From 1 July 2026 Turkey issues electronic movement certificates with a QR code, but only for low-value shipments under €150
From 1 July 2026, Turkey issues the electronic A.TR. certificate, the digital version of the A.TR. movement certificate, only for low-value shipments (under €150) made in e-commerce transactions. Each certificate carries a unique serial number and a QR code that allows immediate verification.
The news comes from an official announcement by the Turkish Ministry of Trade.
Why the electronic A.TR. was introduced
According to the Turkish Ministry of Trade, the change is linked to the end of the EU “de minimis” exemption for e-commerce on 1 July 2026. To prevent Turkish low-value parcels from facing extra charges, Turkey and the EU set up a dedicated mechanism: for shipments under €150 made with a simplified customs declaration, the A.TR. certificate is generated automatically in electronic format, using the declaration data. The system is available to express carriers and the postal administration authorised by the Turkish Ministry, which has also published an operating guide for them.
What is an A.TR. certificate?
The A.TR. movement certificate accompanies goods in free circulation traded between Turkey and the European Union under the customs union. It allows the importer to benefit from preferential treatment, meaning exemption from customs duties, when the conditions are met. It is therefore a key document for anyone importing from Turkey: a missing or irregular A.TR. can lead to duties being applied and delays in customs clearance.
The paper A.TR. certificate remains the rule
For imports from Turkey worth more than €150, or not related to e-commerce, from machinery and industrial components to textiles and other goods, the standard paper A.TR. certificate continues to apply. Companies importing regularly in these sectors do not need to change anything for now.
A clarification: the QR code is not entirely new
Since July 2024, EU Member States have already accepted A.TR. certificates issued electronically by the Turkish authorities, bearing a QR code and without a handwritten signature. The 2026 novelty therefore concerns the scope of use: a dedicated electronic format for low-value e-commerce shipments.
What changes for importers
- Traditional importers (B2B): no operational change, business as usual.
- B2C operators and marketplaces: may start receiving electronic certificates, to be checked through the QR code rather than by a simple visual inspection.
- Freight forwarders and customs representatives: must be able to recognise the new format and verify it online.
How to verify an electronic A.TR. certificate
- Check that the certificate shows the serial number and the QR code.
- Scan the QR code, or type the path printed on the document, to access the Turkish verification portal.
- Make sure the certificate details (sender, consignee, goods) match the shipment.
- Keep the verification result together with the customs documentation.
Towards fully digital customs documents
For now this change affects a limited number of transactions, but it is part of a broader trend: preferential origin certificates, health certificates, licences and authorisations are already being digitalised step by step. As often happens in customs law, innovations start in a narrow area, are tested in practice, and only later become the rule. It is plausible that the electronic A.TR. will be extended to other types of shipments in the future.
Frequently asked questions
Will the paper A.TR. certificate be abolished?
No. For now the electronic format is provided only for e-commerce shipments worth less than €150.
Why was the electronic A.TR. introduced?
Because the EU “de minimis” exemption for low-value e-commerce parcels ended on 1 July 2026. The electronic certificate helps preserve preferential treatment under the EU-Turkey customs union for these shipments.
Who issues the electronic A.TR.?
According to the Turkish Ministry of Trade, it is generated automatically through express carriers and the postal administration authorised by the Ministry.
How can I check the authenticity of an electronic A.TR. certificate?
Through the QR code and the serial number, which link to the Turkish authorities’ verification portal.
Does anything change if I import machinery or components from Turkey?
No, the paper A.TR. certificate still applies.
