Glossary / Determining the GTİP Code
Determining the GTİP Code
Determining the GTİP code is the process of establishing a product’s 12-digit tariff position in Türkiye’s Customs Tariff Schedule based on its material, intended use and degree of processing; it starts from the product’s technical characteristics, not its commercial name.
The process begins with a full technical description of the product: without clarity on its material composition, intended use and degree of processing, the correct chapter cannot be selected. With this description, a search by product name or keyword can be run in our GTİP lookup tool to see possible positions; the result is a suggestion and does not bind the authority. For a disputed or recurring product, the definitive result that also binds the authority is obtained through a Binding Tariff Information application.
A product’s commercial or brand name is not sufficient for classification: two products sold under the same name can fall under different chapters because of a difference in material or processing. For this reason, determining the GTİP usually relies on concrete evidence such as a product catalogue, an analysis report or a technical drawing; proceeding on guesswork increases the risk of an incorrect code.
A code received from a supplier or buyer abroad is also not sufficient on its own — in most cases this is the international HS code, corresponding to the first six of Türkiye’s twelve digits, not the full GTİP. Why these two codes are not the same is explained separately on the difference between the HS code and GTİP page.
When You Encounter It
This comes into play when a new product’s import or export is being planned — the GTİP needs to be clarified before the order is placed, because this code determines which duty rate and which permit/document requirement will apply. At this stage the possible position is first seen with the GTİP lookup tool, and then compared against the product’s technical characteristics.
If a product is imported or exported repeatedly, or if different sources have suggested different codes, a Binding Tariff Information application fixes the code for a validity period of six years, instead of re-arguing it every time (it can end earlier if the tariff schedule changes and no longer matches the BTI). For a one-off, low-volume shipment, waiting for this application usually lengthens the process; for a product where the duty rate matters but the shipment rarely recurs, a customs broker’s opinion may be enough.
What It Doesn't Cover
- The method described on this page is a general route, not a binding result specific to your product. Determining the GTİP is a classification decision within the authority’s discretion; the same product can be argued differently depending on which technical features are emphasised.
- Our GTİP lookup tool searches Türkiye’s Customs Tariff Schedule; it does not make a tariff determination — the result shown is a starting point, not a final decision.
Often Confused With
| Comparison | Difference |
|---|---|
| Determining the GTİP Code vs Binding Tariff Information (BTI) Application | Finding the GTİP code means establishing a product’s likely tariff position using your own resources or with a broker’s support; the result does not bind the customs authority. BTI, by contrast, is a formal application that makes the classification binding on the authority. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you learn the GTİP code?+
By clarifying the product’s material, intended use and degree of processing and then searching with that information in the GTİP lookup tool or the tariff schedule. For disputed products, this initial result is made definitive through a Binding Tariff Information application.
How is the GTİP code obtained?+
The GTİP itself is not a document that is "obtained" — it is a classification that is determined. If a binding, official decision from the authority is wanted, this is obtained from the authorised regional customs and trade directorates through a Binding Tariff Information application.
Can my supplier’s product code be used directly as the GTİP?+
Usually not. The code received from abroad is often the 6-digit international HS code; Türkiye’s 12-digit GTİP completes this code at the national level, and the completed part can correspond to a different duty rate.
Should I determine the GTİP myself or consult a customs broker?+
For simple, undisputed products, preliminary research can be done with your own resources. If the product sits at a technical borderline, is high-volume or recurring, or if the duty rate makes a significant difference, a broker’s support or a BTI application reduces the risk.
Let's handle this for your file, together
Let us apply the process we describe on this page to your own shipment as part of our Customs Brokerage service — request a quote or ask us directly on WhatsApp.
Where This Term Comes Up in Our Work
Determining the GTİP Code is one of the documents we track in our customs brokerage service.
Customs BrokeragePreparation, registration, and tracking of your import and export customs declarations.The Turkish original of this page was reviewed by our licensed customs broker. This translation is provided for information; the Turkish version prevails.
Source
Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Trade — Frequently Asked Questions on Customs Procedures (Tariff) — Türkiye’s Customs Tariff Schedule is published in the Official Gazette as a Presidential Decision for the relevant year; Binding Tariff Information is based on Article 9 of Customs Law No. 4458.
Last updated: September 27, 2026