Bitumen Import Duty in Turkey
Last updated: 2026-10-02
Bitumen Import Duty in Turkey
Turkey applies a 0% customs duty (tariff) on most bitumen imports under HS Code 2713.20, but the real landed cost is shaped by VAT (KDV) at 20%, the Special Consumption Tax (ÖTV), anti-dumping measures applied to certain origins, and freight. For a standard shipment of penetration-grade bitumen (PG 60/70) valued at USD 480/MT CFR Mersin, importers typically pay USD 0 in customs duty, USD 96/MT in VAT, and total landed cost around USD 580–600/MT depending on origin and testing.
This guide breaks down the exact duty structure, tax stack, origin-based differences, and documentation needed to clear bitumen at Turkish ports in 2024–2025.
Turkey's Tariff Structure for Bitumen (HS 2713.20)
Turkey's customs tariff follows the EU Combined Nomenclature under its Customs Union agreement. Bitumen classified as HS 2713.20.00 — "bitumen and asphalt, natural; bituminous or oil shale" — is subject to the following:
| Charge | Rate | Applies To | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Customs duty (tariff) | 0% | Most origins | CIF value |
| VAT (KDV) | 20% | All imports | CIF + duty |
| Special Consumption Tax (ÖTV) | 0% (List IV, ref. 2713.20) | Standard PG grades | CIF |
| Anti-dumping duty | Up to 22.5% | Specific origins | CIF |
| TRT banderol fee | ~1% | Consumer-packed bitumen | CIF |
| Port/transit fees | Variable | All | Per shipment |
Key takeaway: Turkey does not impose a general import tariff on bitumen. The tax burden is almost entirely VAT, which is recoverable for VAT-registered industrial buyers but is a real cash-flow cost for traders.
Many first-time importers search for "bitumen import duty Turkey" expecting a simple percentage. The answer is 0% duty, 20% VAT, 0% ÖTV — but three factors change the effective cost:
- Origin matters — some origins face anti-dumping duties.
- VAT is not always recoverable — traders reselling domestically absorb it.
- Port and logistics add USD 15–35/MT.
Country-by-Country Duty and AD Comparison
Turkey's import regime distinguishes between MFN (Most Favored Nation), FTA partners, and countries under trade defense measures. Because the tariff is already 0%, the main variable is anti-dumping.
| Origin | Customs Duty | Anti-Dumping | VAT | Effective Extra Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iraq | 0% | No | 20% | Baseline |
| Russia | 0% | No (post-2022 review) | 20% | Baseline |
| Iran | 0% | Yes (varies) | 20% | +18–22.5% |
| Saudi Arabia | 0% | No | 20% | Baseline |
| UAE | 0% | No | 20% | Baseline |
| EU (Greece, Italy) | 0% | No | 20% | Baseline |
| India | 0% | Under review | 20% | Case-by-case |
| Libya | 0% | No | 20% | Baseline |
Note on Iran: Anti-dumping measures on Iranian bitumen have been revised multiple times. Importers must verify the current regulation in the Official Gazette (Resmî Gazete) before contracting, as rates can change within a single fiscal year.
Assume FOB USD 430/MT, freight to Mersin USD 50/MT, insurance USD 3/MT → CIF USD 483/MT.
| Origin | CIF | Duty | AD | VAT (20%) | Landed Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iraq | 483 | 0 | 0 | 96.6 | ~580 |
| UAE | 483 | 0 | 0 | 96.6 | ~580 |
| Iran | 483 | 0 | 108.7 | 118.3 | ~710 |
| Russia | 483 | 0 | 0 | 96.6 | ~580 |
The USD 130/MT gap between Iran and other origins explains why most Turkish importers now source from Iraq, Russia, UAE, and Saudi Arabia.
Documentation Required for Bitumen Clearance in Turkey
Turkish customs (via the Tek Window / Single Window System) requires a specific document set. Missing any item delays clearance by 3–7 days and triggers demurrage of USD 1,500–4,000/day at major ports.
- Commercial invoice — with HS Code 2713.20.00 clearly stated
- Bill of Lading (B/L) — original or telex release
- Certificate of Origin — required for AD verification
- Analysis Certificate — penetration, softening point, viscosity (ASTM D946 / EN 12591)
- Packing list and tank/ship ullage report
- Insurance certificate — minimum 110% of CIF
- Proforma invoice and import declaration (Beyanname)
- TSE or equivalent conformity mark where applicable
| Port | Clearance Time | Typical Demurrage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mersin | 2–4 days | USD 1,800/day | Main bitumen hub |
| İzmir (Aliağa) | 3–5 days | USD 2,200/day | Tank capacity limited |
| Derince | 2–3 days | USD 1,500/day | Marmara region |
| İskenderun | 3–6 days | USD 1,600/day | Iraq-linked volumes |
How VAT and ÖTV Affect Real Costs
VAT at 20% is levied on CIF + duty. For a 30,000 MT cargo at CIF USD 483/MT:
- CIF total: USD 14,490,000
- VAT: USD 2,898,000
- Duty: USD 0
That USD 2.9 million VAT payment is due at clearance. VAT-registered manufacturers recover it via KDV iadesi (VAT refund) within 1–3 months, but traders often carry it as working capital.
ÖTV is currently 0% for standard penetration grades under List IV. However, modified bitumen, emulsions, and polymer-modified products can fall under different classifications — verify HS Code 2713.20 vs 2715 before importing.
| Buyer Type | Upfront VAT | Recovery | Net Cost Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer (VAT-registered) | Full 20% | 1–3 months | Low |
| Trader | Full 20% | Partial/delayed | Medium |
| End-user (non-recoverable) | Full 20% | None | High |
Recent Changes and 2025 Outlook
Turkey's bitumen import regime has shifted several times since 2020:
- 2021–2022: Anti-dumping expanded to cover additional origins.
- 2023: Simplified customs procedures under the Single Window.
- 2024: Continued 0% tariff under Customs Union alignment; AD review for Iran and India ongoing.
- 2025 (projected): Potential tightening of AD enforcement and stricter quality verification at ports.
What importers should do:
- Lock pricing with Incoterms DAP or CIF to avoid freight volatility.
- Verify AD status quarterly in the Resmî Gazete.
- Budget 25–30% above CIF for taxes, port fees, and financing.
- Use a landed-cost calculator to model VAT recovery timelines.
| Item | USD/MT | Total (30,000 MT) |
|---|---|---|
| FOB | 430 | 12,900,000 |
| Freight | 50 | 1,500,000 |
| Insurance | 3 | 90,000 |
| Customs duty | 0 | 0 |
| VAT (20%) | 96.6 | 2,898,000 |
| Port fees | 12 | 360,000 |
| Total landed | ~592 | ~17,748,000 |
This table is the fastest way to answer "what does bitumen cost to import into Turkey" — duty is zero, VAT dominates.
FAQ: Bitumen Import Duty in Turkey
1. What is the customs duty on bitumen imports into Turkey?
Turkey applies a 0% customs duty on bitumen classified under HS 2713.20 for most origins. The main tax is 20% VAT (KDV) on the CIF value, not a tariff.
2. Does Turkey charge anti-dumping duty on bitumen?
Yes — for certain origins such as Iran and select Indian suppliers, anti-dumping duties of up to 22.5% apply. Iraq, Russia, UAE, and Saudi Arabia currently face no AD measures.
3. Is VAT refundable for bitumen importers in Turkey?
Yes — VAT-registered manufacturers can recover the 20% KDV through the Turkish refund system within 1–3 months. Traders and non-registered entities absorb it as a cost.
4. What documents are needed to clear bitumen at Turkish ports?
You need a commercial invoice with HS 2713.20, bill of lading, certificate of origin, analysis certificate, insurance certificate, and import declaration. Missing documents cause 3–7 day delays.
5. How long does bitumen customs clearance take in Turkey?
Standard clearance at Mersin and Derince takes 2–4 days; İzmir and İskenderun take 3–6 days. Demurrage costs USD 1,500–2,200 per day if clearance stalls.
Calculate Your Exact Bitumen Landed Cost with 6Tar
Importing bitumen into Turkey in 2025 means managing 0% duty, 20% VAT, AD risk by origin, and volatile freight. Manual spreadsheets miss the moving parts — 6Tar's cost calculator models your exact landed cost in seconds, including:
- Origin-specific AD and VAT
- Freight, insurance, and port fees
- VAT recovery timelines
- Multi-cargo comparison (30,000 MT scenarios)
Start your free calculation at 6Tar and price your next Turkey bitumen cargo with confidence — accurate to the last dollar per metric ton.