ETGB (Electronic Customs Declaration for E-Commerce)

What is ETGB and What Is Its Purpose?

The Electronic Customs Declaration for E-Commerce (ETGB) is a customs document specifically designed for micro exports, allowing low-value and lightweight shipments from Turkey to be declared digitally. This system, tailored especially for businesses engaged in e-commerce, SMEs, individual entrepreneurs, and start-ups, is significantly faster, more cost-effective, and more practical compared to traditional customs declaration processes.

With ETGB, the export process proceeds entirely through digital platforms. For shipments up to 300 kilograms and €15,000 in value, exporters do not need to deal with classic declarations or customs brokers. The entire process is handled via contracted courier or express shipping companies. The sender submits the commercial invoice and related documents to the courier company; the company completes the entire customs process online and issues the ETGB document.

This system offers a legal, transparent, and easy export experience, especially for companies selling products abroad via e-commerce. Those conducting micro exports officially gain exporter status, can benefit from incentives such as VAT refunds, and contribute to national export statistics. Additionally, since there is no requirement for physical paperwork, it prevents paper waste and increases efficiency in business processes.

How to Obtain an ETGB Document?

Obtaining an ETGB document is much simpler and faster compared to traditional customs procedures. In this process, the exporter communicates not directly with the customs administration or a broker, but with an authorized express courier or postal operator. The ETGB application is a streamlined and digitalized version of the entire micro-export process.

First, you must prepare a commercial invoice for the product you wish to export. This invoice must include the sender and recipient information, product description, quantity, unit price, total value, and the GTIP (Customs Tariff Statistical Position) code. You then deliver the prepared invoice and product to your contracted, authorized courier company. The courier company enters the invoice and shipment details into its system and initiates the ETGB application electronically.

The ETGB application is transmitted by the courier company to the Ministry of Trade’s online system. The relevant information is automatically transferred to the digital platform, and once the shipment is approved for export, the ETGB document is issued. This document can be downloaded as a PDF from the courier company’s portal or via e-Government using the shipment number.

• Who can apply? Any individual or business with a tax registration in Turkey can perform micro exports using ETGB.
• How are documents delivered? The ETGB document is prepared electronically and can be downloaded via the courier company’s system or through e-Government.
• How is tracking done? The application and shipment process can be tracked online using the shipment or ETGB number.

Authorized Parties for Issuing ETGB

The authority to issue an ETGB (Electronic Customs Declaration for E-Commerce) is granted by the Ministry of Trade of the Republic of Turkey to institutions and organizations that are designated and licensed. This authority cannot be used directly by individual exporters or ordinary courier companies. ETGB can only be issued through officially authorized express courier and postal operators, which are qualified to electronically declare micro-export transactions.

Authorized operators digitally prepare the customs declaration for micro-export shipments via their own systems, formalize the export of the shipment abroad, and manage the entire process on behalf of the exporter. The exporter does not need to be involved in traditional declaration or brokerage processes; all procedures are handled entirely in the digital environment by the authorized company.

• Non-authorized companies: Cannot issue ETGB declarations, and micro-export shipments cannot be officially processed for export.
• Choosing an authorized company: To avoid problems at customs, always work only with approved courier or postal companies.
• Current authorized list: Can be accessed from the Ministry of Trade’s website and is updated periodically.

What Are the Requirements for ETGB?

There are certain criteria and limits that individuals or companies wishing to benefit from ETGB for micro-exports must comply with. These requirements are intended to ensure that exports comply with Turkey’s customs regulations and that the process is completed quickly, safely, and legally. Especially for SMEs, e-commerce initiatives, and first-time exporters, it is crucial to understand the conditions for ETGB transactions correctly. If any of the requirements are not met, your shipment may be subject to a classic customs declaration or may be returned at the border.

The main criteria for an ETGB application are that the shipment falls below both the weight and value limits for micro-exports. Additionally, the products to be shipped must be legally eligible for export and not appear on the prohibited items list. All information must be prepared correctly and completely, and care should be taken to ensure there are no errors or omissions in the documents. Furthermore, the application must be made only through a courier or postal company authorized by the Ministry of Trade.

• Weight Limit: The gross weight of the shipment must not exceed 300 kilograms. If this limit is exceeded, a classic customs declaration must be made instead of ETGB.
• Value Limit: The total invoiced value of the products must be €15,000 or less.
• Commercial Invoice: A commercial invoice must be prepared in Turkish or English; it must clearly state the buyer and sender details, product description, quantity, unit price, and total amount.
• Prohibited and Restricted Items: Products that are prohibited, restricted, or subject to special export permits cannot be shipped with ETGB. (e.g., explosives, weapons, antiques, precious metals, etc.)
• Authorized Courier/Operator: The shipment must be carried out with an express courier or postal company authorized by the Ministry of Trade for ETGB transactions.
• Tax Registration in Turkey: The individual or company applying for ETGB must have a tax registration in Turkey.
• Accurate Information: All declarations and documents must be free of errors, omissions, or misleading information.

How Does the ETGB Process Work?

The ETGB process begins with the preparation of products by individuals or companies wishing to make a micro-export and consists of several basic steps until the shipment reaches abroad. First, the exporter prepares the commercial invoice containing all the details of the product to be shipped. This invoice must include the product description, quantity, unit price, total value, recipient and sender details, and GTIP code, all filled in completely and accurately. Then, the product is delivered to the authorized express courier or postal operator. The courier company enters the details from the invoice and shipment into its own digital system and initiates the ETGB application electronically.

This application, made via the system, is instantly transmitted to the infrastructure of the Ministry of Trade. The customs authority verifies that there are no errors or inconsistencies in the shipment information and, if appropriate, grants digital approval. At this stage, it is also checked whether the shipment is on the list of prohibited or restricted items. Once approval is given, legal permission for the shipment to leave the country is granted and the ETGB document is created digitally.

After the document is issued, both the exporter and the recipient can track the shipment via the courier company’s online tracking system. The ETGB document number and details can also be queried via e-Government and downloaded electronically as a PDF. The whole process is much faster, more transparent, and more practical than classic customs procedures. Micro-export transactions are generally completed within 1–3 business days.

How to Check ETGB?

The ETGB (Electronic Customs Declaration for E-Commerce) inquiry process is very important for checking the customs status of your shipment and verifying the authenticity of the ETGB document. In this way, you can quickly access all details such as your shipment’s export status, declaration number, transaction date, and customs approval. The inquiry process provides transparency and confidence to both the exporter and the recipient.

There are different ways you can check your ETGB. To track your shipment, you generally need the ETGB number, shipment tracking number, or a reference number provided by the courier company. The inquiry channels are as follows:

• Tracking and Notifications: Each step of your ETGB application is usually notified to you via e-mail or SMS. After inquiry, you can see the current location and status of your shipment.
• Document Archiving: Download and archive the digital copy of your ETGB document; this will be needed for VAT refunds or legal reviews in the future.
• Support: If you have any problems with inquiry, you can get support both from the courier company’s customer service and from the relevant units of the Ministry of Trade.

Advantages Provided by ETGB

ETGB is a system that enables micro-scale exporters and companies engaged in e-commerce to export quickly, at low cost, and with ease. Compared to traditional customs procedures, ETGB is much more flexible and digitally oriented, providing exporters with significant convenience and speed in their business processes. Nearly the entire export process takes place online, saving both time and transaction costs. Thanks to legal assurance and advantages such as VAT refund, accessing international markets has become more attainable for small and medium-sized enterprises.

• Transparency: You can track every step of your shipment instantly.
• Quick Documentation: All documents are prepared electronically, with no risk of loss or omission.
• Support for Entrepreneurs: Provides a simple and secure start for first-time exporters.

Relationship Between ETGB and E-Commerce

With the growth of the e-commerce sector, micro-export operations have gained great importance. ETGB allows companies engaged in e-commerce to deliver their products to international customers quickly and conveniently.

Products sold through e-commerce websites and marketplaces can be easily exported through customs using ETGB as part of micro-export procedures. ETGB is the most suitable and economical method for e-exports and encourages expansion into new markets.

Frequently Asked Questions About ETGB

Below are some frequently asked questions and answers about ETGB procedures:

"Micro-export becomes accessible and a fast process for everyone with ETGB." - Customs Expert