Ordering Lighting from Turkey to Europe: Shipping, Customs, VAT and Electrics
Ordering lighting from Turkey is easier than many buyers expect. Istanbul is a major lighting production centre, close to Europe, and a direct manufacturer can often offer better prices and far more flexibility than a local reseller. The questions we hear most from European clients are about shipping, customs, VAT and electrics. Here are straightforward answers based on our own export work.
This is general information, not legal or tax advice. Import rules change, so check the details for your country with your forwarder or customs office.
Why buy lighting directly from a Turkish manufacturer?
- Made to your size: diameter, drop, finish and number of lights can be adjusted, which catalogue products rarely allow.
- No middleman: you deal with the people who make the light.
- Distance: Istanbul is a few days by road from most of Europe.
- Craft and capacity: metalwork, plating and glass are long-established trades here. Our own workshop has been producing since 1984.
Customs duty and VAT in the EU
Turkey and the European Union share a customs union for industrial goods. In practice, lighting produced in Turkey and shipped with an A.TR movement certificate normally enters the EU without customs duty. What you do pay is:
- Import VAT at your country's rate, for example 21% in the Netherlands or 19% in Germany
- A clearance or handling fee charged by the courier or customs broker
Business buyers registered for VAT can usually reclaim import VAT through their normal VAT return. We prepare the export documents with your order.
The United Kingdom
Since leaving the EU, the UK has its own trade agreement with Turkey. Goods of Turkish origin can generally enter the UK without tariffs when origin is documented. UK import VAT of 20% applies.
Other countries
For the Middle East, North America and elsewhere, duties depend on the destination and on the product classification. Tell us where you are and we'll prepare the documents your importer or forwarder needs.
Shipping options
Courier
Best for single pieces and smaller orders. Door-to-door, with the courier handling customs clearance.
Road freight
Good value for larger chandeliers and project orders going to Europe. Goods are crated and delivered to your address or warehouse.
Sea and air freight
Sea freight suits container-sized hotel orders and overseas destinations. Air freight is for urgent deliveries.
Shipping is quoted per order, because one large chandelier and a pallet of wall lights are very different shipments. You can also use your own forwarder.
Packaging
Custom lights are packed for international transport: glass and plated parts are wrapped individually, and large chandeliers travel in wooden crates or are split into sections for assembly on site.
Electrics and lamp holders
For Europe we wire to 230V and use standard lamp holders such as E27, E14 and G9, or integrated LED with a suitable driver. If your project needs particular documentation or certification, tell us before we quote so we can confirm what we can provide.
Payment and lead time
Price, payment terms and lead time are stated in your written quote. International orders are normally paid by bank transfer. Standard catalogue models usually ship in about 10 business days. Bespoke pieces are scheduled individually.
A typical order, start to finish
- You send a photo, link or drawing with sizes and your delivery address.
- We reply with a specification, price, lead time and shipping cost.
- You approve and pay as agreed in the quote.
- We produce, check and pack your lights in Istanbul.
- We ship with export documents, and you receive tracking.
Want something made to your own design? Read how we make a custom chandelier from a photo, or see our custom lighting manufacturing page.
Looking for ideas? Browse our made-to-order chandelier and pendant collection and request a quote for any model.
Frequently asked questions
Do I pay customs duty on lighting from Turkey to the EU?
Turkey and the EU have a customs union for industrial goods. With the right movement document (A.TR), lighting from Turkey normally enters the EU without customs duty. You still pay your country's import VAT and possibly a small clearance fee. Rules can change, so confirm with your forwarder or local customs for your case.
What about the UK?
Under the UK–Turkey trade agreement, goods of Turkish origin can usually enter the UK without tariffs when origin is documented. UK import VAT still applies.
How long does delivery to Europe take?
Production time is confirmed in your quote. After that, courier shipments to Europe usually take several days and road freight around one to two weeks, depending on the destination.
Will the lights work with European electrics?
Yes. We wire to 230V and use common European lamp holders such as E27, E14 and G9, or integrated LED. Tell us your country and any certification your project requires before we quote.
Ready to order or need a shipping quote?
Tell us what you need and your postcode. We'll send a full quote including delivery.
WhatsApp: +90 542 699 12 56
Email: info@besaavize.com