Does the customs union apply to goods from Turkey to the UK post-Brexit?

No. The UK left the EU customs union in 2021. Turkey and the UK signed a separate FTA (effective 2021) that covers goods trade, but it's not as deep as the EU customs union. Preferential rates require specific rules of origin compliance.

Can I route Chinese goods through Turkey to avoid EU duties?

Transshipment alone does not qualify. Goods must be in 'free circulation' in Turkey, meaning Turkish import duty was paid and the goods cleared customs. Processing or manufacturing in Turkey that adds substantial value can qualify for the A.TR certificate.

Turkey-EU Customs Union — How It Affects Import Duty Rates (2026)

Turkey has had a customs union with the EU since 1996, covering industrial goods and processed agricultural products. This means most manufactured goods, from apparel to electronics to automotive parts, move between Turkey and the EU with zero customs duty. For importers, this makes Turkey an attractive sourcing alternative to Asian manufacturers when selling into Europe.

Calculate your import duty

Describe your product. Get HS code + duty rates for US, EU, UK, Canada, Brazil, Mexico in seconds.

Try:

What the customs union covers

Industrial products (HS chapters 25-97, excluding coal/steel under ECSC): duty-free in both directions. This includes textiles, clothing, electronics, machinery, vehicles, plastics, chemicals, and furniture.

Processed agricultural products: covered but with specific conditions and quotas.

Raw agricultural products (meat, dairy, cereals, fruit/veg): NOT covered. These face MFN tariffs.

Services and public procurement: NOT covered.

How it works in practice

Turkey applies the EU's Common External Tariff to imports from non-EU countries. When goods are imported into Turkey and cleared through Turkish customs, they can then be re-exported to the EU duty-free with an A.TR movement certificate.

This creates a sourcing opportunity: if you're importing from China into Turkey for manufacturing, the finished goods enter the EU duty-free. The duty paid at Turkish customs on the Chinese inputs is the only customs cost.

Key rates comparison

For goods moving Turkey → EU:

Apparel (Ch. 61-62): 0% (vs 12% MFN from non-CU countries)
Automotive parts (Ch. 87): 0% (vs 3-4.5% MFN)
Electronics (Ch. 85): 0% (already 0% MFN for most under ITA)
Furniture (Ch. 94): 0% (already 0% MFN)
Textiles/fabrics (Ch. 50-60): 0% (vs 4-8% MFN)
Plastics (Ch. 39): 0% (vs 6.5% MFN)

Documentation required

A.TR movement certificate: proves the goods are in free circulation in Turkey. Issued by Turkish customs. Without it, MFN rates apply.

EUR.1 certificate: for goods covered by Turkey-EU preferential origin rules (processed agricultural products). Different from A.TR.

Invoice declaration: for shipments under EUR 6,000, a declaration on the commercial invoice can replace the A.TR.

Frequently asked questions

Does the customs union apply to goods from Turkey to the UK post-Brexit?: No. The UK left the EU customs union in 2021. Turkey and the UK signed a separate FTA (effective 2021) that covers goods trade, but it's not as deep as the EU customs union. Preferential rates require specific rules of origin compliance.
Can I route Chinese goods through Turkey to avoid EU duties?: Transshipment alone does not qualify. Goods must be in 'free circulation' in Turkey, meaning Turkish import duty was paid and the goods cleared customs. Processing or manufacturing in Turkey that adds substantial value can qualify for the A.TR certificate.

EU Import Duty RatesEU import duty rates by product category. Electronics 0-2%, apparel 12%, footwear 8-16.5%. Free tariff calculator for all EU HS codes.
EU Import Duty on ApparelEU import duty on clothing is 12% MFN for most apparel (Ch. 61-62). Full rate table by HS code, with duty calculator. No signup needed.
Import Duty CalculatorCalculate import duty for any product. AI finds the HS code, we show rates for US, EU, UK, Canada, Brazil. Free, instant, no signup needed.