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Exporting Automotive Parts from Turkey: The Easiest Way to Enter the EU Market

Turkey’s automotive sector continues to shine as the country’s top export powerhouse. In 2025, total automotive exports—including vehicles and parts—reached a record $41.5 billion, up 11.6-12% from the previous year. The supplier industry, which focuses on parts and components, played a crucial role, with exports growing 6% to $15.77 billion (accounting for about 38% of the overall automotive export value). The European Union remains the dominant destination, absorbing 72.5% of Turkey’s automotive shipments (around $30.11 billion), making it the easiest and most natural market for Turkish auto parts exporters.

This seamless access stems primarily from the EU-Turkey Customs Union, established in 1995. For industrial goods like automotive parts (HS Chapter 87, particularly HS 8708 for parts and accessories), the Customs Union eliminates tariffs and quantitative restrictions on trade between Turkey and the EU. Goods in free circulation move without customs duties, vastly simplifying the export process compared to non-Union countries that face tariffs, complex rules of origin, and additional barriers.

Why the EU Market Is So Accessible for Turkish Auto Parts Exporters

Zero Tariffs on Industrial Goods: Automotive parts qualify for duty-free entry into the EU as long as they fall under the Customs Union scope (excluding coal, steel, and certain agricultural products).
No Preferential Rules of Origin Required: Unlike free trade agreements (FTAs), the Customs Union does not impose strict origin rules for qualifying goods. Products in free circulation—meaning they have undergone sufficient processing in Turkey or entered legally—circulate freely using the A.TR. movement certificate (not to be confused with origin-proving documents like EUR.1 used in other agreements). This avoids the bureaucratic burden of proving value-added percentages or tracking supply chains.
Integrated Supply Chains: Many Turkish manufacturers are part of European OEM networks (e.g., Ford Otosan, Oyak Renault, Tofaş, and suppliers like Bosch Türkiye). Turkish parts often feed directly into EU assembly lines in Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and beyond, with established logistics and quality standards (IATF 16949, ISO, TÜV, E-Mark, CE compliance).
Geographic Proximity and Logistics Efficiency: Turkey’s location enables fast, cost-effective transport—primarily by road (trucks), rail, or short sea routes from ports like Istanbul, Izmir, and Bursa. Delivery times to major EU hubs are often just a few days, far quicker than from Asia.

Germany stands out as the top destination (e.g., significant growth to $6.61 billion in key categories), followed by France, Italy, Spain, and the UK (post-Brexit arrangements still favor many flows). Turkish parts—ranging from braking systems, filters, suspension components, electrical parts, to sensors—benefit from competitive pricing (often 30-40% savings vs. Western European alternatives) while meeting high EU quality and safety standards.

The Easiest Step-by-Step Way to Start Exporting Auto Parts to the EU

Ensure Compliance and Certification Produce or source parts that meet EU technical regulations (e.g., type approval, safety standards). Obtain necessary certifications (CE marking where applicable, E-Mark for automotive components). Turkish suppliers in organized industrial zones (e.g., Bursa, Kocaeli, Ankara) are well-equipped for this.
Prepare Export Documentation in Turkey Submit an electronic export declaration via Turkey’s customs system (BİLGE or similar). Key documents include commercial invoice, packing list, and the A.TR. certificate issued by Turkish customs or chambers of commerce to confirm free circulation status.
Arrange Logistics Use reliable freight forwarders specializing in Turkey-EU routes. Road transport is the most common and cost-effective for parts (door-to-door in days). Consolidate shipments for smaller exporters to reduce costs.
Handle EU-Side Import (Minimal for Customs Union Goods) EU importers declare goods under the Customs Union preference—no duties apply. Provide the A.TR. certificate upon request. For B2B sales, VAT is typically reverse-charged or handled via local registration.
Build Partnerships Connect with EU distributors, OEMs, or aftermarket networks. Platforms, trade fairs (e.g., Automechanika), or associations like the Uludağ Automotive Exporters’ Association (OİB) facilitate matchmaking.

While challenges exist—such as evolving EU emissions rules, potential “Made in Europe” preferences, or modernization talks for the Customs Union—the current framework makes entry remarkably straightforward for compliant Turkish exporters. Many SMEs start small with aftermarket parts before scaling to OEM supply.

For Turkish businesses exploring export strategies in automotive and related sectors, check out more detailed guides in our Exporter category.

For professional logistics, customs brokerage, and supply chain solutions optimized for automotive parts shipments to the EU, visit KralBenz

Exporting Automotive Parts from Turkey: The Easiest Way to Enter the EU Market