What is HS Code (GTIP) and How is it Obtained? What Happens if GTIP is Declared Incorrectly?

GTİP is the abbreviation of Customs Tariff Statistical Position (Gümrük Tarife İstatistik Pozisyonu). In Türkiye, it is generally used instead of the GTİP tariff schedule. Essentially, the purpose of GTİP is to indicate the 12-digit code included in the Turkish Customs Tariff Schedule. In short, this tariff system consisting of internationally accepted numerical codes aims to bring a high level of international standardization to customs procedures by representing and systematically numbering or naming all living and non-living products subject to foreign trade.

In English, GTİP is referred to as the HS Code, short for “Customs Tariff, Harmonized Code” or “Harmonized System.” Within this harmonized system, the first six digits are common worldwide, and GTİP codes are created as six digits globally. In addition, countries may use additional four or six digits after the initial six digits according to their own needs. In this way, GTİP enables products to be easily defined and differentiated in international trade. All these regulations are subject to the World Customs Organization worldwide, while in Türkiye they fall under the Ministry of Customs and Trade.

Thanks to GTİP codes, which play a major role in calculating international customs codes, export figures are determined.

Penalties for Incorrect Declaration of the GTİP Code

If the tariff is declared incorrectly, a penalty equal to three times the underpaid tax is imposed by customs authorities. If the tariff is subject to inspections such as CE or TSE and the required conformity approvals have not been obtained, the goods are confiscated. Following confiscation, a penalty equal to twice the customs value of the goods is imposed. In addition, in cases falling under violations of the Anti-Smuggling Law, various legal sanctions may apply, including confiscation of the goods and tax penalties amounting to up to three times the value of the goods.

How to Obtain a GTİP Code

Although there are many English sources available online, it is easier to access the required information via the Turkish-language website of TURKSTAT (Turkish Statistical Institute). To find your GTİP code, you can follow the steps below by visiting the TURKSTAT website:

• After entering what your product is in Turkish in the “Search in Definitions” section, select the current GTİP 2021 under the Classifications tab. Then click the Search button to look for the terms that best define your product (for example, “women’s coat”).

• From the results, select the code that best matches the description of your product.

• Under the main code you find, there will likely be many sub-descriptions. Therefore, you will need to make a more detailed selection according to the characteristics of your product. Since the two-digit codes following the first six digits allow for a more detailed definition of the product, you can determine the most suitable code for your product by carefully filtering among these options.

How Can We Be Sure That the GTIP Code We Found Is Correct?

We can verify the accuracy of the product code we have selected by checking it online. After visiting the FindHS.Codes website, you can enter the GTIP number you have chosen into the search field and review the images that appear to determine whether you have identified the correct code.

The QuickShipper team is always by your side to provide information about GTIP and support you with any needs you may have. For your questions, you can contact us at any time via our email address or by calling +90 216 232 28 40.

Click here to get detailed information about obtaining a GTIP code and related processes.