Turkey's Micro-Export Customs (ETGB): Step by Step (2026)

> Note: ETGB is a Turkey-specific customs mechanism. If you ship from another country, the mechanics differ — but the underlying steps (pick a carrier partner, invoice correctly, claim available VAT relief) generalize.

Micro-export is Turkey's on-ramp to cross-border e-commerce: shipments under 300 kg / €15,000 clear simplified customs via an ETGB declaration instead of full export paperwork. It's the de-facto standard for Etsy, your own Shopify site and Amazon FBM sales. Here's how to send your first shipment.

Who it's for

Any seller shipping abroad via Etsy, their own Shopify store or Amazon FBM. It's also used for FBA inbound freight, combined there with Amazon's own carton/pallet rules — see our Amazon FBA guide for that side.

1. Pick an export-shipping consolidator

Choose a Turkish e-export shipping platform that auto-generates the ETGB and bundles negotiated express-carrier rates (UPS, FedEx, DHL) in one panel — the practical route for new sellers, no customs broker needed.

2. Have your company/tax registration ready

A Turkish company (sole proprietorship included) and tax ID are enough for ETGB. Sellers under the artisan tax exemption can use micro-export too — see Etsy's tax exemption.

3. Prepare product and invoice details

Each shipment needs an invoice with buyer info, product description, quantity, unit value and total value. Auto-generated invoices from Etsy/Shopify usually suffice; you enter this into your carrier panel, or it flows automatically if integrated.

4. Declare value accurately

Declared value should match the real sale/product value. Under-declaring (to spare the buyer duty) is both a legal risk and shrinks your insurance payout on loss/damage. Accurate declaration is cheaper long term.

5. Generate the ETGB and prepare the parcel

The ETGB auto-generates when you enter shipment details in the carrier panel. Prep the package to the carrier's label/barcode standard and hand it off. Enter the tracking number into your platform (Etsy/Shopify order) immediately.

6. Claim your VAT refund

ETGB micro-export creates a VAT-refund right — one most new sellers never use. Set this up with your accountant from day one; the ETGB records already live in the carrier panel and are needed for the claim.

Common mistakes

• Under-declaring value and inflating insurance/customs risk
• Never claiming the VAT refund
• Entering tracking numbers late and creating buyer anxiety
• Optimistic delivery promises that ignore real transit time — see the shipping guide

The takeaway

Micro-export/ETGB is the lowest-friction way into cross-border shipping: pick a consolidator, invoice accurately, let the ETGB auto-generate, don't skip the VAT refund. Set the routine up once and every shipment becomes a few-minute task.

To review your whole channel and operations setup, a cross-border consulting call is free.