Turkey is one of the most important trade centers opening to the European market with its geographical location, advanced logistics infrastructure and strong production capacity. While the customs union agreement with the European Union (EU) offers great advantages in terms of logistics processes, fast and reliable shipments are realized thanks to different modes of transportation such as road, maritime, air and rail.
So, how to manage logistics processes from Turkey to Europe and what are the advantages of these processes for businesses? Here are the details:
1. Logistics Processes from Turkey to Europe
a) Transportation Modes and Routes
Logistics operations to Europe are carried out using different modes of transportation:
Road Transportation
It is the most widely used mode of transportation.
It offers the advantage of flexible shipment times and door-to-door delivery.
Main road routes from Turkey to Europe:
Via Bulgaria: Turkey → Bulgaria → Inland Europe
Via Greece: Turkey → Greece → Italy or other European countries
Maritime Transportation
It offers economical solutions especially for large volumes and heavy loads.
Direct shipment is possible from Istanbul, Izmir, Mersin and Gemlik ports to major ports in Europe.
Distribution from European ports to inland regions can be provided by road or rail.
Airway Transportation
Ideal for high-value products that require speed.
Shipments can be made by direct flights from major cities such as Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir to important air cargo centers in Europe.
Railway Transportation
Increasing rail connections between Europe and Turkey offer a sustainable and low-cost transportation option.
In particular, Marmaray and the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway line provide direct connections to Europe.
b) Customs and Legal Processes
For companies trading between Turkey and Europe, proper management of customs processes is of great importance in order to prevent disruptions in logistics operations.
Customs Union and Tax Advantages
Thanks to the Customs Union Agreement with the EU, Turkey can export industrial products to Europe without additional taxes.
Some product groups, such as agricultural and food products, have specific regulations.
Mandatory Documents and Certificates
ATR Certificate: It is a document that provides customs duty exemption for exports to EU countries.
EUR.1 Certificate: It is a certificate of origin used in trade with countries with which Turkey has free trade agreements.
CE Certificate: Indicates that the products to be sold in the European market comply with European standards and is compulsory in many sectors.
TSE and ISO Certificates: Quality certificates can contribute to the acceleration of customs processes.
Electronic Customs Transactions (E-TIR, E-Freight)
The e-TIR system is an application that accelerates digital customs processes in international road transportation.
In air transportation, the e-Freight system facilitates the transaction process with paperless declaration.
2. Advantages in Logistics from Turkey to Europe
a) Strategic Location and Fast Delivery Times
Turkey's geographical proximity to Europe minimizes delivery times.
The average delivery time by road transportation varies between 2-7 days.
When air transport is used, delivery is possible within 24-48 hours.
b) Low Cost and Flexible Logistics Solutions
The availability of alternative modes of transport enables logistics costs to be optimized.
Since the transit time is short, warehouse costs are reduced and inventory management becomes more efficient.
Partial transportation options reduce costs for small and medium-sized companies.
c) Digital Logistics Systems and Technological Infrastructure
E-logistics and digital tracking systems ensure transparent management of shipment processes.
Smart warehouse management offers speed and security in logistics processes.
Blockchain-based tracking systems make supply chain processes more secure.
d) Easy Access to the European Market and Opportunities for Growth
Thanks to trade agreements with European countries, Turkey has advantageous access to the EU market.
For companies exporting from Turkey to Europe, smooth management of logistics processes offers opportunities to expand into new markets.
Conclusion
Logistics from Turkey to Europe offers great opportunities to businesses thanks to flexible transportation options, strong infrastructure, strategic location and customs union advantages.
As Emy Logistics, we optimize your business processes by managing your logistics operations to Europe in the fastest, most reliable and efficient way.
We are proud to be your reliable business partner in international transportation processes with our advanced technological infrastructure, flexible logistics solutions and expert team.
