Transit truck transport is carrying cargo to the destination country through one or more countries without paying customs duties, in a sealed vehicle and under a guarantee. Duties arise only in the destination country where the goods are released for free circulation; any duty debt that may arise along the way is covered by the guarantee of the TIR carnet or of the T1 declaration lodged in NCTS.
What status does the cargo have in the transit country?
Transit cargo does not enter the market of the country it crosses. It enters and leaves the country under customs supervision, within a set time limit and on a set route. Article 84 of Customs Law No. 4458 (4458 sayılı Gümrük Kanunu) defines this movement under four headings: from one foreign country to another, from a foreign country to Türkiye, from Türkiye to a foreign country, and from one inland customs office to another. A truck loaded in Iran and crossing Türkiye to Bulgaria falls into the first group. Türkiye levies no duty on this cargo; it only wants to be sure the goods leave sealed and unchanged.
Which system is it carried out under?
| System | Document | Guarantee | Typical direction |
|---|---|---|---|
| TIR | TIR carnet (paper or eTIR) | International guarantee chain; in most countries up to EUR 100,000 per carnet | Russia, the Caucasus, Iran, Central Asia, the Middle East |
| Common transit | T1 declaration in NCTS, TAD in the vehicle | Comprehensive or individual guarantee provided by the holder of the procedure | EU, EFTA, United Kingdom, Western Balkans, Ukraine, Georgia, Moldova |
| National transit | TR declaration in NCTS | National guarantee | Between two customs offices within Türkiye |
How the carnet works is explained in the TIR carnet entry, and how the carnet differs from the consignment note under the difference between a TIR carnet and a CMR.
How do the guarantee, seal and time limit work?
- Guarantee: Secures the customs duty and VAT that would arise if the goods were lost on the way or stayed in the country. When the transit is closed, the guarantee is released.
- Seal: The customs office of entry or departure seals the load compartment. The seal number is written on the carnet or declaration; on exit, the same seal must be found intact.
- Time limit and route: Customs sets the time within which the goods must reach the office of exit or destination. Delays such as breakdowns or accidents are reported to the nearest customs office with an official report.
- Inspection: Unless there is suspicion or a tip-off, sealed cargo is not opened along the way.
Which documents are required for transit through Türkiye?
- TIR carnet or transit accompanying document (TAD) with MRN
- CMR consignment note, commercial invoice and packing list
- For TIR transport, the vehicle's Certificate of Approval (Taşıt Onay Belgesi)
- For foreign-registered vehicles, a transit permit under the bilateral agreement or an ECMT (CEMT) multilateral permit
- Vehicle registration, international motor insurance (Green Card), the driver's passport and, where required, visa
The full list of driver and vehicle documents is in the entry documents to carry in the vehicle on a truck trip.
How does a transit trip run step by step?
- The cargo is cleared in the country of departure, and the carnet is opened or a transit declaration is lodged.
- At the entry gate into Türkiye, voucher No. 1 of the carnet is detached or the TAD is scanned, and the seal is checked.
- The vehicle proceeds to the exit gate within the set time limit.
- On exit, voucher No. 2 is detached or arrival is recorded; the operation in Türkiye is closed.
- The same cycle is repeated in the next transit country.
For the route and border crossings towards Iran, see the entry transit truck transport via Iran.
Common mistakes
- The description of goods on the carnet not matching the invoice
- Running out of vouchers when the route gets longer
- Transhipment or a change of vehicle without notifying customs
- Exceeding the transit time limit without justification
- Setting off on a new trip before receiving confirmation of closure
How does Voltim Global support you on this?
For road shipments from Russia to Akkuyu, Voltim Global uses transit routes via Upper Lars–Georgia and via Iran. In the transit customs clearance and bonded and transit transport services, the carnet, guarantee and seal plan are prepared together with the trip.