Re-export is sending goods that have not entered free circulation in Türkiye on to another country. Because the goods are not imported, no import duty arises in Türkiye.
The warehouse is the natural centre of this operation: the goods arrive, wait, are split if necessary, and are re-exported.
When it is used
- When a consignment arrives whose buyer is not yet confirmed
- When a large consignment is to be distributed to several countries
- When the customs process in the destination country drags on
- When cargo arriving by sea is to be transferred to road transport
The process
The goods are taken into the warehouse with a warehouse declaration. Once the buyer and the shipment are settled, a re-export declaration is made and the goods leave with customs permission.
Weighing and counting are repeated on exit and the balance is updated. Partial shipment is possible and the remaining quantity stays in the warehouse.
The difference between re-export and transit
In transit the goods merely pass through Türkiye; they usually do not stop, or stop only briefly. In re-export the goods are taken into the warehouse, wait for an indefinite period and are then exported.
In practice the two are used together: the goods arrive at the warehouse in transit, wait, and are then re-exported.
Points to watch
The destination country's paperwork requirements should be known from the outset; some countries require a certificate of origin, analysis or conformity.
Packaging and labelling can also be completed at the warehouse during the wait, which solves problems at the border in advance.