Import and Export with Turkey: A Saudi Trader’s Guide to Shipping and the Customs File | 0551247117
Commercial shipping between Saudi Arabia and Turkey in both directions: LCL, containers and air, the customs file, HS codes and conformity certificates, export and import steps, and stock planning.
Trade between Saudi Arabia and Turkey is active in both directions: furniture, textiles, building materials and food come from Turkey, while Saudi products and re-exported goods go there. A trader working this route needs to understand the commercial shipping options, the customs file at both ends, the role of the HS code and conformity certificates, and the length of the sea voyage and how to build stock planning around it. In this guide we explain what a Saudi trader actually needs to export to Turkey and import from it.
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- Commercial shipping options
- The customs file
- Exporting from Saudi Arabia to Turkey
- Importing from Turkey to Saudi Arabia
- Building stock planning around the voyage
- Frequently asked questions
- How long does sea shipping between Saudi Arabia and Turkey take?
- What is the most important document in commercial shipping?
- Are there customs exemptions between Saudi Arabia and Turkey?
- Can small quantities be shipped?
- Do you ship food from Turkey?
- Do you handle shipping in both directions?
Commercial shipping options
| Option | Size | Approximate timing | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared sea freight (LCL) | From one cubic meter up | Weeks | Small batches and growing stores |
| 20ft container | About 33 m³ in theory | Weeks | Medium batches |
| 40ft container | About 67 m³ in theory | Weeks | Large batches |
| Refrigerated container | Depends on type | Weeks | Food and sensitive goods, subject to availability and advance arrangement |
| Air | By chargeable weight | Days | Samples and urgent orders |
The customs file
| Document | Its role |
|---|---|
| Commercial invoice | The basis of valuation; the real value is mandatory. |
| Packing list | Links the number and weight of packages to their contents. |
| Certificate of origin | Determines the tariff applied to the goods. |
| Conformity certificates | For some items such as appliances, food, cosmetics and toys. |
| Bill of lading | Proves shipment and is used for release. |
| HS code | The most important element; an error means the wrong tariff or a held shipment. |
Exporting from Saudi Arabia to Turkey
Importing from Turkey to Saudi Arabia
- Saudi conformity requirements: many products need conformity certificates and registration before import, so check with the supplier early.
- Delivery terms with the Turkish supplier: who pays freight, insurance and clearance? Agree them in writing (such as FOB or CIF).
- Consolidating goods from several suppliers: in one shipment reduces the fixed cost of clearance and handling.
- Planning for the voyage time: order early enough to cover sailing and clearance.
Building stock planning around the voyage
Because sea shipping between the two countries takes weeks, a trader needs safety stock covering that period plus a margin for clearance and seasons. Regular batches of a fixed size are easier to plan than large, irregular orders, and air remains for urgent orders and samples only.
For Turkish trade fairs read shipping samples to Turkish trade fairs, and for the destination page shipping to Turkey.
Frequently asked questions
How long does sea shipping between Saudi Arabia and Turkey take?
Usually weeks depending on the port, sailing schedules and clearance.
What is the most important document in commercial shipping?
The correct HS code, with a matching invoice and packing list.
Are there customs exemptions between Saudi Arabia and Turkey?
They don’t share a single customs system, so the destination country’s tariff applies by HS code and origin.
Can small quantities be shipped?
Yes, with shared sea freight by the cubic meter.
Do you ship food from Turkey?
Possibly, with advance arrangement, certificates and special requirements, sometimes in refrigerated containers subject to availability.
Do you handle shipping in both directions?
Yes, and we help plan a regular schedule in both directions.
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