Shipping Documents for International Freight: A Buyer's Checklist
Which shipping documents do you need when you buy from Turkey? Invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, A.TR, EUR.1, CMR, bill of lading, TIR carnet and health certificates explained.
Shipping documents are the set of papers that allow goods to leave the country of export legally and clear customs in the country of destination. They are issued by the seller, the carrier and the competent authorities, and the core set is the commercial invoice, packing list, export declaration, certificate of origin (or A.TR / EUR.1) and the transport document. Depending on the product and the destination, health certificates, an insurance policy and special permits are added.
This checklist is written for buyers who import from Turkey and want to know which documents to ask their supplier for, who issues each one and when it is needed. We cover road, sea and rail shipments and the extra documents for fresh produce, natural stone and industrial goods. The information is general; always confirm current rules with your customs broker and the authorities in your country.
Why shipping documents matter
Most customs delays are caused by missing or inconsistent documents. If the weight on the invoice does not match the packing list, if the HS code on the certificate of origin differs from the declaration, or if the consignee's address is missing on the CMR, the truck waits at the border. Waiting means extra cost, and for fresh produce it also means loss of quality.
Documents also affect the duty you pay. Preferential origin documents, where a trade agreement applies, can reduce or remove import duty. If your supplier forgets to issue them, you may pay the full rate on arrival. Agree in the contract which documents the seller must provide, in which language and by what date.
Shipping documents at a glance
The table shows the full set. Not every shipment needs all of them; the list depends on the product, the transport mode and the destination country.
| Document | Purpose | Issued by |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial invoice | Shows the value, parties, delivery and payment terms; the basis of customs value | Seller |
| Packing list | Number of cartons and pallets, gross and net weight, volume; used for inspection and loading | Seller |
| Export declaration | Officially declares the goods for export from Turkey | Customs broker on behalf of the seller |
| Certificate of origin | Shows where the goods were produced; used for duty rates and quotas | Prepared by the seller, approved by a chamber of commerce or industry |
| A.TR movement certificate | Duty-free movement of industrial goods under the EU–Turkey Customs Union | Prepared by the seller, endorsed by the chamber and customs |
| EUR.1 / EUR-MED | Preferential tariff for countries with a free trade agreement with Turkey | Prepared by the seller, endorsed by the chamber and customs |
| CMR consignment note | Proves the road transport contract and handover of goods to the carrier | Carrier, with the shipper's details |
| Bill of lading (B/L) | Proves loading on the vessel; a document of title to the goods | Shipping line or its agent |
| CIM / SMGS rail waybill | Records the rail transport contract | Railway operator |
| TIR carnet | Customs guarantee for transit countries; speeds up border crossings | Authorised carrier, through the national TIR association |
| Phytosanitary / veterinary certificate | Shows that plants, fresh produce or animal products meet health requirements | Turkish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, provincial office |
| Insurance policy or certificate | Proves the cargo is insured in transit under CIF or CIP | Insurer, at the seller's request |
| ADR documents | Class, UN number and safety information for dangerous goods | Shipper and dangerous goods safety adviser |
Core documents: invoice, packing list and declarations
Commercial invoice
The commercial invoice is the backbone of the shipment. It should show seller and buyer details, a clear product description, HS code, quantity, unit price, total value, currency, delivery term (Incoterm and named place) and payment terms. A copy in English or in the language required in your country makes clearance easier.
Packing list
The packing list shows how the invoiced goods are physically packed: number of cartons and pallets, gross and net weight and dimensions of each unit, and batch numbers if any. Customs officers use it to check the cargo, and the carrier uses it to plan loading.
Export and import declarations
The export declaration is filed electronically in Turkey by the supplier's customs broker. Without it the goods cannot leave the country. On your side, your broker files the import declaration using the same invoice, packing list and transport document, so the figures must match. The steps are explained in our customs clearance guide.
Origin documents: certificate of origin, A.TR and EUR.1
The certificate of origin states where the goods were made and determines the duty rate the importing country applies. Buyers in Russia, Central Asia and China usually ask for it; it is approved by a Turkish chamber of commerce or industry.
The A.TR certificate applies only to industrial goods moving between Turkey and the EU under the Customs Union and does not cover agricultural products. For buyers outside the EU it is not relevant. We explain its scope in our article on the A.TR movement certificate.
EUR.1 and EUR-MED are used for countries that have a free trade agreement with Turkey, such as the EFTA states and some Balkan and Middle Eastern countries. Ask your broker which origin document gives a preference in your country before the goods are shipped.
Transport documents: CMR, bill of lading, rail waybill and TIR carnet
The transport document proves that the goods were handed to the carrier, and it depends on the mode: the CMR consignment note for road, the bill of lading for sea and the CIM or SMGS waybill for rail. The CMR contains shipper, consignee, carrier, cargo description and place of delivery details. The TIR carnet gives a customs guarantee in transit countries and speeds up border crossings, especially on the Central Asian routes. Both are covered in our guide to the CMR consignment note and TIR carnet.
In sea transport the bill of lading is not only a receipt but also a document of title: under a letter of credit, banks ask for a clean "shipped on board" bill. Whose name appears on which document depends on the delivery term; see our guide to Incoterms 2020.
Extra shipping documents by product
- Fresh fruit, vegetables and cut flowers: a phytosanitary certificate is required; some countries, including Russia, may ask for additional laboratory reports.
- Food and animal products: veterinary certificate and, if required, halal or quality certificates.
- Natural stone and marble: certificate of origin, block or slab dimensions and weights on the packing list, and a loading plan for containers.
- Machinery and industrial goods: certificate of origin and technical documents; in the EAEU an EAC certificate or declaration of conformity is often needed.
- Dangerous goods: ADR documents, safety data sheet and UN number labels; the class must be declared at the booking stage.
For Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and other Central Asian destinations, a Russian translation of documents and a certificate of origin are often requested. Requirements change, so check them for each new product.
Frequently asked questions
Which shipping documents are always needed?
Every international shipment has a commercial invoice, packing list, export declaration and transport document. A certificate of origin, A.TR or EUR.1 is added depending on the destination; health certificates and ADR documents depend on the product.
Do I need an A.TR certificate outside the EU?
No. A.TR is used only for industrial goods traded between Turkey and the EU. Buyers in Central Asia, Russia and the Caucasus usually need a standard certificate of origin instead.
Who issues the certificate of origin?
The seller fills it in and a Turkish chamber of commerce or industry approves it. Some countries also ask for consular legalisation, which should be confirmed before shipment.
What happens if documents are missing?
Missing or inconsistent documents lead to waiting at the border or port, extra inspection and storage charges. For fresh produce the delay can mean quality loss and rejection by the buyer.
BNK Logistics (BNK Lojistik), based in Muratpaşa, Antalya, plans road, sea and rail shipments to Europe, Russia, Central Asia and China and checks that the transport documents match each shipment; every vehicle comes with a tracking link that includes documents, photos and video. Send your cargo details through our quote form or call +90 542 485 53 70 or message us on WhatsApp at +90 545 485 53 70.
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