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Exporting goods from Turkey to global markets involves not only production and logistics, but also the correct registration and licensing with the country’s exporter unions and customs authorities. One of the core identifiers in this process is the “exporter number” / “exporter registration number” (ihracatçı birliği kayıt numarası) issued by the relevant exporter association or union. In this article, we’ll break down what the Turkish exporter number is, why it matters, how to obtain it, how to use it, and what international buyers should know when dealing with Turkish exporters.
In Turkey, any company wishing to export goods must be registered and affiliated with the relevant exporter association (birlik) under the umbrella of the Türkiye İhracatçılar Meclisi (TİM).
The number essentially identifies the exporter firm within the Turkish export-registry system. For example, the “Exporter Registry Form” requires legal title, business title, tax number, address, etc.
For certain preferential trade regimes (e.g., under the UK–Turkey Trade Agreement or EU-Turkey customs arrangements), the exporter number or “Customs Authorisation Number” is entered in origin declarations.
According to the Turkish Ministry of Trade, “Every legal person, natural person or joint-venture that owns tax ID number and is a member of related exporter association can be an exporter.”
Thus: the exporter number is the key code that links a Turkish company to its export-licensing status and membership in the exporters’ union-ecosystem.
Having a legitimate exporter number shows that the company is registered with the Turkish trade system and eligible to perform exports. This gives confidence to overseas buyers that the supplier is operating properly.
When exporting to countries with which Turkey has trade agreements, origin declarations often require the exporter’s number (or customs authorisation number) to claim lower tariffs. For example, under the UK-Turkey FTA, while Turkish exporters are not strictly required to have REX, if using an approved exporter the authorisation number is entered.
For exports where the origin of goods is key (to claim preferential tariffs), the exporter number is part of the proof-chain.
Customs authorities will refer to the exporter number when processing shipments, audits, risk-assessments, etc. Registration systems in Turkey for exporters have explicit online registration and monitoring profiles.
For Turkish companies seeking to attract foreign buyers, showing a correctly issued exporter number and the relevant membership in an exporter union is part of establishing trust and professionalism.
Here is a step-by-step overview for a Turkish company to obtain the exporter number:
Ensure your company is legally registered in Turkey, has a tax ID number, and is eligible to become an exporter (natural or legal person).
You must become a member of the relevant union depending on your product sector and region (for example, the Ege İhracatçı Birlikleri for Aegean region exporters).
The union or association will require you to fill an Exporter Registry Form. This form includes details such as legal/business title, address, tax registry number, year of establishment, number of employees, export countries, etc.
Turkey has an online system where exporters can register basic information: legal title, business title, contact details, etc.
Once approved by the relevant exporter union (and in coordination with customs/Ministry of Trade), you will receive your exporter number (or export-licence number) which you can use in export documentation.
You must update your company profile, ensure annual performance details are entered, and maintain your membership status in the union. Otherwise your exporter number may become inactive or subject to audit.
When exporting, always list your exporter number on invoices, customs declarations and origin statements. If you claim a preferential tariff, the origin statement may read something like:
“The exporter of the products covered by this document (Customs Authorisation No. XYZ) declares that, except where otherwise clearly indicated, these products are of Turkish preferential origin.”
If your goods are destined for regions like the EU or UK, check whether your number qualifies for the respective system (e.g., REX number for EU preferential access) or whether Turkey has alternative arrangements. For instance, the UK-Turkey agreement states Turkish exporters are not required to have a REX number under that treaty—but an authorised exporter can use the authorisation number.
Regularly file required data, keep membership fees paid, and respond to audits or queries. Membership may require forms like a commitment letter, activity certificates, etc.
Ensure that all necessary export documents reflect your exporter number and that you meet all criteria: commercial invoice, certificate of origin, HS code, export regime compliance etc.
Foreign buyers will often ask for the Turkish exporter number, confirmation of registration, membership in the exporters union and proof of origin. Prepare a short info-sheet about your company’s registration to facilitate trust.
Technically, to export from Turkey you must be a member of an exporter association and registered. If you are not properly registered, you risk delays, document rejection or inability to claim preferential tariffs.
Not exactly. The exporter number issued via Turkish exporter associations is a national registration. The REX system (Registered Exporter system) is a broader system used by the EU for origin certification and preferential tariff eligibility. Taxation and Customs Union Turkey exporters may use other numbers depending on the trade agreement — for example, under the UK-Turkey agreement the REX number may not be required.
If your membership in the relevant exporters union is revoked or you fail to update required annual data, the number might be suspended. This can lead to customs problems or inability to claim preferential origin.
Yes — many importers will verify your exporter status with the Turkish union or request a copy of your registration certificate. Preparing this documentation in advance prevents misunderstandings.
By confirming your Turkish supplier has a valid exporter number, you ensure they are legitimately registered — reducing risk.
It simplifies origin documentation and preferential tariff claims (if applicable) when dealing with Turkish exports.
Transparent registration indicates the supplier is aware of export-regulations and procedures — making handling of logistics, customs or compliance smoother.
You can ask the supplier to include the exporter number in the commercial invoice and origin declaration to facilitate smoother customs clearance at your end.
In summary: the Turkish exporter number is a vital registration code for companies exporting from Turkey, issued via the exporter unions under the governance of the Turkish Ministry of Trade. It ensures legal compliance, supports origin documentation and plays a key role in international trade operations.
Next steps for companies:
If you are a Turkish exporter: check your registration status, complete your exporter registration form, join the correct exporters union, enter your exporter number on export documents.
If you are an overseas importer: request the exporter number from your Turkish supplier, verify their registration and ensure that documents reflect the number correctly.
Obtaining a Turkish exporter number is more than a bureaucratic step — it’s a gateway to international credibility, legal compliance, and trade efficiency. Whether you’re a Turkish company aiming to expand into global markets or an international buyer sourcing from Turkey, ensuring that your business is properly registered with an exporter union builds trust and simplifies customs procedures. The exporter registration process connects your business directly with Türkiye’s Ministry of Trade systems, ensuring transparent trade operations, verified export documentation, and eligibility for preferential trade agreements.
In today’s globalized economy, every exporter must be both compliant and visible — and the Turkish exporter number helps you achieve exactly that. By keeping your registration active, maintaining accurate records, and communicating your number on export documents, you can secure smoother customs clearances, stronger partnerships, and a professional image in the global market. For businesses seeking to export from Turkey, this registration number is not just a formality — it’s the foundation of sustainable export success.
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