What is Micro Export?

What is Micro Export?

Micro export is a foreign trade practice that facilitates the overseas shipment of products by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and companies new to exporting, with low costs and simple procedures. In Turkey, this model was developed in recent years to spread exports more broadly and increase SMEs’ access to international markets. Thanks to micro export, exports can be carried out much faster, with fewer documents and at lower costs compared to traditional export processes, provided certain value and weight limits are not exceeded. This system significantly accelerates companies’ expansion into foreign markets while reducing bureaucratic barriers in export procedures.

Supported by official regulations, micro export is generally limited to a maximum value of 30,000 US dollars and specific weight limits. Shipments within these limits are subject to simplified customs procedures. For example, many documents and declarations required in standard export can be simplified or completed electronically in micro export. This allows small businesses to gain a competitive advantage without high costs and long processing times. Additionally, micro export allows companies to test new products and marketing strategies with low risk.

In Turkey, micro export is carried out within the framework of regulations set by the Ministry of Customs and Trade, and special incentive and support programs are also offered to companies within this scope. Micro export transactions can be performed through electronic export systems (such as the e-export portal), which reduces the workload for both exporters and customs staff. Micro export not only provides ease of product shipment but also supports the expansion of international trade volume and increases Turkey’s competitiveness in global markets.

Products That Can Be Shipped with Micro Export

The micro export model enables the fast and easy shipment of small-volume, low-value products from Turkey to global markets. In this context, the variety of products that can be sent is quite broad, and practically, almost every sector’s products are suitable for micro export. As long as the products are not legally prohibited and remain within micro export limits, a wide range of items—from textile products to electronic accessories, cosmetics to souvenirs—can be shipped using this model. Especially for SMEs and boutique manufacturers, micro export stands out as the most economical and sustainable way to bring products beyond borders.

Especially companies operating in the e-commerce sector can expand their marketing channels by opening their product portfolios to international customers via micro export. For example, fast fashion products such as ready-to-wear and accessories, personalized designs, small electronic devices, and office supplies are frequently preferred in micro export. With the proliferation of digital platforms and advanced logistics infrastructures, shipping products from any point in Turkey to customers in Europe, America, and other continents has become highly accessible.

The key criteria for products shipped by micro export are that they are portable and can be safely dispatched using standard cargo methods. The import regulations and laws of the recipient countries should also be considered. Some products may require special permits, certificates, or health documents. In the micro export model, not restricting product variety gives companies great flexibility, enabling them to gain a competitive edge in the global market with innovative and original products. Entrepreneurs can establish a worldwide customer network at low cost through micro export.

“Products that outgrow a single country reach all corners of the world through micro export.”

Products Not Covered by Micro Export

While the micro export model offers many conveniences, not every product can be shipped within this scope. Live animals, flammable and explosive substances, tobacco products, alcohol, firearms and ammunition, medicines, precious metals, historical artifacts, and cultural assets of national value are excluded from micro export procedures. Hazardous wastes, biological materials, chemicals, and any products banned by national regulations also cannot be exported via micro export. Import restrictions and special permits of target countries must also be considered.

The aim of these restrictions is to ensure safety in international transportation and to prevent smuggling and illegal trade. Shipping products not covered by micro export may result in serious legal penalties and confiscation at customs. Therefore, anyone wishing to engage in micro export must carefully investigate the legal status, restrictions, and prohibitions regarding their product prior to shipment and obtain confirmation from authorized sources to avoid surprises during customs and logistics processes.

Micro Export Documents and Requirements

Micro export is a practice designed especially to make export processes easier for SMEs and new exporters. With this system, the export of low-value and small-quantity products can be completed more quickly and at lower cost. However, certain essential documents and legal requirements must be met for these conveniences to be realized. Businesses planning to engage in micro export must first prepare the correct paperwork in full compliance with Turkish Customs regulations. These documents not only ensure the smooth passage of goods through customs but also constitute the main guarantee of legal compliance. The information in official documents should clearly state the origin, value, type, and export conditions of the product.

Documents required for micro export include invoices, customs declarations, and shipping and insurance documents. These must be prepared correctly and completely, taking into account the special regulations of the destination country and the latest Turkish legislation. In addition, the correct use of systems employed in export transactions (e.g., e-export portal) is critical during document approval processes. Missing documents or false declarations can cause export delays or legal penalties. For this reason, it is recommended that companies engaging in micro export work with experienced staff and support mechanisms during these processes.

In conclusion, micro export documents and requirements should be followed meticulously. Official sources indicate that document accuracy and compliance with current regulations are the cornerstones of success in export processes. Companies are advised to benefit from experienced consultancy and system support at this stage to minimize potential problems and ensure smooth access to foreign markets.

Advantages of Micro Export

Micro export is a foreign trade method designed especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), offering significant facilities and opportunities for entering international trade. One of its most prominent advantages is the minimization of bureaucratic barriers encountered during export processes. The complex document requirements, lengthy processing times, and high costs found in traditional export are greatly reduced with micro export. Thus, businesses can start to take part in international markets by spending fewer resources and moving faster.

Another important advantage of micro export is the ability to export at low costs. Because of limited product value and quantity, the taxes and fees to be paid are lower than in standard export. This situation particularly eases the financial burden and reduces the risks for companies new to exporting. In addition, transactions carried out electronically under micro export reduce physical paperwork and shipping costs, increasing operational efficiency. Faster export transactions enhance competitiveness and provide broader market access.

Micro export also enables companies to test products and brands in new markets. With small-scale shipments, it is possible to gauge market reactions and test customer demand in different countries without making large investments. This flexibility makes it easier to optimize export strategies. Furthermore, government supports and incentives make micro export attractive; with support packages provided by institutions like KOSGEB, companies engaged in micro export can easily access financial and educational supports.

Issuing Invoices in Micro Export

Invoices issued within the scope of micro export form the legal and financial basis of the transaction. Above all, the export invoice must contain the sender and recipient information, detailed product description, unit price, total amount, HS code, invoice date, and the tax number of the issuing company. The invoice is issued electronically and delivered to the express cargo company, serving as the main basis for the ETGB declaration. For samples or promotional products with a zero payment amount, the phrase "sample" or "gift" should also be included on the invoice.

Invoice processes in micro export are much faster and more practical than in traditional export. Preparing the invoice electronically and its automatic processing by customs greatly facilitates the work of entrepreneurs. The information declared on the invoice is integrated into the customs system via the cargo company, and the shipment is officially completed for export. Thus, manual paperwork and hand-processing of documents are virtually eliminated.

What Products Can You Sell with Micro Export?

The list of products that can be sent by micro export is quite extensive. Fashion and textile products, personal care and cosmetics, home decoration items, kitchenware, electronic accessories, souvenirs, and toys are among the most prominent. Handmade, local, or traditionally themed boutique products are the easiest way to bring a country's culture and unique designs to the global market. The micro export model allows small-scale and boutique producers to offer their innovative products to customers worldwide.

It is sufficient for the product to be suitable for transportation and comply with export and import regulations. In recent years, micro export volume has rapidly increased especially in niche fields such as jewelry and accessories, uniquely designed clothing, natural cosmetics, and children’s and baby products. Each year, a new sector or product category comes to the fore globally with micro export. The opportunities offered to entrepreneurs in this model are almost limitless.

Micro Export Costs and Calculation

Micro export has a much more transparent and predictable cost structure compared to traditional export. There are no customs brokerage or declaration fees; all transactions are completed with fixed service charges offered by express cargo companies. The largest cost items are the product cost, shipping fee, and optional insurance expenses. When making shipments within the scope of micro export, there are no separate cost items for each transaction. With VAT refunds and various government supports, the total cost is further reduced. However, the import taxes and cargo limits of the destination country should be carefully examined, and possible additional expenses should be planned in advance.

The advantageous cost structure offered by micro export helps maintain profit margins for small-volume, low-value shipments. Taking advantage of special rates and bulk shipping discounts in agreements with cargo companies when determining your pricing strategy will make your business more competitive in the global market. Keeping expenses under control increases the sustainability of the business model.

“Good cost management lies behind every export. Micro export makes this management practical and predictable.”

Discover the Advantages of Micro Export

Micro export has become the fastest route to globalization and growth for entrepreneurs with small-scale and boutique production in the business world. Compared to traditional export, it offers new market opportunities to businesses of all sizes with much less paperwork, fast approval processes, low costs, and transparent documentation. In today’s digital world, where this model overcomes the challenges of international trade, even a local business can ship products to the remotest corners of the globe. SMEs and entrepreneurs can start exporting and take firm steps towards growth with no risk through micro export.

Especially in our era, where e-commerce, cross-border sales, and niche markets are growing, the micro export model quickly adapts to all dynamics. The ease of processes and predictability of costs allow brands to adapt to international markets quickly. With both incentives and practical advantages, micro export stands out as one of the keys to next-generation trade