From the Editor’s Desk

The United States is one of Turkey’s most important trading partners, with a growing appetite for Turkish products such as textiles, food and beverages, marble, machinery, and furniture. For Turkish exporters, the U.S. market represents vast opportunities but also complex regulatory requirements and logistical challenges.

Successfully exporting to the U.S. requires more than just competitive pricing. It demands a deep understanding of customs compliance, Incoterms, freight operations, and documentation. Mistakes can result in shipment delays, unexpected costs, or even cargo rejections.

This guide outlines the key steps Turkish exporters need to follow when importing into the USA, including compliance with U.S. regulations, documentation essentials, shipping strategies, and best practices for building a resilient digital supply chain with 3PL visibility.

Key Takeaways

Compliance

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) enforces strict documentation and product classification requirements.
• Products like food, cosmetics, and medical goods must meet additional FDA and USDA regulations.

Documentation

• Commercial invoices, packing lists, and certificates of origin are mandatory.
• Failure to file Importer Security Filing (ISF) for ocean shipments leads to costly penalties.

Shipping Strategy

• Turkey’s ports—such as Izmir, Ambarlı, and Mersin—offer strong connections to U.S. East Coast gateways.
• Predictive logistics and freight consolidation can reduce costs and improve efficiency.

Understanding U.S. Import Regulations

CBP and Product Classification

All goods entering the U.S. must be classified under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS). Incorrect HS codes result in delays, fines, or reclassification costs. Turkish exporters must ensure accuracy to avoid compliance risks.

FDA and USDA Requirements

Food, beverages, cosmetics, and agricultural products require compliance with FDA and USDA standards. This includes facility registration, prior notices, and labeling checks.

Importer Security Filing (ISF)

For ocean freight, the ISF—known as the “10+2 filing”—must be submitted 24 hours before cargo is loaded at the port of origin. Non-compliance results in penalties up to $5,000 per violation.

Essential Documentation Checklist

• Commercial Invoice: Detailed product description, HS codes, and declared value.
• Packing List: Itemized carton details including dimensions and weight.
• Bill of Lading / Airway Bill: Contract of carriage with carrier details.
• Certificate of Origin: Verifies Turkey as the country of manufacture.
• ISPM-15 Certification: Required for wooden pallets and packaging.
• Additional Certificates: FDA, USDA, or EPA approvals depending on the product category.

Shipping Options for Turkish Exporters

Ocean Freight

Best for large volumes of goods such as furniture, textiles, and marble. Transit times from Turkish ports to U.S. East Coast range between 20–25 days. FCL is ideal for bulk shipments, while LCL offers flexibility for smaller volumes.

Air Freight

Preferred for high-value or urgent goods like textiles, electronics, or perishable items. Transit time ranges from 3–7 days, though costs are higher compared to ocean freight.

Multimodal Solutions

Combining ocean freight with rail or trucking within the U.S. offers a cost-effective way to reach inland markets while reducing transit delays.

Best Practices for Turkish Exporters

1. Work with Experienced 3PLs

3PLs with U.S. import expertise ensure compliance, manage documentation, and provide real-time visibility across shipments.

2. Optimize Container Utilization

Freight consolidation and proper load planning reduce per-unit shipping costs and improve efficiency.

3. Leverage Predictive Logistics

Predictive tools forecast demand, rate fluctuations, and port congestion, helping exporters plan proactively.

4. Conduct Compliance Audits

Regularly review documentation and regulatory requirements to avoid costly delays or penalties.

Beeontrade’s Perspective

At Beeontrade, we see U.S. imports as an opportunity for Turkish exporters to expand into one of the world’s most lucrative markets. By combining compliance expertise, predictive logistics, and 3PL visibility, we help exporters achieve freight cost reduction, minimize risks, and build stronger supply chains for long-term success in the American market.

Sources

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection – Import Guidelines
• FDA – Import Basics
• USDA – Agricultural Imports
• The Loadstar – Global Trade Insights
• Journal of Commerce – U.S. Import Trends