For exports, air cargo customs clearance is completed with the registration of the declaration, acceptance of the goods at the airport cargo terminal, security screening and customs control. For imports, after arrival the goods are placed in a temporary storage area, the delivery order is obtained from the agent, the import declaration is lodged, the goods are inspected and, once duties and taxes are paid, collected.
Steps for exports
- Booking and AWB: Space is booked through the agent or airline; the shipment data is entered on the air waybill (AWB).
- Export declaration: The declaration is registered in the BİLGE customs system with the invoice, packing list and GTİP (Turkish HS/tariff code) data. This step is usually handled by a customs broker.
- Delivery to the terminal and acceptance: The goods are brought to the cargo terminal; the number of packages, gross weight, dimensions and labels are checked against the AWB.
- Security screening: Cargo to be loaded onto the aircraft is screened by X-ray or similar methods. If the shipper has "known consignor" status, certain checks are deemed to have been carried out in advance; this regime is explained under the heading air cargo security.
- Customs control: Depending on the risk analysis, the declaration is processed in the red, yellow or green channel; a physical inspection may be required.
- Loading and closure: Once the flight has taken place and the manifest has been matched, the export procedure is closed.
Steps for imports
- Arrival and summary declaration: The airline lodges the summary declaration for the shipments carried by the aircraft; the goods are placed in the temporary storage area at the airport.
- Watch the deadline: Under Article 46 of the Customs Law (Gümrük Kanunu), for goods arriving by means other than sea, a customs-approved treatment or use must be assigned within 20 days of the summary declaration. For sea transport, this period is 45 days.
- Delivery order: After the freight and local charges have been paid, the agent issues the delivery order that authorises release of the goods to the consignee.
- Import declaration: The declaration is registered with the customs value, origin, GTİP and any permits required.
- Inspection and duties: Depending on the channel, a document check or physical inspection is carried out; customs duty, VAT and other charges are paid.
- Collection: Storage and handling charges are paid to the terminal operator, and the goods are loaded onto a vehicle and taken out.
Exports and imports compared
| Topic | Export | Import |
|---|---|---|
| Key documents | AWB, invoice, packing list, declaration | AWB, delivery order, invoice, origin and permit documents |
| Point to watch | Acceptance and screening before the flight cut-off time | Temporary storage period and storage charges |
| Typical cause of delay | Discrepancy in weight or number of packages, missing dangerous goods declaration | Delay in the delivery order, missing permit |
Relationship with the ETGB
E-export shipments sent by post or express courier that do not exceed certain weight and value limits can be declared under a simplified procedure with an Electronic Commerce Customs Declaration (ETGB) instead of a full declaration. As these limits have recently been updated, the communiqué in force should be checked before the transaction. General commercial air cargo carried under an AWB, by contrast, is cleared with a standard declaration. Details are in the entry on ETGB and micro-exports.
Airport storage charges
Import cargo waits in the terminal operator's temporary storage area until it is collected. The operator charges storage and handling fees according to the length of stay and the weight; tariffs vary by airport and terminal operator. Special areas for cold chain, valuable cargo and dangerous goods are priced separately. Preparing the delivery order and declaration documents before the aircraft lands directly reduces this cost.
Common mistakes
- The number of packages and weight on the AWB not matching the invoice and packing list.
- Omitting the dangerous goods declaration for shipments containing lithium batteries or chemicals.
- Starting to look for the inspection certificate or permit for products requiring one only after arrival.
How does Voltim Global support you?
Voltim Global plans air cargo shipments with partner airlines and air cargo agents and follows them as a single point of contact from booking to delivery. Customs formalities are handled through contracted customs brokers; documents are prepared before the flight in order to shorten waiting time at the terminal.