Turkish Natural Stone Import Guide

Incoterms, Shipping Costs & Responsibilities Explained

Responsibility Matrix

Compare DAP vs EXW service levels for importing Turkish stone. Choose DAP for stress-free door delivery or EXW if you have your own freight forwarder.

Tile Packing

ISPM-15

Crates ready at factory

Transport to Port (Origin)

Inland truck in Turkey

Customs & Bill of Lading

Origin documentation

Loading on Board

Stowage on vessel

Sea Freight & Insurance

Ocean transport

Dest. Unloading (THC)

Port handling charges

CIF: Check Contract

Import Clearance

Customs broker service

Final Delivery to Site

Trucking to jobsite

Import Taxes & Duties

Payment to Government

Universal Buyer Responsibility (VAT / Duties) across all terms.

Global Logistics Network

We coordinate Turkish natural stone shipments from factories in Turkey to construction sites worldwide. Whether you're importing marble, travertine, or limestone, our logistics expertise ensures reliable delivery. Select your destination region to view estimated shipping times for your stone import project.

Origin: Turkey
Sea Freight Route
Total Estimated Time
4-6 Weeks

Production & QC

2-3 Wks

Quarrying, cutting, sizing & crating

Export Logistics

1 Wk

Inland transport to port & customs

Ocean Freight

2-3 Wks

Vessel transit to destination port

Import & Delivery

1 Wk

Customs clearance & delivery to site

* Estimates only. Customs clearance and inland delivery times may vary based on specific location and regulations.
Financial Flow: Who gets paid?

Go2Stone

Receives: Cost of Stone + Freight (If CIF/DAP)

Govt / Customs

Receives: VAT + Duties (Paid directly or via Broker)

Carrier / Truck

Receives: Detention Fees (If unloading takes >2h)

Import Document Checklist

Track your documentation progress for a smooth import

Your Progress
0/8documents

0 / 5 required documents ready

Commercial Invoice

Required

Itemized list with prices, quantities, and payment terms

From:Go2Stone

Packing List

Required

Crate contents, dimensions, and individual weights

From:Go2Stone

Bill of Lading (B/L)

Required

Shipping contract and cargo receipt from carrier

From:Shipping Line

Certificate of Origin

Required

Official document certifying Turkish origin

From:Chamber of Commerce

ISPM-15 Certificate

Required

Phytosanitary certificate for wooden crates

From:Packing Supplier

EUR.1 Movement Certificate

Optional

Reduces or eliminates EU import duties

From:Go2Stone (EU shipments)

Insurance Certificate

Optional

Cargo insurance for CIF/CIP shipments

From:Your Insurance Provider

Pre-Shipment Inspection

Optional

Third-party quality verification if required

From:SGS / Bureau Veritas

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about importing Turkish natural stone

Shipping time from Turkey varies by destination: Europe 2-3 weeks, US East Coast 3-5 weeks, US West Coast 6-8 weeks, Middle East 1-2 weeks. Add 1-2 weeks for production and customs clearance at destination.

For first-time importers, CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) is recommended as the seller handles shipping and insurance. DAP (Delivered At Place) offers maximum convenience with door-to-door delivery. EXW is only suitable if you have established freight forwarding relationships.

Container shipping costs vary by destination: Europe €1,500-2,500, US East Coast $3,000-4,500, US West Coast $4,500-6,500, Middle East $1,200-2,000. Rates fluctuate based on fuel prices and container availability. Contact us for current rates.

Essential documents include: Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading (B/L), Certificate of Origin, and ISPM-15 phytosanitary certificate for wooden crates. For EU imports, an EUR.1 certificate may reduce duties.

The HS Code for worked marble and travertine (tiles, slabs) is 6802.91. This code is used worldwide for customs classification. Import duties typically range from 2-6% depending on your country's trade agreements with Turkey.

Marble tiles are packed in ISPM-15 certified wooden crates with foam protection between each piece. Crates are secured inside containers with wooden bracing and strapping to prevent movement during ocean transit. Each crate typically weighs 1-1.5 tonnes.

Import duties for Turkish marble vary by country: EU 0-2.5% (with EUR.1), USA 3.7%, UK 0% (post-Brexit agreement), Australia 5%, Middle East 0-5%. VAT/GST is additional and usually recoverable for businesses. Consult your customs broker for exact rates.

Yes, all shipments are trackable. You'll receive the Bill of Lading number which can be tracked on shipping line websites. For DAP shipments, we provide real-time updates via WhatsApp or email including vessel position, port arrival, and delivery scheduling.

Three container types are common: 20ft Standard (20-22 tonnes capacity, ideal for tiles), 40ft Standard (25-27 tonnes, for mixed orders), and 40ft High Cube (extra height for large slabs). Most tile orders fit in 20ft containers. Oversized blocks require flat rack containers.

To avoid demurrage (port storage) and detention (container holding) fees: 1) Pre-clear customs before vessel arrival, 2) Have transport arranged in advance, 3) Ensure site is ready for unloading with proper equipment (telehandler with 5.2m reach), 4) Unload within free time (usually 2 hours).

Delivery Site Preparation

Ensure smooth reception of your natural stone

Reception Protocol

To ensure stone safety, unloading requires planning. The driver positions the truck, and your team handles the unloading.

Readiness Checklist
Telehandler (Manitou)Must have 5.20m outreach and ability to handle min 2 tons at max outreach.
ForkliftWithout a portable or structure ramp, the importer cannot use a forklift to unload as the container stays on the truck during delivery.
CraneCannot use crane unless the container type is OT (Open Top).
Professional delivery of Turkish marble tiles to construction site