Import Risk Checklist: 25 Checks Before Ordering

In international trade, a systematic check before placing an order prevents unexpected costs, customs problems and supply disruptions. This checklist helps you assess the risks you may encounter at every stage of the import process before ordering.

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Let's assess together the GTIP (HS code), tax, surveillance, anti-dumping, TAREKS, document, supplier and total cost risks of your product before ordering.

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Product and Technical Checks

1. Product Description and Technical Specifications

The technical specifications, material composition, dimensions and intended use of the product to be imported must be clearly defined. Unclear product descriptions lead to classification errors at customs.

2. Determining the GTIP Code

The correct GTIP (HS code) code of the product must be determined. An incorrect GTIP can result in overpaid taxes or penal sanctions. For detailed information, review our GTIP and customs risk assessment service.

3. Origin Country Check

The country of origin of the product directly affects the applicable tax rates, anti-dumping duty and trade agreement advantages.

4. Customs Duty Rate

The customs duty rate applicable according to the GTIP and country of origin must be checked from current legislation. Rates vary by product and origin.

5. Additional Customs Duty (IGV)

For some products, IGV may apply in addition to the standard customs duty. This additional cost item must be checked before ordering.

Legislation and Regulatory Checks

6. Anti-Dumping Duty

Anti-dumping duty may apply to certain product and origin combinations. This duty can significantly increase the total cost. For detailed information, read our anti-dumping duty guide.

7. Requirement for a Surveillance Certificate

It must be checked whether the product to be imported is within the scope of surveillance. If a declaration is made below the surveillance value, a surveillance certificate is required. We explain this in detail in our surveillance certificate guide.

8. TAREKS and Product Safety

It must be checked whether the product is within the scope of TAREKS (Risk-Based Control System in Foreign Trade) and which documents and certificates are required.

9. CE Marking and Technical Regulations

For products requiring CE marking under EU and Turkish technical legislation, conformity documents must be obtained from the supplier.

10. Import Permit and Quota

Some products may be subject to import permit, license or quota. These restrictions should be researched before ordering.

Supplier Checks

11. Supplier Company Verification

The supplier's company records, factory address, manufacturer/trading company distinction and export history must be verified. Review our overseas supplier verification guide.

12. Sample Order and Product Verification

Before bulk ordering, a sample must definitely be obtained, and technical specifications and quality must be verified. Our guide to the sampling process in imports provides guidance on this.

13. Proforma Invoice Check

The proforma invoice should clearly state the product description, unit price, total amount, delivery terms, payment conditions and delivery time.

14. Delivery Terms (Incoterms)

It should be assessed which delivery terms such as EXW, FOB, CIF, DAP will be used and their effect on cost/risk distribution.

15. Payment Method and Security

The risk/cost balance of payment methods such as advance payment, letter of credit, cash against documents or cash against goods must be analyzed.

16. Contract and Legal Protection

A written contract must be made with the supplier; quality standards, delivery conditions, penalty clauses and dispute resolution mechanism must be determined.

Quality and Production Checks

17. Quality Standards and Test Reports

It must be determined which quality standards the product must comply with, and test reports and certificates must be requested.

18. Packaging and Labeling

Packaging, labeling and marking requirements in accordance with Turkish legislation must be communicated to the supplier.

19. Pre-Loading Inspection

In bulk orders, performing quality and quantity control before loading prevents incorrect shipments. Our sample and product verification service provides support at this stage.

Logistics and Cost Checks

20. Freight and Mode of Transport

Sea, air or road transport options, transit times and costs should be compared.

21. Insurance

Appropriate insurance policy must be arranged against risks of damage, loss or delay that may occur during transport.

22. Port Expenses and Storage

Port expenses such as delivery order, storage, warehouse, container unstuffing and inland transport must be calculated in advance.

23. Exchange Rate Risk

The effect of foreign exchange rate fluctuations on total cost should be assessed, and if necessary, exchange rate risk management tools should be used.

24. Total Cost Calculation

The total landed cost must be calculated including product price, freight, insurance, customs duty, VAT, IGV, surveillance, storage, inland transport and all other items. Our import cost analysis service helps you with this calculation.

25. Profitability Analysis

After all costs are calculated, a profitability analysis should be made by comparing with the target sales price. If the profit margin is insufficient, alternative supplier or product research should be evaluated.

Download the Free Import Risk Checklist

You can download the 25-item checklist in printable format and use it in every new import operation.

Download the PDF Checklist →

How Should You Use This Checklist?

Review the checklist from start to finish in every new import operation
Get expert support for items you are not sure about
Record the check results in writing
Communicate the requirements to be shared with the supplier in advance