Sourcing Welded Steel Parts from Türkiye: Costs, Lead Times and Customs
A practical guide for European buyers and engineers who want to move welded and machined steel parts to a supplier in Türkiye: what you save, how long transport takes, how customs and CBAM work, and what to ask a supplier.
- Customs UnionEU–Türkiye since 1996
- A.TRMovement certificate
- ~1 weekRoad to Central Europe
- CBAMFrom 2026
- EN 1090Same standards
Why European Buyers Source Steel Fabrication in Türkiye
Türkiye has a large, experienced metalworking industry, competitive labour and overhead costs, and short transport routes to the EU. For welded and machined parts, the total landed cost is often well below Western European prices, while lead times stay far shorter than sourcing from Asia.
Equally important, Turkish manufacturers work to the same European standards: EN 1090 for structural steel, ISO 3834 for welding quality, EN 10204 for material certificates and ISO 9001 for quality management. A part made to EN 1090 EXC3 in İzmir is made to the same rules as one made in Germany.
Where the saving comes from
- Lower labour cost for welding, fitting and finishing, which dominate fabricated part cost
- Fabrication, machining and coating under one quotation, so fewer hand-offs
- Short transport, so less inventory in transit than with overseas sourcing
Where the saving disappears: unclear drawings, parts that need repeated rework, and suppliers who cannot document what they make. Choose the supplier on documentation and communication, not only on price.
Customs, Duties and Documents
Simplified overview for buyers. Always confirm the HS code and current rules with your customs broker.
| Topic | What it means for welded and machined parts |
|---|---|
| EU–Türkiye Customs Union | Industrial goods in free circulation in Türkiye enter the EU without customs duty when accompanied by an A.TR movement certificate. |
| A.TR certificate | Issued for the shipment and presented at EU import. Your supplier or their forwarder prepares it. |
| Raw steel products | Basic steel products (plates, coils, bars) are outside the Customs Union and follow separate free-trade rules with proof of origin; fabricated parts usually are not affected. |
| EU steel safeguard | Some steel products in HS chapters 72 and 73 are subject to EU safeguard quotas. Check your HS code; machine parts in chapter 84 are generally outside. |
| CBAM | Since 1 January 2026 the definitive CBAM period applies to iron and steel goods listed in the regulation, including many chapter 73 articles. Importers above 50 tonnes per year of CBAM goods need authorised declarant status. |
| VAT | Import VAT is charged at EU import as usual and can normally be reclaimed by VAT-registered buyers. |
| Incoterms | EXW, FCA, FOB, DAP and DDP are all common. DAP or DDP gives you a delivered price. |
Lead Times and Transport from İzmir
What to Ask a Supplier in Türkiye
Certificates
Ask for current ISO 9001, EN 1090 (with execution class) and ISO 3834 certificates, and who issued them.
Documentation
Will you get EN 10204 3.1 certificates, dimensional reports and WPS with every order?
Machine list
Can they really make your part? Check the machine list against your largest part.
Communication
Who answers your questions, in which language, and how fast?
First article
Will they build and measure a first part before the series?
Visit or audit
Can you or a third party audit the production and attend inspections?
Questions About Sourcing from Türkiye
Do I pay customs duty on welded parts from Türkiye?
Usually not. Industrial goods in free circulation in Türkiye enter the EU duty-free under the Customs Union with an A.TR certificate. Confirm your HS code with your broker.
Does CBAM apply to my parts?
It depends on the HS code. Many steel articles in chapter 73 are CBAM goods; machine parts in chapter 84 generally are not. Importers above 50 tonnes per year of CBAM goods need authorised declarant status.
How long does delivery take?
Road freight to Central Europe takes about a week. Production typically takes 4 to 8 weeks after drawing approval.
Are quality standards the same?
Yes. EN 1090, ISO 3834, ISO 9001 and EN 10204 are applied in Türkiye exactly as in the EU.
How do I start?
Send one drawing with quantity, material and delivery address. A good supplier replies with questions, a price and a lead time.
Try us with one drawing.
Send a part you buy today. We reply with feasibility, lead time and a delivered price to your plant.