Bitumen Import Duty in Turkey
Last updated: 2026-10-01
Bitumen Import Duty in Turkey
Turkey applies a 0% customs duty on bitumen imports under HS code 2713.20 (petroleum bitumen/asphalt) as of 2024–2025. Importers instead pay VAT (KDV) at 20%, a TRT band roll levy on some products, and anti-dumping duties (up to $0.15/kg or ~$150/tonne) when shipments originate from countries under active trade defence measures. Additional landed costs include the Resource Utilization Support Fund (KKDF) at 6% for non-EU suppliers without a free trade agreement and port/terminal fees of roughly $8–15 per tonne.
In practice, a $450/tonne CIF bitumen cargo from a non-FTA origin often lands in Turkey at $510–$540/tonne once all levies are applied. Below is the full breakdown, updated for 2025 rules.
Turkey Bitumen Import Duty Structure (HS 2713.20)
| Cost Component | Rate / Amount | Applies To | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Customs duty (Gümrük Vergisi) | 0% | All origins | Bound at 0% under Turkey's tariff schedule |
| VAT (KDV) | 20% | All imports | Calculated on CIF + duty + levies |
| KKDF (Resource Utilization Fund) | 6% | Non-EU, non-FTA origins | Applies to CIF value |
| Anti-dumping duty | $0.10–$0.15/kg | Specific origins under review | Check current Communiqué |
| TRT Band Roll Levy | 0–6% | Certain petroleum products | Bitumen typically exempt |
| Port / terminal handling | $8–15/tonne | All cargoes | Varies by port (Mersin, Izmir, Derince) |
| Customs broker fee | $150–400/shipment | All imports | Fixed per declaration |
Key takeaway: the headline customs duty is effectively zero, but the KKDF and VAT are what actually raise the landed price for most non-EU suppliers.
Comparison: Duty by Country of Origin
Because Turkey is in a customs union with the EU and has FTAs with several countries, the origin of the bitumen changes your landed cost dramatically.
| Origin | Customs Duty | KKDF 6% | VAT 20% | Approx. Landed Price ($/t on $450 CIF) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EU member state | 0% | Exempt | 20% | ~$548 |
| FTA partner (e.g., UK, S. Korea) | 0% | Exempt | 20% | ~$548 |
| Iraq / Iran (non-FTA) | 0% | 6% | 20% | ~$580 |
| Russia (non-FTA) | 0% | 6% | 20% | ~$580 |
| India (AD duty possible) | 0% + AD | 6% | 20% | ~$730 |
- EU and FTA origins skip KKDF entirely — saving ~$27/tonne on a $450 cargo.
- Non-FTA origins (Iraq, Iran, Russia, UAE) pay the 6% KKDF, which is often the single biggest non-VAT cost.
- Anti-dumping exposure from specific origins can add $100–150/tonne, effectively doubling total duty-equivalent cost.
How the 20% VAT Actually Works for Importers
VAT is the most misunderstood cost. It is not a permanent expense for registered importers.
- VAT is charged on (CIF + customs duty + KKDF + AD duty).
- A registered Turkish company deducts input VAT against output VAT on sales.
- Net cash impact = temporary working capital tie-up of ~20% of imported value for 30–60 days.
- Non-registered buyers or those selling to non-VAT end users absorb the full 20%.
Example on a 5,000-tonne cargo at $450 CIF:
| Line | Calculation | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| CIF value | 5,000 × $450 | $2,250,000 |
| KKDF (non-FTA) | 6% × $2,250,000 | $135,000 |
| VAT base | $2,250,000 + $135,000 | $2,385,000 |
| VAT (20%) | 20% × $2,385,000 | $477,000 |
| Total cash at clearance | — | ~$612,000 |
That $477,000 VAT is recoverable, but you must fund it upfront.
Anti-Dumping Duties: The Hidden Bitumen Cost
Turkey's Ministry of Trade has initiated anti-dumping investigations on petroleum bitumen from several origins. When active, ADD applies on top of the 0% customs duty.
- Typical ADD range: $0.10–$0.15/kg ($100–150/tonne).
- Applies to named producers/exporters in the investigated country.
- Shipments from non-named companies may face the higher residual rate.
- ADD is in addition to KKDF and VAT — it is part of the VAT base too.
Practical impact: a cargo that looks like $450/tonne CIF can reach $600+/tonne landed if ADD applies. Always verify the current Communiqué on Dumping before fixing a price.
Documentation & Clearance Timeline
| Step | Document | Typical Time |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-arrival filing | Bill of Lading, Invoice, Packing List | 1–2 days |
| Customs declaration | Single Administrative Document (SAD) | Same day |
| Duty assessment | Customs duty + KKDF + VAT calculation | 1–2 days |
| Inspection (if flagged) | TAREKS / TSE control | 3–10 days |
| Release & delivery | Terminal gate pass | 1–2 days |
| Total typical clearance | — | 5–14 days |
- Fastest clearance: EU-origin cargo with complete documentation — often under 5 days.
- Slowest: non-FTA origins flagged for ADD verification or quality inspection — up to 14+ days.
- Bonded warehouse storage runs $0.50–1.20/tonne/day if clearance is delayed.
FAQ: Bitumen Import Duty in Turkey
What is the customs duty rate on bitumen imports to Turkey?
Turkey's customs duty on bitumen under HS code 2713.20 is 0% for all origins. However, importers must still pay 20% VAT, a 6% KKDF charge for non-EU/non-FTA origins, and anti-dumping duties where they apply, which can reach $150/tonne.
Does KKDF apply to all bitumen imports into Turkey?
No. The 6% KKDF applies only to imports from countries without an FTA or customs union with Turkey. EU members, the UK, South Korea, and other FTA partners are exempt, saving roughly $27 per tonne on a $450 CIF cargo.
Is the 20% VAT a permanent cost for Turkish importers?
For VAT-registered companies, no. The 20% VAT is an input tax that is deducted against output VAT on domestic sales. The real cost is a 30–60 day working capital tie-up; only non-registered buyers or exempt sellers bear the full amount.
How much can anti-dumping duties add to a bitumen cargo?
Anti-dumping duties on bitumen typically range from $0.10 to $0.15 per kg, equal to $100–150 per tonne. This is charged on top of the 0% customs duty and is included in the VAT base, so the effective landed cost can rise 20–30% above CIF.
What is the total landed cost of bitumen in Turkey in 2025?
On a $450/tonne CIF cargo, total landed cost ranges from roughly $548/tonne (EU origin) to $580/tonne (non-FTA) and up to $730/tonne (origins with anti-dumping duty). The difference is driven mainly by KKDF, ADD, and port fees, not customs duty.
Calculate Your Exact Bitumen Landed Cost
Duty rates shift with each communiqué, and the KKDF/ADD/VAT stack can swing your margin by $100+ per tonne. Before you fix a price, run the numbers with the 6Tar cost calculator — it automatically applies the latest customs duty, KKDF, VAT, and anti-dumping rates by origin and HS code, so you see your true landed cost in seconds.
→ Try the 6Tar cost calculator now and price your next bitumen cargo with confidence.