Turkey Expected to Implement 24-Hour Rule January 1

December 29, 2011

According to industry sources and BDP Operations in Turkey, the Republic of Turkey Ministry of Customs and Trade (Turkish Customs) is expected to implement a 24-hour Advanced Manifest Rule, beginning January 1, 2012, Sunday. The new regulation is based on an interpretation of Turkish Customs Law 4458, which dates back to 1999.

While an official announcement has not been issued by Turkish Customs or other government agencies, we expect that under the regulation, operators of all Turkey-bound ocean vessels will be required to provide detailed import manifests to Turkish

Customs at least 24 hours prior to cargo loading at foreign ports.

The data elements in Turkey’s Advanced Manifest Rule will be similar to those in the EU and USA, including:

• Name of Shipper (Consignor)

• Name of Consignee (including TR Tax number, if available)

• Notify Party (mandatory for “To Order” B/L)

• Container number(s)

• Seal number(s)

• Number of packages and package type code

• Cargo gross weight

• Harmonized System Code (first six digits, to avoid language misinterpretations)

• “Acceptable goods description” (refer to EU Guidelines: ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/

• UN Code for Dangerous Goods

• MBL number

While we are told there will be no transitional grace period – that compliance will be required effective January 1 – in our view, the start-up phase will run for at least 60 days with no penalties or shipment delays imposed. Nevertheless, ocean carriers, freight forwarders, customs brokers and NVOCCS will be responsible for timely submittal of the advanced manifest data to Turkish Customs at least 24 hours prior to vessel loading at the port of origin, based on the information supplied by customers.

BDP Turkey stands ready to provide complete support including submittal of advanced manifest data to Turkish Customs. We will also continue to monitor progress of the regulation from our offices in Turkey communicating updates (including changes) as they become available.

For more information, please contact Bozkurt Bekisoglu, National Sea Freight Manager (bozkurt.bekisoglu@bdpinternational.com , +90-212-3460601 / Cell +90-530-3852010).

Thank you.

Sources: BDP Turkey and Industry References