In plain words
Turkey and the EU have a customs union for most industrial goods and processed agricultural products. Under it, goods that are in free circulation in Turkey or in the EU can move between them without customs duties. The A.TR proves this status.
Important: the A.TR is not a proof of origin. It shows free circulation, not where the goods were made. Goods made in another country, but cleared and duty-paid in Turkey, can also travel with an A.TR. Basic agricultural products and coal and steel products are outside the customs union and use the EUR.1 instead. The exporter fills in the A.TR, and customs endorses it.
Example from real shipping
A Turkish factory sells washing machines to a buyer in Poland. Washing machines are industrial goods under the customs union, so the exporter prepares an A.TR. Turkish customs endorses it. Polish customs accepts the A.TR, and the buyer pays no customs duty, only the import VAT.
Related terms
- EUR.1EUR.1 is a certificate of preferential origin. It can lower or remove import duty when goods move between countries that have a free trade agreement.
- Certificate of OriginA certificate of origin is an official document that shows the country where the goods were made.
- T1A T1 is a customs transit declaration. It lets goods travel through a customs territory under customs control, without paying import duties and taxes on the way.
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Request a QuoteThis glossary is general information, not legal or customs advice. Rules, fees, and practice can differ by carrier, port, and country.