Why the Turkey–Ireland Corridor Matters
Trade volume between Turkey and Ireland is growing year on year. Textiles, food, furniture, machinery, automotive parts and electronics — Turkish exporters increasingly view Ireland as a strategic EU market thanks to its low corporation tax, English-speaking business culture and strong logistics infrastructure.
This article explains every step of shipping from Turkey to Ireland, the required documents and key points to consider.
Step 1 — Choose Your Transport Mode
Your first decision is the mode of transport based on cargo type and delivery deadline:
- Road (Full Truck Load – FTL): Turkey → Bulgaria → Serbia → Hungary → Austria → Germany → Belgium → Calais → Dover → Holyhead → Dublin. Approx. 6–9 working days.
- Road (Groupage – LTL): Same route, weekly scheduled services, 10–14 days.
- Refrigerated: ATP-compliant temperature-controlled vehicle (food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics).
- Sea (FCL/LCL): Istanbul (Ambarli) or Mersin → Antwerp / Rotterdam → Dublin. 18–25 days, the most economical option.
- Air: Istanbul (IST/SAW) → Dublin (DUB). 1–3 days, the fastest but most expensive.
Step 2 — Mandatory Documents
Every commercial shipment from Turkey to Ireland requires the following documents:
- Commercial Invoice: In English, value in EUR.
- Packing List: Number of cartons, gross/net weight, volume (m³).
- EORI Number: Mandatory for both sender and receiver.
- CMR Consignment Note: International road transport document.
- Certificate of Origin (A.TR / EUR.1): Required for customs duty preference.
- Insurance Policy: CMR coverage + (optional) all-risk.
Post-Brexit, cargo transiting via the UK additionally requires a T1 Transit or GVMS declaration.
Step 3 — Cost Factors
- Distance: Istanbul–Dublin is approximately 4,500 km
- Cargo type and weight
- Transport mode (FTL/LTL/refrigerated)
- Fuel prices and EUR/TRY exchange rate
- Post-Brexit UK transit charges
- Seasonal demand (September–December peak)
For an indicative quote, send us your cargo dimensions, weight, origin–destination addresses and required delivery date via our contact form.
Step 4 — Common Issues and Solutions
Problem: Long waiting times at Dover. Solution: Submit your GVMS declaration at least 12 hours before the vehicle reaches the port. Working with an AEO-certified carrier secures priority crossing.
Problem: Temperature fluctuation in sensitive cargo. Solution: Use an ATP-compliant refrigerated vehicle with temperature monitoring. Record loading and unloading temperatures via digital log.
Problem: Customs hold due to missing documents. Solution: Work with an experienced customs broker. Share all documents in PDF format with the sender, carrier and customs broker before dispatch.
Our Solutions at İrlanda Nakliye
With 25+ years of experience and offices in Istanbul, Bursa, Izmir, Belfast and Cambridgeshire, we are the end-to-end logistics partner for the Turkey–Ireland corridor. Road, sea, air and refrigerated options; 24/7 customs office at Dover; weekly groupage departures — solutions for cargo of every size.
Request a quote now — our expert team will recommend the best route and price for you.