- A.TR proves the goods are in free circulation in the EU and Türkiye customs union. It is not proof of origin.
- For industrial and processed agricultural goods going to the EU, use A.TR.
- For basic agricultural products and coal and steel going to the EU, and for free trade partners, use EUR.1 or an origin declaration.
What A.TR actually proves
A.TR is a movement certificate under the customs union between Türkiye and the EU. It shows that the goods are in free circulation, which lets them enter the EU without customs duty. It says nothing about where the goods were made, so using it as proof of origin is a mistake that customs on the other side will notice.
It covers industrial goods and processed agricultural goods. Basic agricultural products and coal and steel products are outside the customs union and follow preferential origin rules instead.
What EUR.1 proves
EUR.1 is a preferential origin certificate. It shows that the goods meet the origin rules of an agreement, so the buyer can claim a reduced or zero rate. Türkiye uses it with its free trade partners and with the EU for agricultural and coal and steel products. For shipments up to €6,000 the exporter can write an origin declaration on the commercial document instead.
Decision table
| Destination | Goods | Document |
|---|---|---|
| European Union | Industrial or processed agricultural | A.TR |
| European Union | Basic agricultural, coal and steel | EUR.1 or origin declaration |
| Pan Euro Med partner | Any | EUR.1 or origin declaration |
| Other free trade partner | Any | Depends on the agreement |
| No trade agreement | Any | General certificate of origin, no duty advantage |
Who issues and who approves
A.TR forms are printed and distributed by TOBB, TİM and TESK. The exporter fills in the certificate electronically in MEDOS, the chamber or exporters' association approves it and customs gives the final endorsement. Since 1 May 2024 the customs endorsement on A.TR certificates for EU shipments carries a wet signature; EUR.1 and certificates of origin do not need one.
The legal basis is the Customs General Communiqué (Customs Procedures) No 148, published in the Official Gazette on 23 May 2018 and last amended on 1 August 2024.
Mistakes we see most often
- Sending A.TR with steel or basic agricultural products to the EU.
- Sending A.TR to a free trade partner outside the EU, where it has no effect.
- Treating A.TR as proof of origin when the buyer asks for origin.
- Consignee details on the certificate that do not match the invoice and the CMR exactly.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with your customs broker and the current legislation before you act.