<!-- kaynak: https://aksco.com.tr/en/insights/export-shipping-from-turkiye/ · dil: en · güncelleme: 2026-08-25 -->
<!-- başlık: Export Shipping from Türkiye: Incoterms, Documents, ISPM 15 -->
<!-- açıklama: Export shipping from Türkiye explained: Incoterms 2020 rules, the difference between A.TR, EUR.1 and a certificate of origin, MEDOS. -->
# Export Shipping from Türkiye: Incoterms, Documents and ISPM 15 Packaging

Three things decide the real cost of an export order: the delivery rule, the document set and the wood packaging. Each one explained from primary sources, with comparison tables and a who-does-what split.

Published: 2026-08-25 · Last updated: 2026-08-25 · 11 min read

## Contents

1. Short answer
2. Why a unit price alone tells you nothing
3. Incoterms 2020: eleven rules, two families
4. The container mistake: FOB where FCA belongs
5. Documents: A.TR, EUR.1 and certificate of origin
6. Turkish origin documents are electronic now
7. Wood packaging and ISPM 15
8. Palletising, fill rate and freight
9. How an export order works with AKSCO
10. What to send when you ask for a quote

## What do you need to agree before an export shipment is priced?

Three things, and a price quoted without them is not comparable: the **delivery rule** (which Incoterms® 2020 rule and which named place — this decides where risk passes), the **document set** (which of A.TR, EUR.1 or a certificate of origin your customs authority will want alongside the invoice and packing list), and the **wood packaging status** (ISPM 15 heat treatment and marking). Settle those three and the quote becomes a landed-cost conversation instead of a goods-only number.

## Why a unit price alone tells you nothing

On a domestic order the delivery line is an address. On an export order the same line is a contractual term that can move a meaningful share of the total cost, because the delivery rule decides not only who arranges carriage but **who carries the risk**, who handles export and import clearance, and who insures the goods in transit.

So a comparable export quote always states three things in writing: *which Incoterms rule and which named place*, *which documents accompany the goods*, and *how the goods are packed*. The sections below take them in order.

## Incoterms 2020: eleven rules, two families

The Incoterms rules are published by the International Chamber of Commerce. The 2020 edition contains **eleven rules** split into two families: **seven rules for any mode of transport** and **four reserved for sea and inland waterway transport**.

Incoterms 2020 — the two families

| Family | Rule | Full name | What it means in practice |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Any mode | EXW | Ex Works | Goods placed at the buyer’s disposal at the seller’s premises |
| Any mode | FCA | Free Carrier | Goods handed to the buyer’s carrier at the named place |
| Any mode | CPT | Carriage Paid To | Seller pays carriage; risk passes at handover to the first carrier |
| Any mode | CIP | Carriage and Insurance Paid To | CPT plus insurance — under 2020 the minimum is **ICC (A) “all risks”** |
| Any mode | DAP | Delivered at Place | Seller brings the goods to the destination; unloading is the buyer’s |
| Any mode | DPU | Delivered at Place Unloaded | The one rule where the seller must unload |
| Any mode | DDP | Delivered Duty Paid | Import clearance and duties are on the seller |
| Sea / inland waterway | FAS | Free Alongside Ship | Goods placed alongside the vessel at the port |
| Sea / inland waterway | FOB | Free on Board | Risk passes once the goods are on board |
| Sea / inland waterway | CFR | Cost and Freight | Seller pays freight; risk still passes on loading |
| Sea / inland waterway | CIF | Cost, Insurance and Freight | CFR plus insurance — minimum **ICC (C)**, narrower than CIP |

The rule list and the two-family split come from the International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce; the last column is a condensed summary of the ICC Incoterms® 2020 rules, whose published text governs. The named place matters as much as the rule: “FCA” on its own is incomplete, “FCA Kağıthane/İstanbul” is not.

Write the delivery term the same way every time: **rule + named place + Incoterms® 2020** — for example *FCA Kağıthane/İstanbul, Incoterms® 2020*.

## The container mistake: FOB where FCA belongs

The most common error on a containerised shipment is writing FOB out of habit. In ICC’s own explanation, under FOB the seller delivers and transfers risk *once the goods are loaded onto the vessel* at the named port of shipment; under FCA risk transfers *once the goods are delivered to the carrier*.

With containers the goods reach the carrier at the terminal days before they are loaded on board. Written as FOB, the seller keeps the risk on goods it no longer controls for the whole time they sit at the terminal. ICC therefore treats **FCA** as the rule for containerised and multimodal movements; FOB, CFR and CIF were designed for *port-to-port* shipments.

Practical rule of thumb

If a container, a truck or an air waybill is involved, do not pick from the sea family. Each has an any-mode counterpart: **FCA** instead of FOB, **CPT** instead of CFR, **CIP** instead of CIF. ⚠ One detail travels with that last swap: Incoterms 2020 sets the minimum cover under **CIP at ICC (A) “all risks”** but under **CIF at ICC (C)**. Moving from CIF to CIP quietly widens the seller’s insurance obligation, and the premium difference belongs on the quote.

## Documents: A.TR, EUR.1 and certificate of origin

Three documents are routinely confused, and the difference is financial rather than academic: the wrong document means your side cannot claim the **preferential tariff** at import.

Three documents, three different jobs

| Document | What it proves | Where it is used | Who issues / endorses |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| **A.TR movement certificate** | That the goods are in **free circulation** under the EU–Türkiye Customs Union — it *does not show origin* | Trade between Türkiye and the EU for goods covered by the Customs Union | Customs administration or authorised bodies |
| **EUR.1 movement certificate** | That the goods have **preferential origin** under the relevant trade agreement | Trade with countries that have a preferential agreement with Türkiye | Completed by the exporter, checked by the chamber of commerce, visaed by customs |
| **Certificate of origin** | **Non-preferential** origin status | Wherever the importing country requires proof of non-preferential origin — typically for goods subject to anti-dumping duty, additional customs duty or quotas, including countries that do have a preferential agreement | Competent authorities of the country of origin **or of the exporting country** — in Türkiye, a chamber of commerce, with a customs visa |

Source: Turkish Ministry of Trade, origin FAQ. The costliest misunderstanding in practice is treating A.TR as proof of origin: on a shipment to the EU it evidences free circulation, and any origin-based preference needs a separate origin document.

Two more documents travel with every shipment: the **commercial invoice** and the **packing list** (pieces, gross and net weight and dimensions per carton or pallet). The packing list is the one people fill in carelessly — and it is exactly the document that decides how long a physical inspection takes.

## Turkish origin documents are electronic now

Origin and movement certificates are no longer paper forms stamped over a counter. They are issued through **MEDOS**, the origin and movement documents automation system run by TOBB (the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Türkiye) under the coordination of the Ministry of Trade: the exporter or customs broker completes the document online and uploads the supporting evidence, the **chamber approves**, and **customs applies the visa electronically**.

When each document moved to MEDOS

| Document | Issued through MEDOS since |
| --- | --- |
| A.TR movement certificate | 14 May 2018 |
| EUR.1 / EUR-MED movement certificate | 9 July 2018 |
| Malaysia certificate of origin | 17 September 2018 |
| Iran and D-8 proof of origin | 17 September 2018 |
| Certificate of origin and Form-A | 30 October 2018 — MEDOS only from 8 April 2020 |

Source: TOBB, MEDOS system information. What this changes for a buyer: document lead time now depends on how complete the supporting evidence is, not on office hours.

## Wood packaging and ISPM 15

The most frequently overlooked item on an export shipment is the wooden pallet under it. Wood packaging material falls under the international phytosanitary standard **ISPM 15**, and untreated wood can get an *entire consignment* refused, destroyed or returned at the destination.

ISPM 15 — approved treatments

| Treatment | Code | Parameter |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Heat treatment (kiln or steam) | HT | A minimum temperature of **56 °C for at least 30 continuous minutes** throughout the entire profile of the wood, including its core |
| Dielectric heating (microwave) | DH | A minimum of **60 °C for 1 continuous minute** throughout the entire profile of the wood, including its surface |

Source: IPPC, ISPM 15 (2018 revision), Annex 1. Annex 2 defines the mark: **IPPC symbol + ISO country code + producer/treatment provider code + treatment code** (HT, DH, MB, SF). It must be legible, durable, non-transferable and placed in a **visible location**; the standard says **preferably on at least two opposite sides** of the packaging unit — a recommendation, not an absolute requirement.

In Türkiye the subject is regulated by the **Regulation on Heat Treatment and Marking of Wood Packaging Materials** (Official Gazette **26 July 2024, No. 32613**), covering pallets, crates, cases, boxes, dunnage and cable and bobbin reels. What it adds on top of heat treatment is traceability: in the Ministry’s own words, a **QR code** is now applied both to the treatment certificate and to the wood packaging itself, to make the chain traceable and to prevent forged marks.

⚠ **The compliance calendar is moving.** The articles enter into force in stages and the regulation was amended on **30 December 2025 (Official Gazette No. 33123)**. We deliberately do not print a single hard date here — confirm the current schedule with the Ministry before despatch. In practice the binding constraint is the *destination country’s* ISPM 15 enforcement, and that is in force today.

The exclusions are worth reading carefully: packaging made from wood **6 mm or less** in thickness, and packaging made **wholly** of processed wood such as plywood, particle board or OSB — plus sawdust, wood wool and wood permanently attached to freight vehicles.

⚠ **The word “wholly” is where money is lost.** Most pallets sold as “plywood pallets” are a plywood deck on **solid-wood blocks or stringers**. A pallet containing any solid-wood component is *in* scope and needs treatment and marking. The only option that removes the question entirely is a **plastic pallet**.

What we do on site

Where a wooden pallet is used, we confirm *before* despatch that it was treated and marked by a producer authorised by the Ministry, and a photograph of the mark goes into the file with the packing list. Untreated pallets look cheaper right up to the moment a container is refused.

## Palletising, fill rate and freight

Export freight is usually priced on volume, which turns the pallet pattern into a direct cost line: whether the same goods occupy 8 or 11 pallets changes the cost per unit shipped.

Our [pallet and container loading calculator](https://aksco.com.tr/en/tools/pallet-container-loading-calculator/) works out how many pallets fit a 20', 40' or truck load with the volume and payload limits side by side, and the [stretch film calculator](https://aksco.com.tr/en/tools/stretch-film-calculator/) covers wrapping consumption. Both run in your browser — the interface is in Turkish, but the inputs are dimensions and weights.

## How an export order works with AKSCO

AKSCO is a **materials supplier**. We are not a customs broker and not a freight operator, and an honest quote says so. On an export order the split of work is:

Who does what on an export order

| Step | AKSCO | Counterparty / partner |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Quote | Line-by-line prices, lead times and the delivery rule (Incoterms® 2020) in writing | — |
| Packing | Export-grade packing; ISPM 15 marked pallets where wood is used | Any special packing requirement is stated by the buyer |
| Documents | Commercial invoice and packing list | A.TR / EUR.1 / certificate of origin through MEDOS, with chamber approval and customs visa |
| Customs clearance | We supply the information and evidence needed | Licensed customs broker |
| Carriage and insurance | Whatever the agreed Incoterms rule puts on the seller | Carrier / forwarder; insurance sits where the rule puts it |

The quote states which of these lines is ours and which is yours, so nothing turns up later as an assumed inclusion.

Export quotes with a foreign-currency cost base are valid for **7–10 days** and state the exchange-rate basis. After that the price is re-confirmed — the only honest way to keep currency risk visible to both sides.

## What to send when you ask for a quote

The information needed to close an export quote in one round is short:

- Item list — brand/model or technical specification, unit and quantity
- Destination country and city, and the delivery address if you have it
- Your preferred Incoterms® 2020 rule and named place — if you are not sure, say so and we will pick it together
- Mode of transport: road, container or air freight
- Which documents you need: A.TR, EUR.1 or certificate of origin
- Whether wood packaging is acceptable and whether ISPM 15 marking is required
- Required readiness or arrival date
- Currency and expected payment terms

With that, a line-by-line quote comes back within **one business day**. Send it through the [quote form](https://aksco.com.tr/en/request-a-quote/) or straight to [info@aksco.com.tr](mailto:info@aksco.com.tr).

**Scope:** we supply **materials**. We do not act as a customs broker, freight operator or insurance agent; those are handled by the relevant party or partner under the agreed Incoterm. Our commitment ends with delivery of the goods at the delivery point named on the quote.

## Frequently Asked Questions

Do you ship outside Türkiye? 

Yes. Alongside delivery across all 81 provinces of Türkiye we handle export shipments. On an export quote the delivery point and the split of responsibility are stated explicitly under the agreed Incoterms 2020 rule.

Does the price include freight and duties? 

It depends on the Incoterms rule. Under EXW and FCA carriage and import clearance are the buyer’s; under CPT and CIP the seller pays carriage (and insurance under CIP); DAP and DPU bring the goods to the destination; under DDP import duties are on the seller as well. The quote sets out line by line which cost sits where.

Is A.TR a certificate of origin? 

No. In the Turkish Ministry of Trade’s definition, A.TR evidences that goods are in free circulation under the Customs Union; it does not show origin. If an origin-based preference is needed, a EUR.1 certificate or a certificate of origin is issued in addition.

What is required if wooden pallets are used? 

Wood packaging falls under ISPM 15. Heat treatment (HT) requires a minimum of 56 °C for at least 30 continuous minutes throughout the profile of the wood, and the IPPC mark goes in a visible location — the standard says preferably on at least two opposite sides. Outside the scope: wood 6 mm or less in thickness, and packaging made wholly of processed wood such as plywood, particle board or OSB. Note the word wholly: a plywood-deck pallet on solid-wood blocks is still in scope. A plastic pallet removes the question entirely.

Should a containerised shipment be FOB or FCA? 

Per ICC, FOB is reserved for sea and inland waterway — port-to-port — shipments, and risk passes only when the goods are on board. In a container the goods are handed to the carrier at the terminal well before loading, so FCA is the correct rule.

Is there a minimum order for an export shipment? 

We do not run a catalogue, so there is no fixed floor. Freight and document costs are largely fixed, though, so unit cost rises quickly on very small consignments. Send the list and we will tell you plainly whether the shipment makes sense.

## Sources

1. [Know Your Incoterms — International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce](https://www.trade.gov/know-your-incoterms)
2. [Incoterms® 2020: FCA or FOB? — ICC Academy (International Chamber of Commerce)](https://academy.iccwbo.org/incoterms/article/incoterms-2020-fca-or-fob/)
3. [Menşe — Sıkça Sorulan Sorular, T.C. Ticaret Bakanlığı](https://ticaret.gov.tr/gumruk-islemleri/sikca-sorulan-sorular/ticari/mense)
4. [Menşe ve Dolaşım Belgeleri Otomasyon Sistemi (MEDOS) — Türkiye Odalar ve Borsalar Birliği (TOBB)](https://www.tobb.org.tr/ABDID/DisTicaret/Sayfalar/MEDOS.php)
5. [ISPM 15 — Regulation of wood packaging material in international trade (IPPC / FAO, 2018 revision, Annexes 1 and 2)](https://www.ippc.int/static/media/files/publication/en/2019/02/ISPM_15_2018_En_WoodPackaging_Post-CPM13_Rev_Annex1and2_Fixed_2019-02-01.pdf)
6. [Ahşap Ambalaj Malzemelerinin Isıl İşleme Tabi Tutulması ve İşaretlenmesine Dair Yönetmelik — RG 26 Temmuz 2024, sayı 32613 (T.C. Tarım ve Orman Bakanlığı GKGM duyurusu)](https://www.tarimorman.gov.tr/GKGM/Haber/913/Ahsap-Ambalaj-Malzemelerinin-Isil-Isleme-Tabi-Tutulmasi-Ve-Isaretlenmesine-Dair-Yonetmelik-Yayimlandi)
7. [Aynı Yönetmelikte Değişiklik Yapılmasına İlişkin Yönetmelik — RG 30 Aralık 2025, sayı 33123 (GKGM duyurusu)](https://www.tarimorman.gov.tr/GKGM/Haber/1239/Ahsap-Ambalaj-Malzemelerinin-Isil-Isleme-Tabi-Tutulmasi-Ve-Isaretlenmesine-Dair-Yonetmelikte-Degisiklik-Yapildi)
8. [Yönetmelik metni ve uygulama notları — T.C. Tarım ve Orman Bakanlığı GKGM, Bitki ve Bitkisel Ürünler Sınır Kontrol Daire Başkanlığı (ISPM-15 eğitim notları)](https://www.tarimorman.gov.tr/GKGM/Belgeler/DB_Bitki_Sinir/ISPM-15_Egitim_Notlari/Yonetmelik_26.07.2024.pdf)

How we choose sources, verify figures and date our pages is set out in [how we source and verify what we publish](https://aksco.com.tr/en/editorial-standards/). Spotted an error? Write to [info@aksco.com.tr](mailto:info@aksco.com.tr) — verified errors are corrected.

## Related guides

### Turkish Procurement Terms

İrsaliye, cari hesap, GTİP, A.TR — the words on the paperwork.

[Read more](https://aksco.com.tr/en/glossary/)

### Corporate Purchasing in Türkiye: A Practical Guide

How local purchasing actually works for foreign-owned operations.

[Read more](https://aksco.com.tr/en/insights/procurement-in-turkiye-guide/)

### Packaging & Shipping Supplies

Cartons, stretch film, tape, void fill and labels in one quote.

[Read more](https://aksco.com.tr/en/products/packaging-shipping/)

### How It Works

From request to invoice in six steps.

[Read more](https://aksco.com.tr/en/how-it-works/)

## Send your list — your quote is ready within 1 business day.

A list, a photo or an Excel file — whatever is easiest. On standard items most quotes go out the same business day. Custom production, imports or 50+ line lists can take longer; when they do, we tell you the timeline in writing on the day we receive the request.

[Request a Quote](https://aksco.com.tr/en/request-a-quote/)[Message on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/905343356922)

---

AKSCO Ticaret ve Tedarik — https://aksco.com.tr
AKSCO Ticaret ve Tedarik · Esentepe Mah. Talat Paşa Cad. No:5 İç Kapı No:1, Şişli/İstanbul
Türkiye'nin 81 ili ve uluslararası sevkiyat
info@aksco.com.tr · 0534 335 69 22