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Sustainability as a subject is gaining more and more importance in the world as humans are realizing the impact they have on the environment. The future of the Earth is strictly related to our current practices. Therefore, in many different areas of life sustainable practices have been drawing attention. 

Trade is one of the subjects where sustainability becomes important. Due to being a large-scale operation, trade transactions often have a great impact on the environment due to the transportation process and the goods being transported. In that sense, it is fundamental to understand sustainability and how it could play an important role in trade practices. In this article, we have tried to explain what sustainability is, how it relates to trade and ways trade can become sustainable.

What Is Sustainability?

When considered as a broad term, sustainability is a term that refers to the goal of humans safely co-existing on Earth for a long period. According to UN World Commission on Environment and Development, “sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." 

Yet, there is not a definitive description of sustainability and the existing ones may vary. Even though there is not a clear description, it is usually explained through three dimensions. These three dimensions are environmental, social and economic. 

Dimensions of Sustainability

The dimensions of sustainability emerged in the 2005 World Summit on Social Development. Sustainable development goals were defined in three categories: economic development, social development and finally, environmental protection. 

• Economic Sustainability: It deals with the ecological and social consequences of economic activities. On the other hand, it ensures that humans have access to all the resources they need to continue their life, be independent and meet their needs.

• Social Sustainability: It indicates that all members of a society are equal and have equal rights. Everyone can easily access their basic needs and resources which creates a healthy and safe social environment. 

• Environmental Sustainability: It refers to balanced environmental systems where natural resources are not depleted. Natural resources are consumed at a slow rate and given enough time to replenish themselves.

Why Is Sustainability Important?

Sustainability has different aspects to take into account when its importance is in question. Sustainability is important in improving the quality of life on earth, and ensuring the ecological balance is kept. However, it may be difficult to understand its importance and look beyond these general terms. Let us take a deeper look into why sustainability is important. 

Creates A Better Future

The action of humans shapes the future of our world. We are often forgetful of the fact that without nature and ecological stability, we cannot survive. By adopting sustainable practices in everything we do, we can help to create a better future for everyone. By preserving our natural resources we help to ensure that future generations will be able to benefit from them. 

Less Energy Consumption

With businesses adopting sustainable practices, energy consumption in the world is reduced. Renewable energy is another important point for ecological balance. Simple changes in the way we consume energy can have a significant impact on the environment in the long run. 

Healthy Environment

When sustainable practices are implemented, it results in many positive changes. Water and air quality improve, renewable energy sources increase and landfills are reduced. Being sustainable will also decrease our carbon footprint which will, in return, reduce the toxins released to the environment. As a result, it creates a healthy environment to live in for everyone involved.

What Is Sustainability in Trade?

In essence, sustainability in trade takes the same basic ideas in its approach to business and trade transactions. For sustainable trade to take place, commercial exchanges of goods should create environmental, social and economic benefits. 

This, of course, goes hand in hand with the three dimensions of sustainability we mentioned earlier. Overall, sustainable trade should create economic value while preserving natural resources and improving social conduct. 

Ways Trade Can Be More Sustainable

As environmental issues are getting more attention in recent years, ways to become more sustainable are gaining importance. On a personal level, individuals are trying to reduce their waste and carbon footprint by living more eco-friendly lifestyles. The same idea has started to emerge in businesses. Business owners are becoming more aware of the environmental impact they create and take initiatives to be more sustainable. 

Similarly, sustainability in trade has become one of the hot topics since traditional trade practices can have a negative impact on the environment on a larger scale. In recent years, there have been new initiatives emerging on the subject. New developments take place to make trade practices more sustainable each and every day. Let us discover what those initiatives are and how they can benefit the environment.    

New Initiatives by Governments

At the end of 2021, over 70 countries came together to collaborate on environmental sustainability and trade. The goal of the gathering was to discuss the trade policies that were linked to actions affecting the climate. In a different setting, over 60 governments also came together to discuss plastic pollution and trade. Their focus was plastic alternatives and managing waste in a sustainable manner among other topics. Initiatives such as these ones can help humans review the trade policies and reduce the barriers to eco-friendly goods as well as services. 

UN Environment Assembly

At the annual gathering of the UN Environment Assembly that took place in early 2022, countries focused on establishing a committee for plastic pollution. Even though the details regarding the subject are not yet clear, the aim is to reduce the impact of plastic pollution in oceans as well as on land.

New Rules

EU is coming up with new rules and policies in regards to sustainability and trade. In 2021, the European Commission released a proposal to prevent carbon leakage. It is also planned that a draft strategy will be released in regard to sustainable textiles and a sustainable products policy. The aim of all these initiatives is to improve traceability and transparency while also improving the value chains.

Turkish Goods Places Importance on Sustainable Trade

As Turkish Goods, we strive to make the import process as smooth and secure as possible for the parties involved. Our experts find the best products for you and take care of the entire process to create a satisfying trade experience. In addition to this, Turkish Goods understands the impact trade can have on the environment and adopts sustainable practices to help create a better future for everyone. 

Apricots are among the favorite fruits in the whole world. In addition to its benefits as food, it also finds a place for itself in the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries. This fruit, which is beneficial for most areas of life, is grown in various parts of the world. Yet, some countries stand out in apricot production and exports. 

Global apricot production rose to $4.8 billion in 2021. Let's take a look at the leading countries in apricot exports.

Turkey

It is not surprising that Turkey is at the top of the list. Because Turkey is home to Malatya, the apricot capital of the world. Of course, Malatya does not have the only share in Turkey's apricot production. An average of 128 thousand hectares of land serves apricot production in Turkey. In addition to Malatya,, Elazig, Mersin, Iğdır, and Antalya provinces also come to the fore in apricot production. 

Malatya has a 64% share in the apricot production area. Apricot cultivation is very common in the Aegean, Mediterranean, Central Anatolia, and Marmara regions of Turkey. Hence, Turkey's apricot export figures are also quite high. 

Turkey exports both dried and fresh apricots. According to the data from the Turkish Statistical Institute (TURKSTAT), Turkey produced 850 thousand tons of apricots in 2020. The country earned $321 million from apricot exports in 2020. In 2021, Turkey produced 840 thousand tons of apricots.

Turkey's apricot exports are increasing every year. Especially the export of dried apricots is a significant source of income for the country. Turkey exported 338 million dollars of dried apricots in 2021. In particular, Malatya meets about 85% of the world's dried apricot needs. Exporters from Malatya exported 90 thousand 203 tons of dried apricots in 2021. Turkey ranks first in the world in dried apricot exports with a share of approximately 72%.

Turkey ranks first in the world in dried apricot exports. On the other hand, the country ranks second in the export of fresh apricots.

Spain

Spain is the country at the top of the list in fresh apricot exports. Apricots grow in every region of Spain. Yet, some regions are prominent in apricot production. Murcia is the region that largely meets the needs of Spain in apricot production. The Murcia region meets 70% of Spain's apricot production. Besides, Aragon, Valencia, and Castile-La Mancha are important regions for apricot production. 

Spain produced 93 thousand tons of apricots in 2021. Today, the country makes up 35% of the total fresh apricot export volume in the world. Spain earned $197 million from apricot exports in 2021. But, the storms and frosts in Murcia in the spring of 2022 negatively affected apricot production. Murcia is the most important apricot production center in Spain. Thus, there was a decrease in apricot production in Spain in 2022.

Uzbekistan

Apricots are important sources of income for Uzbekistan. The country stands out in the export of both fresh and dried apricots. Especially Fergana Valley has a large share in the country's apricot production. Yet, 2021 was not very suitable for fresh apricot production in Uzbekistan. Weather anomalies hit Uzbekistan in 2021. Thus, fresh apricot production decreased. Apricot production in the country decreased between 60% and 65% due to weather conditions.

Uzbekistan still managed to maintain its position on the list. Although 2021 was not very good for apricot production, Uzbekistan had great success in 2020. The country exported 11.2 tons of apricots in 2020. As a result, in 2020, Uzbekistan earned 10.9 million dollars from apricot exports. On the other hand, the country earned 49.2 million dollars from fresh and dried apricot exports. As a result, weather conditions hindered the production of fresh apricots. Yet, Uzbekistan continued its success with its dried apricot exports.

Italy

Italy is among the most successful countries in the Mediterranean in apricot exports. Apricots are one of the most important export items of Italy. Farmers grow apricots both in the north and south of the country. But the Emilia-Romagna region stands out in apricot production. Because this region meets 1/3 of Italy's apricot production. As a result, Emilia-Romagna is the main apricot producer in Italy.

In 2021, apricot production in Italy was 188,000 tons. The country exported 31 tons of apricots. Yet, this figure is a little low. Because, as in some countries, weather anomalies reduced apricot production in Italy as well. Still, apricot exports in Italy increased compared to 2020. The country exported 19 thousand tons of apricots in 2020. Moreover, according to estimates, Italy's apricot production will increase to 262 thousand tons by 2022. As a result, Italy's apricot exports will also increase.

Greece

Thanks to the favorable agricultural conditions of the Mediterranean, Greece is also on the list. Apricot production in Greece changes depending on the weather conditions. Yet, it generally hovers between 60,000 tons and 80,000 tons per year. Greece is among the top countries in apricot exports. But the number of places where apricots are grown in the country is few. Peloponnesos and Halkidiki Peninsula meet the apricot production of Greece. These small-scale industrial areas provide most of Greece's apricot production.

Greece produced 55 thousand tons of apricots in 2021. This amount is 29% less than the apricot production in Greece in 2020. As in most Mediterranean countries, the reason for this decline was frosts. But in 2022, apricot production started to increase in Greece. The producers have not yet reached the figures in the pre-frost periods. But production is on the rise. The country exported 17 thousand tons of apricots in 2021. In 2022, weather conditions did not prevent apricot production in Greece.

We Deliver the Best Quality Apricots to You

Turkish Goods is at your service for your fresh and dried fruit imports. We preserve the fruits with the cold chain method. Thus, they lose nothing of their freshness until they reach you. Besides, we work non-stop to provide you with the best quality fruits. Turkish Goods will be your best solution partner for your apricot imports.

Overall, international trade can be quite confusing. Every country has its own laws and regulations exporters and importers need to be aware of. Similarly, for a successful and problem-free trading experience, both parties need to know their responsibilities. This is exactly where Incoterms come into play.

Incoterms are essentially a set of terms published by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). Incoterms are also known as international commercial terms. They are fundamental in international trade because they clarify the obligations of both buyers and sellers. By doing so, Incoterms prevent any confusion that may arise during transactions. Therefore, they are used in international trade frequently to understand the exact terms of agreements. 

Why Are Incoterms Important?

The history of Incoterms date back to the 1930s. The International Chamber of Commerce, also known as ICC, established Incoterms first in 1936. Since then, Incoterms have been updated periodically based on the changing practices in world trade. 

When thought of as a set of rules and guidelines for international trade, Incoterms provide a safe environment for export and import. Acting as a common language between the buyers and sellers, Incoterms are helpful for parties to understand each other and their agreement more clearly. Activities that may seem simple such as labeling shipments or filling out a purchase order follow Incoterms. 

An Overview of Incoterms

Incoterms are made up of 11 rules established by ICC. These rules define the responsibilities of buyers and sellers during trade transactions. These rules define such responsibilities in detail so that there is no room for confusion. The rules clarify the tasks of both parties, costs and risks involved during the entire process. This gives the buyer and the seller a clear picture of what they need to do and what they need to know. 

There are different Incoterms for different modes of transport. As of 2020, there are two main categories. One category involves rules regarding any mode of transport. The other category involves rules regarding sea and inland waterway transport. Let us examine each category in detail and the rules within each category. 

Incoterm Rules for Any Mode of Transport

There are seven Incoterms for any mode of transport. We have listed them and briefly explained what each of them means. Let us take a look.

• EXW (Ex Works): The only responsibility of the seller is to make the goods available to be picked up either at the location of the seller’s business or another specified location. On the other hand, the buyer undertakes all the transportation costs and risks involved.

• FCA (Free Carrier): The seller is responsible for delivering the shipping to a port that was agreed upon. The seller undertakes to export the goods as well as the processes before the export. The buyer becomes responsible for the shipment once it is ready to be loaded.

• CPT (Carriage Paid To): The seller delivers the shipment to a carrier at their expense and undertakes all risks and costs of transport. 

• CIP (Carriage and Insurance Paid To): The seller undertakes all the risks until the goods are delivered to a carrier for the first time at the place of the shipment. The buyer assumes all the risks once the goods are delivered to the first carrier. Yet the seller remains responsible for the transport costs until the shipment reaches its destination.

• DAP (Delivered at Place): The delivery of the goods at the named destination is the responsibility of the seller. The seller undertakes all the risks until unloading. However, the risks and costs of unloading are the buyer’s responsibility.

• DPU (Delivered at Place Unloaded): The seller is responsible for all the risks and transportation costs until the goods arrive at the destination and are unloaded. 

• DDP (Delivered Duty Paid): The seller undertakes all the transportation costs as well as the risks involved. The seller also clears the goods and pays export and import duties for the shipped goods.

Incoterm Rules for Sea and Inland Waterway Transport

There are different Incoterms when it comes to inland waterway and sea transport. We listed all 4 of them and explained them briefly.

• FAS (Free Alongside Ship): The seller is responsible for delivering the goods alongside the vessel at the port. The seller assumes all the transportation costs and risks involved until the goods are delivered at the dock. From this point on, the buyer assumes all the risks and transportation costs. 

• FOB (Free on Board): The seller delivers the goods on board a vessel that was decided by the buyer. The buyer is responsible for the risks involved as well as the transportation costs once the goods are loaded on the vessel.

• CFR (Cost and Freight): The seller is responsible for arranging the transportation of goods by sea to the destination port. The seller is also responsible for providing the buyer with the necessary documents. However, the seller is not responsible for the insurance of the cargo in case of loss or damage during transportation.

• CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight): The seller is responsible for delivering the goods to the ship, loading them onto the vessel and insuring the shipment until it reaches the destination. The seller undertakes the costs during the transportation. The buyer undertakes the responsibility for the costs once the shipment is delivered to the destination port.

How to Choose the Most Suitable Incoterms

It is important that importers and exporters know all the details regarding Incoterms. Because knowing the details of each Incoterms will help them choose the most suitable one. Choosing the most suitable option depends on the responsibilities buyers and sellers want to undertake. 

Each of the Incoterms has different benefits for importers or exporters. They may want to reduce the risks involved in the transportation process, have more control over the costs or have more security in terms of logistics. Depending on their priorities, buyers and sellers should choose the Incoterms that are most suitable for their situation. This will allow them to have clear expectations regarding the process, know the risks and prepare accordingly. 

As an importer, you can import products from Turkish Goods to have a problem-free process. The experts at Turkish Goods take care of the entire process and ensure security for both parties. Contact Turkish Goods to receive more information if you are planning to import goods from Turkey. 

One of the terms frequently used in international shipping is the bill of exchange. A bill of exchange is a document. The seller or exporter prepares this document and forwards it to the buyer or importer. This document is a negotiable instrument. Thus, it guarantees a certain amount of payment to a certain person. Another name for the bill of exchange is draft.

The bill of exchange is legally binding. It requires the buyer to pay the seller within a certain time frame. The buyer usually pays after receiving the goods. Sometimes the buyer has a certain period after receiving the goods. For example, he can make the payment within 10 days after receiving the goods. Yet, a bill of exchange is not a contract. But, parties can use it to specify the terms of a transaction. These terms can be loan terms and accrued interest rates.

A bill of exchange is an unconditional written order. The seller instructs the seller’s bank to pay a specified amount. The seller can get a suitable form from his bank. Also, he can issue the document on a blank sheet of paper. A bill of exchange helps importers and exporters to fulfill transactions in international trade.

Parties to Bill of Exchange

A bill of exchange generally involves three parties. These parties are drawee, payee, and drawer. Drawee pays the amount. The payee is the party to which the payment is made. The drawer is the party that forces the drawee to pay the payee. Besides, the endorser, endorsee, and bearer are parties to the bill of exchange. Endorser transfers payment rights. The drawer endorses the bill of exchange in favor of the endorsee. The bearer is the person holding the bearer bill o exchange.

Information Included in Bill of Exchange

The bill of exchange includes the name and address of the payee. The amount to be paid, the date of payment, and the identification number are also in this document. Also, the bill of exchange has a signature section. A person authorized to undertake to pay the specified amount of funds to the drawee signs the document.

Types of Bill of Exchange

Demand Bill

Another name for a demand bill is the sight bill of exchange. As the name suggests, in the bill on demand, there is a payment if there is a demand. Bill on demand does not have a fixed payment date. In this bill type, the drawee makes the payment. In international trade, the demand bill allows the exporter to keep ownership of the exported goods. The exporter holds the ownership until the importer receives the delivery and pays.

Documentary Bill

In the documentary bill, some documents support the bill of exchange. These documents confirm the authenticity of the sale or transaction. The transaction takes place between the seller and buyer. There are two types of documentary bills. These are documents against acceptance and documents against payment.

• D/A (Documents against acceptance): With the D/A, the exporter instructs the presenting bank to issue the shipping and title documents to the importer. However, for this, the importer must accept and sign the relevant policies.

• D/P (Documents against payment): With D/P the consignee/importer receives the shipped documents only after the buyer's bank collected the payment.

Usance Bill

Another name for usance bill is time bill. Because it specifically indicates the time and due date of the payment. Thus, the usance bill is a time-bound document.

Clean Bill

A clean bill does not have a proof document. Since this invoice does not contain any documents, the charges for this invoice are higher compared to other types. Moreover, with a clean invoice, interest rates are high. Because there is no document in this bill type.

Inland Bills

An inland bill is a document payable only in one country. Hence, the inland bill is not payable in another foreign country.

Foreign Bills

Foreign bills are the opposite of inland bills. Thus, the relevant party in a country prepares foreign bills. Yet, the foreign bill is payable in another country.

Accommodation Bill

This bill serves both parties. It helps the parties without a transaction. It does not entail buying or selling any products or services. An accommodation bill is an agreement between two parties to provide financial assistance.

Trade Bill

Trade bill is common in international trade. If the parties prepare and approve the bill of exchange for a commercial transaction, the bill of exchange becomes a trade bill.

Supply Bills

The government office, suppliers, or contractors prepare the supply bills. The purpose of supply bills is to supply some goods. Supply bills help to get cash for pending payments from any financial institution to meet financial requirements.

Fictitious Bill

In a fictitious bill, the drawer, the drawee, or both are fictitious.

Importance of Bill of Exchange

Bills of exchange are helpful in cross-border commerce. Because they assist buyers and sellers in navigating the dangers of fluctuating exchange rates and varying legal systems.

Advantages of Bill of Exchange

A bill of exchange is a legal document. Hence, if the drawee does not make the payment on time, the drawer can legally recover the money. Moreover, if the drawer needs money urgently, the bill of exchange can help. The drawer can convert the bill into cash. Yet, he must pay some bank charges. Besides, the terms of the bill of exchange are final and do not change. Thus, there is no danger of changes.

A bill of exchange is unconditional. Hence, the drawee must pay the money when he receives the services specified in the invoice. Also, drawee should pay for the orders damaged due to some natural reasons. Yet, drawee does not have to pay if he hasn’t received the services mentioned in the document.

Risks of Bill of Exchange

The risk of a bill of exchange for businesses is that the drawee does not pay. Risks increase, especially if the drawee is an individual or a non-bank entity. Regardless of the drawee, the payee should research the creditworthiness of the issuer. If the drawee does not pay on the due date, the bill will be dishonored.

Would you like a smooth process with Turkish Goods quality in international shipping? You can ask us all your questions by clicking here.

Carpet has been one of the most important household needs of mankind for centuries. On the other hand, it is the Turks who give each space a distinctive ambiance through the carpets that adorn the tiles and parquet. World-famous Turkish carpets and kilims reflect a great history.

It is thought that the origin of Turkish carpets is based on the Central Asian Turks. Carpets woven with motifs with many meanings are still very important today. When carpets are mentioned, the definition of transhumance comes to mind. The Turks, who lived in a nomadic state for a long time, woven carpets to keep their places warmer and to remember events as a memory.

To meet the ground cover requirements of people in the laying of houses, they first discovered the rug by interlacing the wool threads. It is thought that they found the carpet by knotting short woolen threads between these threads. The Central Asian Turks, who spread to every corner of the world during the migration times, also spread the carpets that reflect their memories, pain, and happiness to the world.

Although Turkish carpet culture has similar characteristics everywhere in terms of general characteristics, it varies according to the region or climate. Techniques, patterns, and even colors are shaped by culture. For example, while Turkish carpets were made of thicker wool in colder places in the past, Turks also weaved finer carpets in warm places where they migrated.

These carpets are in such demand even today that tourists usually take carpets, rugs, or woven wall coverings to their countries as gifts. So why are these carpets considered an art?

Turkish Carpet Art

Pazyryk Carpet

The oldest known carpet in history was unearthed by the archaeologist Rudenko around Pazyryk in the Altai mountains. This carpet, which was removed from the glaciers during the research, was named after the region where it was found. This carpet, which is magnificently woven in a wide variety of colors, was first shown to the public in 1953.

The exact chronological date of the Pazirik Carpet is still controversial. By looking at details such as mummified items, the dead, and burial styles in the kurgan found with the carpet, historians guess that this carpet is based on the Asian Huns. The fact that even the motifs of this carpet, which are thought to date back to the 3rd century, can still be examined, shows how artistic its quality is.

East Turkestan Carpets

About 45 years before the Pazirik Carpet was discovered, Hungarian-British archaeologist Aurel Stein found knotted carpet pieces from the 3rd and 4th centuries in Lou-Lan, west of East Turkestan's Lop lake.

These are unpainted wool-woven nodes that are displayed at the British Museum and the New Delhi Museum in India. Some parts have matte-colored flowers, like blue, brown, and diamond patterns.

Abbasid Period Carpets

It is known that the knot technique was brought to the West at the time when the Abbasid dynasty, which ruled the Islamic State, founded the city of Samarra. Carpet samples found in excavations thought to belong to the Abbasid Period are exhibited at the Cairo Museum, the Gotheburg Röhss Museum in Sweden, and the Stockholm National Museum.

Furthermore, one of the two Kufic inscriptions found in the Cairo Arab Museum is thought to have been woven in 818. The third piece with the Kufic inscription is on display at the Washington Textile Museum.

Seljuk Period Carpets

With the conquest of Anatolia, the culture of the Turks is both spread and diversified. It is not thought to be a clear example of the Seljuk carpet in history. But in 1905, the Explorer Martin Konya gave his book to carpet figures in the Alaaddin Mosque.

While animal figures are not known to have been used in the late Seljuk period, a carpet thought to be Tibetan was on display at the New York Metropolitan Museum. It became a little more definite with the work shared by Martin, in which the techniques in this carpet are identified with the Seljuk Period. Although it is still not certain, it is stated that Seljuk carpets date back to the 13th century and there are periods when animal figures are found. Seljuk carpets are among the carpets that are thought to show the most developmental stage.

Ottoman Carpets

The techniques and motifs of Anatolian carpets underwent a significant change following the Fatih era in 1451. Ottoman carpets dating to the 16th century often feature exaggerated plant designs. Carpets started to be separated into two categories in the 17th century: Uşak Carpets and Palace Carpets. Uşak carpets, which started to be produced in the 16th century, are among the most exported carpets to Europe.

On the other hand, Palace Carpets are an interpretation choice that surfaced in the final decades of the 16th century. This carpet is dominated by the naturalistic leaf and blossom designs that were inspired by Ottoman art from the 16th century. These priceless carpets were soft as velvet and were woven with luxury.

Carpets are constantly improving. II in 1881. Abdülhamit has set up 100 carpet stalls. So the world-famous Hereke carpets began to touch.

The production of traditional carpets is still going on in the Konya, Kayseri, Sivas, and Karşehir districts. Additionally, the carpets made in Western Anatolia's Isparta, Fethiye, Balkesir, Uşak, Bergama, Kula, Milas, and Canakkale are quite well known. Studies for the preservation of the traditional Turkish carpet art in the regions of Kars and Erzurum are ongoing in Eastern Anatolia.

The Most Famous Turkish Motifs

There are more than 20 motifs in Turkish carpet motifs. Each has its meaning and message. Here are the five most used motifs:

Scorpion: With this motif meaning death, nomadic Turks believed that they were protecting themselves from death and evil. 

Abundance: The fertility motif is the name of many groups. Many motif shapes, from trees to fruits, symbolize fertility. It is also thought to be a symbol of femininity.

Bukağı: This motif, named after the bukağı word used to prevent the horses from escaping, symbolizes devotion. It represents the devotion of lovers who love each other. In the old days, young girls used to show their love in this motif.

Hand/ Finger/ Comb: The comb is supposed to symbolize fertility, the finger is thought to be a talisman, and the hand is thought to symbolize fertility. These motifs, which are frequently employed together, convey an efficiency that will not be compromised by their combination and that should remain constant.

Eye and Waterway: The waterway motif, which reflects nobility and virtue, is often used together with the eye motif, which is thought to protect from the evil eye.

Customs clearance is an integral part of import and export. So, if international trade is part of your business, you should be familiar with customs clearance. If you are exporting or importing, you will need various documents for customs clearance. These documents must be complete for the process to run smoothly. In this article, we have explained in detail the documents required for customs clearance.

What is Customs Clearance?

Before detailing the required documents, it is useful to explain what customs clearance is. Customs clearance is the process of bringing items through the customs authorities. The purpose of customs clearance is to ease the transportation of the shipment. Information about the parties and consignments for import and export are necessary for customs clearance. All commercial shipments require customs clearance. Thus, customs clearance is necessary regardless of whether you are exporting or importing.

Customs clearance is a necessary procedure for imports and exports. After the clearance of the shipment, the sender needs to provide certain documents. After the shipment's approval, the shipper provides documents about the payment of customs duties and processing confirmation of the shipment. There are electronic or physical documents in the customs clearance process. This process enables the determination of taxes and duties. Customs clearance becomes simpler if a customs broker is involved. A customs broker is an intermediary for importers. He helps importers with their customs business transactions.

Required Documents

The documents required for customs clearance may vary depending on the type of goods. Also, documents may vary depending on the country of origin and the destination of the cargo. Yet, there are some general documents that the parties must prepare. These documents differ in export and import processes.

Export License

Governments provide export licenses to exporters. This document is an approval for the export of a certain quantity of products to a particular country.

Import License

Governments provide import licenses to importers. With this document, the government allows certain items to enter its territory.

Packing List

The packing list details the contents of each package. Packages can be in the form of boxes or pallets. The list contains details about the weights and dimensions of the items in the packages. The packing list can be inside or outside the package.

Pro Forma Invoice

A proforma invoice is an invoice that reaches the buyers before the shipment or delivery of the goods. It provides information on products, weight, and shipping costs.

Commercial Invoice

A commercial invoice is a legal document that the exporter transmits to the importer. This document is a contract between the buyer and the seller. Also, it acts as proof of sale. The commercial invoice gives information about the prices, value, and quantity of the items. Also, it specifies the terms of trade and sale. The parties agree upon these terms.

COO, or Country of Origin Certificate

The exporter provides the COO certificate. This document indicates that the production and processing of the goods take place in the agreed country.

Bill of Lading

The carrier provides the bill of lading to the shipper. This document serves as proof of the contract for the movement of goods. Information such as the quantity, type, and destination of the goods are also on the bill of lading. Moreover, the bill of lading functions as a shipping receipt at the port of destination.

Shipping Bill

The shipping bill is the main document that the customs office gives export permits. This bill shows details such as goods information, ship's name, unloading port, final destination, and exporter's address.

Health Certificate

Health certificates are only necessary for the import of food products. This certificate indicates that the food in the shipment is safe and suitable for consumption. Authorized state institutions issue the health certificate. The items should meet the standards of the destination country.

Letter of Credit

The importer's bank issues the letter of credit. This document states that the importer or buyer will pay the specified amount to the exporter.

Bill of Sight

A bill of sight is a declaration document. The supplier or exporter makes this declaration to the customs department. A bill of sight is necessary when the buyer is unsure of the type of goods. Thanks to this document, the buyer inspects the goods before paying customs duties. Thus, the exporter must provide a letter with the bill of sight. So, customs can clear the items with this document.

Air Waybill (AWB)

Air Waybill is proof of the contract of carriage between the sender and the carrier's company. You can provide a single air waybill for multiple shipments.

Road Waybill (CIM)

This document contains details on the international carriage of goods by road. Convention on the Contract for the International Carriage of Goods by Road determined these details. With a road waybill, the seller places the goods at his disposal during transport.

Customs Declaration

A customs declaration is a document showing lists and detailed descriptions of goods. This document allows customs authorities to control imported or exported goods.

Why Are Customs Clearance Documents Important?

If you do not want to experience delays in customs procedures, you should fully prepare the customs clearance documents.

Documents must be complete to avoid problems between countries in import and export. Besides, preparing the customs clearance documents accurately ensures an ethical trade. Thus, you must be sure that you have prepared all the documents correctly. Because wrong or missing documents can cause big problems. For example, the delivery of goods may be very delayed. Moreover, the products may not reach the buyer. Also, sometimes providing false information can lead to legal penalties. As a result, you could face a fine or criminal investigation.

We Aim for Perfection in Trade

Turkish Goods successfully manages every process to offer buyers a perfect trading experience during the export process. We pay attention to every detail in the customs clearance process. We fully prepare the necessary documents. Importing is smooth and perfect with Turkish Goods. You can click here to get answers to your questions.