgesi): A document showing that a product complies with specific technical standards or regulations (e.g. G-Mark for the Gulf, SABER for Saudi Arabia).
• Certificate of Origin (Menşe Şahadetnamesi): A document showing non-preferential origin, endorsed by chambers.
• CMR Consignment Note (CMR Belgesi): A transport document based on the CMR Convention, evidencing the contract of carriage in international road transport.
• Commercial Invoice (Ticari Fatura): The main sales document showing the final price of the sale, buyer and seller details, GTİP and terms of delivery.
• Conditional Exemption (Şartlı Muafiyet): Temporary exemption from duties subject to fulfilment of certain conditions (DİR, temporary admission).
• Conformity Assessment (Uygunluk Değerlendirmesi): Verification by testing, certification or inspection that a product complies with technical regulations.
• Consignment Sale (Konsinye Satış): Goods are shipped to the buyer before being sold and paid for as they are sold; Türkiye has a specific export procedure for this.
• Consolidation (Konsolidasyon): Combining small loads belonging to different shippers into a single transport unit.
• Consular Legalization (Konsolosluk Onayı / Tasdik): Endorsement of commercial documents by the consulate of the importing country; required by some Middle Eastern countries.
• Contract Manufacturing / Toll Manufacturing (Fason Üretim): One company manufacturing for another company, under the latter's design/brand, for a fee.
• Control Certificate (Kontrol Belgesi): A permit obtained before import for products subject to food, agricultural or standards inspection.
• Countertrade (Karşı Ticaret): Trade in which a sale is conditional on purchases from the counterparty's country.
• Cumulation (Kümülasyon): Treating originating inputs from partner countries as if they were domestic inputs.
• Customs Broker (Gümrük Müşaviri): A licensed professional who carries out customs procedures on behalf of the declarant.
• Customs Declaration (Beyanname): The official document stating the customs procedure to which goods are to be assigned and their particulars; filed electronically in Türkiye through the BİLGE system.
• Customs Duty – GV (Gümrük Vergisi – GV): The import duty set out in the tariff schedule.
• Customs Tariff Schedule (Gümrük Tarife Cetveli): The official list containing all GTİP codes and duty rates.
• Customs Union (Gümrük Birliği): An integration in which customs duties are abolished between the parties and a common tariff is applied to third countries; Türkiye–EU 1996.
• Customs Value (Gümrük Kıymeti): The value on which duties are calculated; CIF-based in Türkiye.
• Customs Warehouse (Antrepo): A customs-approved warehouse in which non-domestic goods are stored under customs supervision without payment of duties; may be public or private.

D

• Declarant / Obligor (Yükümlü): The person responsible for the customs declaration and duties.
• Defective Goods (Ayıplı Mal): Goods that do not have the characteristics agreed in the contract.
• Deferred Payment Sale (Vadeli Satış): A sale in which the price is paid at a set term after delivery.
• Delivery for Export (İhraç Kayıtlı Teslim): VAT-free supply by a manufacturer to an exporter, on condition that the exporter exports the goods within a certain period.
• Direct / Indirect Representation (Doğrudan Temsil / Dolaylı Temsil): The customs broker acting in the declarant's name (direct) or in its own name but on the declarant's account (indirect).
• Distributor (Distribütör): An independent company that buys the product in its own name and resells it in a given territory.
• Down Payment / Advance (Kapora / Avans): A partial prepayment received on order confirmation.
• Dropshipping (Dropshipping): A model in which the seller holds no stock and has the order shipped directly from the manufacturer to the customer.
• Dual-use Goods (Çift Kullanımlı Eşya): Goods that can be used for both civil and military purposes and whose export may require a licence.
• Due Diligence (Durum Tespiti): Financial, legal and reputational checks on a business partner.
• Dumping (Damping): Selling a product in an export market at a lower price than in its own domestic market.

E

• E-export (E-İhracat): Exports made through marketplaces, the company's own e-commerce site or B2B platforms.
• E-invoice / E-archive Invoice (E-Fatura / E-Arşiv Fatura): An invoice issued electronically; in Türkiye, export invoices are issued in the e-invoice system under the "Export" scenario.
• Embargo (Ambargo): A full or partial ban on trade with a country, company or product for political/security reasons.
• EORI Number (EORI Numarası): The economic operator registration number mandatory for customs procedures in the EU; may be needed for DDP sales to the EU.
• EUR.1 Movement Certificate (EUR.1 Dolaşım Sertifikası): A document proving preferential origin under an FTA.
• EUR-MED (EUR-MED): The origin document issued when diagonal cumulation is used in the PAN-EURO-MED system.
• Exclusive Agreement (Münhasır Anlaşma): An agreement granting the right to sell in a territory to a single distributor/agent only.
• Eximbank (Türk Eximbank): The state export credit agency providing export loans, receivables insurance and guarantees.
• Export Proceeds (İhracat Bedeli): The foreign currency amount that must be brought back to Türkiye as payment for exported goods.
• Export Proceeds Acceptance Certificate – İBKB (İhracat Bedeli Kabul Belgesi – İBKB): A document showing that the export proceeds have been received by the bank.
• Exporters' Association (İhracatçı Birliği): A mandatory-membership organization under the TİM umbrella that brings together exporters by sector.
• Express-courier Export Declaration – ETGB (Elektronik Ticaret Gümrük Beyannamesi – ETGB): A simplified declaration used for exports by post/express courier (current limit 600 kg / EUR 30,000).

F

• Force Majeure (Mücbir Sebep): An event beyond the parties' control that makes performance of the contract impossible (war, natural disaster, etc.).
• Foreign Currency (Döviz): Foreign money; export proceeds are usually collected in USD, EUR or the importing country's currency.
• Foreign Exchange (Kambiyo): Foreign currency transactions and the legislation governing them (Decree No. 32 on the Protection of the Value of the Turkish Currency).
• Foreign Trade Capital Company – DTSŞ (Dış Ticaret Sermaye Şirketi – DTSŞ): An exporting company granted this status by the Ministry upon meeting certain export and capital requirements.
• Form A (Form A): A certificate used as proof of preferential origin under the GSP.
• Free Circulation (Serbest Dolaşım): The status of goods on which duties have been paid and trade policy measures have been applied.
• Free Zone (Serbest Bölge): An area deemed to be outside the customs territory, offering tax advantages for commercial and industrial activities.
• Free-of-charge Export (Ayniyat / Bedelsiz İhracat): Exports for which no foreign currency is received (such as samples, warranty replacements or donations).
• Freight Forwarder (Forwarder / Taşıma İşleri Organizatörü): A logistics company that organizes transport, contracts with carriers and, where necessary, issues its own bill of lading (house B/L).

G

• Goods (Eşya): In customs legislation, any substance, product or value; anything that can be moved.
• Goods under Bond (Bonded / Gümrüklü Eşya): Goods under customs supervision on which duties have not yet been paid.
• GSP – Generalized System of Preferences (GSP): Unilateral tariff preferences granted by developed countries to developing countries.
• Guarantee / Security (Teminat): Cash or a bank letter of guarantee provided as security for suspended duties.

H

• Halal Certificate (Helal Sertifikası): A document showing that a food/cosmetic product has been produced in accordance with Islamic rules; issued in Türkiye by HAKSEN and accredited bodies, and for the Gulf by institutions on each country's accepted list.
• Harmonized System – HS (Armonize Sistem): The WCO's 6-digit international nomenclature for the classification of goods.
• Health Certificate (Sağlık Sertifikası): An official document showing that food and animal products are fit for human consumption.

I

• IBAN – International Bank Account Number (IBAN): The international standard bank account number; in Türkiye, 26 characters beginning with TR.
• ICC – International Chamber of Commerce (Milletlerarası Ticaret Odası): The international organization that publishes rules such as Incoterms, UCP 600 and URC 522.
• Import Regime Decree (İthalat Rejimi Kararı): The Presidential Decree setting Türkiye's annual import duty rates and practices.
• Import/Export License (Lisans): An official permit required for the import/export of certain products.
• Inspection (Muayene): Physical or documentary checking at customs that the goods match the declaration (red, yellow, green channel).
• Inspection Company (SGS / Gözetim Şirketi): An independent organization carrying out pre-shipment quality, quantity and loading inspections.
• Insurance Certificate (Sigorta Sertifikası): A document issued for a single shipment under an open (floating) policy.
• Insurance Policy (Sigorta Poliçesi): The contract document covering the risks to goods in transit; provided by the seller in CIF/CIP sales.
• Invoice Declaration (Fatura Beyanı): A preferential origin declaration written by the exporter on the invoice; replaces the EUR.1.
• Inward Processing Authorization Certificate – DİİB (Dahilde İşleme İzin Belgesi – DİİB): The certificate obtained to use the DİR, showing the import and export commitment.
• Inward Processing Regime – DİR (Dahilde İşleme Rejimi – DİR): A procedure allowing inputs used in manufacturing export products to be imported duty-free/against a guarantee.

K

• KYC – Know Your Customer (Müşterini Tanı): The process by which banks and companies verify a customer's identity/activities.

L

• Lead Time (Termin Süresi): The time from order confirmation until the goods are ready.
• Local Clearance (Yerinde Gümrükleme): Carrying out customs formalities for goods at the company's own premises.

M

• Market Surveillance (Piyasa Gözetimi): Inspection of products on the market for compliance with regulations.
• Marketplace (Pazaryeri): An online platform, such as Alibaba.com or Amazon, where multiple sellers offer products.
• Mediation / Arbitration (Arabuluculuk / Tahkim): Out-of-court resolution of disputes; ICC Arbitration and ISTAC are common.
• Micro-export (Mikro İhracat): Small-volume e-exports made with an ETGB.
• MOQ – Minimum Order Quantity (Asgari Sipariş Miktarı): The lowest order quantity/amount accepted by the supplier.
• MSDS / SDS – Safety Data Sheet (Güvenlik Bilgi Formu): A safety information sheet for products containing chemicals; may be required for transport and at customs.

N

• NCTS – New Computerised Transit System (NCTS): The electronic infrastructure of the common transit system; Türkiye has been a party since 2012.

O

• ODM – Original Design Manufacturer (ODM): A manufacturer producing its own-designed products on behalf of other brands.
• OEM – Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM): A manufacturer producing to the customer's design and brand.
• Offer / Quotation (Teklif Mektubu): A written offer in which the seller states prices and terms, with a specified validity period.
• Origin (Menşe): The "economic nationality" of goods; may be preferential or non-preferential.
• Outward Processing (Hariçte İşleme Rejimi): Processing Turkish goods abroad and re-importing them; duty is charged only on the added value.

P

• Package (Kap): The packaging unit counted in the customs declaration (carton, sack, crate, etc.).
• Packing List (Çeki Listesi): A list showing, item by item, the number of packages in a shipment, their contents, gross/net weights and dimensions.
• Payment Terms (Ödeme Şekli): Methods such as cash in advance, cash against goods, cash against documents, letter of credit and acceptance credit.
• Phytosanitary Certificate (Fitosaniter Sertifika): A document issued by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry showing that plants and plant products are free of harmful organisms.
• Positive / Negative List (Pozitif / Negatif Liste): Lists of products covered (positive) or excluded (negative) in an agreement or regulation.
• Preferential Trade Agreement (Tercihli Ticaret Anlaşması): An agreement providing tariff reductions on a limited number of products.
• Private Label (Özel Marka): A manufacturer producing its product under the buyer's brand and label.
• Procedure Code (Rejim Kodu): The 4-digit code on the declaration indicating the customs procedure to which the goods are assigned.
• Product Safety Inspection (Ürün Güvenliği Denetimi): Checking that imported products comply with safety requirements before being placed on the market.
• Proforma Invoice (Proforma Fatura): A preliminary invoice in the nature of an offer, showing price, quantity, delivery and payment terms before an order; used for advance payments and import permits.

Q

• Quota (Kota): A limit on the import/export quantity of a given product; a tariff quota, by contrast, is the quantity that can be imported at a reduced duty.

R

• Re-export (Yeniden İhracat): Selling imported goods to another country without processing; Dubai is an important hub in this respect.
• Resource Utilization Support Fund – KKDF (Kaynak Kullanımını Destekleme Fonu – KKDF): A fund levy charged on deferred-payment imports and certain loans.
• REX – Registered Exporter System (REX): The registered exporter system used by the EU under the GSP and certain agreements.
• RFQ – Request for Quotation (Teklif Talebi): A request in which the buyer asks suppliers for price quotes; common on B2B platforms.
• Risk-based Trade Control System – TAREKS (TAREKS): The electronic system through which product safety and standards inspections of imports are carried out.

S

• Safeguard Measure (Korunma Önlemi): A temporary additional duty or quota against a sudden surge in imports.
• Sales Contract (Ana Sözleşme / Satış Sözleşmesi): A binding contract governing the product, price, delivery, payment and dispute resolution.
• Sample (Numune): A specimen sent to show the quality and features of a product; if of low commercial value, it can be sent with simplified procedures.
• Sanctions (Yaptırım): Measures by states or the UN restricting trade with certain countries/persons; screening against sanctions lists is recommended.
• Service Export (Hizmet İhracatı): A service provided to a customer abroad and used abroad; VAT-exempt if the conditions are met.
• Special Consumption Tax – ÖTV (Özel Tüketim Vergisi – ÖTV): A consumption tax charged on certain products on import or first supply.
• Spot Sale (Spot Satış): A one-off sale without a long-term agreement.
• Standardization in Foreign Trade – DTS (Dış Ticarette Standardizasyon – DTS): Inspection of agricultural products for compliance with quality standards on export/import (Ministry of Trade).
• Storage Charges (Ardiye): The daily storage fee paid for goods held at a port, customs warehouse or temporary storage facility.
• Supply Chain (Tedarik Zinciri): All production and distribution links from raw materials to the end customer.
• Surveillance (Gözetim): A monitoring practice requiring a certificate to be obtained in advance for imports of certain products whose unit value is below a threshold.
• SWIFT / BIC Code (SWIFT / BIC Kodu): An 8- or 11-character code identifying banks in international money transfers.

T

• Tariff Quota (Tarife Kontenjanı): The right to import up to a certain quantity at a reduced or zero duty.
• Tax ID Number (Vergi Kimlik Numarası): The 10-digit company tax number in Türkiye; identifies the declarant on the declaration.
• Temporary Admission (Geçici İthalat): Bringing in goods for a specific period and purpose with full or partial relief from duties, followed by re-export.
• Temporary Storage Facility (Geçici Depolama Yeri): An area under customs supervision where goods wait until they are assigned to a customs procedure.
• TIR Carnet (TIR Karnesi): An international customs document guaranteeing duties in road transit operations.
• Trade Fair (Fuar): A commercial event where companies exhibit their products to find buyers; government support is available for participation.
• Transit / Triangular Trade (Transit Ticaret / Üçlü Ticaret): Selling goods bought from a foreign country to a third country without bringing them into Türkiye; the trading profit remains in Türkiye.
• Transit Procedure (Transit Rejimi): Movement of goods from one customs office to another with duties suspended.
• Turkish Exporters Assembly – TİM (Türkiye İhracatçılar Meclisi – TİM): The umbrella organization of the exporters' associations.
• Turkish Tariff Code – GTİP, 12-digit (Gümrük Tarife İstatistik Pozisyonu – GTİP): The 12-digit goods code used in Türkiye.
• Turquality (Turquality): A government support program for building Turkish brands abroad.

U

• UCP 600 – Uniform Customs and Practice for Documentary Credits (UCP 600): The ICC rules applied to letter of credit transactions (2007 revision).
• UN/LOCODE (UN/LOCODE): The UN's 5-character code system for ports and logistics locations.
• Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Türkiye – TOBB (Türkiye Odalar ve Borsalar Birliği – TOBB): The umbrella organization of chambers and commodity exchanges; involved in certificate of origin and ATA carnet procedures.
• URC 522 – Uniform Rules for Collections (URC 522): The ICC rules on documentary collections (cash against documents).
• URDG 758 (URDG 758): The ICC rules on demand guarantees issued by banks.

V

• VGM – Verified Gross Mass (VGM): The SOLAS requirement to report the verified gross mass of a packed container to the carrier.

W

• WTO – World Trade Organization (DTÖ – Dünya Ticaret Örgütü): The international organization that sets multilateral trade rules.

Sources

Last updated: 2026-10-01 · Prepared by ARTAĞAN Dijital Pazarlama İç ve Dış Ticaret A.Ş. This content is for general information; regulations and dimensions can change, so please verify with a current source before acting.