Export documents such as commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, health certificates and contracts need a sworn translation when the importing country, a bank or a buyer asks for one in another language. In Türkiye, chambers of commerce and industry issue certificates of origin, A.TR and EUR.1 certificates. For countries outside the Apostille Convention, such as Iraq, documents are legalised through the consulate instead of apostilled.
Who needs export document translation
Many manufacturers in and around Gaziantep sell abroad, from food products and textiles to machinery. Most export paperwork is prepared in English or bilingually and travels without a translation. Translation becomes necessary when:
- the importing country's customs or ministry requires documents in its own language, for example Arabic, Russian or French;
- a buyer, bank or distributor asks for a certified translation of a contract, a certificate or a test report;
- a foreign document, such as a buyer's purchase order, letter of credit terms or a foreign laboratory report, has to be understood or submitted in Türkiye;
- a dispute arises and contracts or correspondence must be filed with a court or arbitrator.
This page is written for exporters and for foreign buyers who receive Turkish documents and want to know how they are issued and certified.
The main export documents and who issues them in Türkiye
| Document | Purpose | Issued or approved by |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial invoice | Value, description and terms of the sale | The exporter; certified by the chamber when the importing country asks |
| Packing list | Contents, weights and packaging of each package | The exporter |
| Certificate of origin | Country where the goods originate | Chambers of commerce and industry |
| A.TR movement certificate | Free circulation status for trade between Türkiye and the EU under the customs union | Chambers of commerce and industry |
| EUR.1 / EUR.MED | Preferential origin under free trade agreements | Chambers of commerce and industry |
| Health certificate (animal products) | Compliance with veterinary requirements | Provincial directorates of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry |
| Analysis or test report | Composition, quality or safety values | Accredited laboratories |
| Sales or distribution contract | Rights and obligations of the parties | The parties |
Turkish chambers state on their own websites that they sell and approve certificates of origin, A.TR and EUR.1 certificates. Each chamber's foreign trade department can tell you its procedures, and the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Türkiye (TOBB, tobb.org.tr) is the umbrella body. Phytosanitary certificates for plant products, special certificates required by individual countries and customs formalities are handled by the relevant ministries and customs offices; your customs broker will know the current rules.
Countries that do not accept an apostille
For countries that are parties to the Hague Apostille Convention, a translated and notarised document can be apostilled. Several important export markets for Gaziantep are not parties, according to the official status table at hcch.net, including Iraq, Syria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. For these countries documents go through consular legalisation, and commercial papers such as certificates of origin and invoices are often certified by the destination country's consulate or commercial attaché.
Iraq is the most frequent case for Gaziantep companies. Our Turkish guide to document legalisation for Iraq explains the steps. Requirements differ between countries and change over time, so always check the current rules with the consulate or your buyer before shipping.
Terminology that has to be exact
Export documents are short, but every word has legal and financial consequences. When we translate them we keep the following unchanged or consistent:
- HS / GTIP codes: tariff codes are copied digit by digit; the goods description is translated in the way the customs nomenclature describes the product, not freely.
- Incoterms: terms such as EXW, FOB, CIF or DAP are kept in their standard form, with the named place, because they define where risk and cost pass to the buyer.
- Quantities, weights and units: net and gross weights, number of packages and units of measure match the packing list exactly.
- Names and addresses: company names of the exporter, consignee and notify party are written as registered, so that they match the bill of lading and the letter of credit.
- Payment and bank terms: letter of credit, documentary collection and advance payment clauses are translated with banking terminology.
For contracts we also check that defined terms are used consistently throughout and that the governing law and dispute resolution clauses read clearly in both languages.
Arabic, Russian and other export languages
We translate export documents between Turkish and English, Arabic, Russian, French, German, Persian, Azerbaijani, Romanian, Bulgarian, Ukrainian and other languages. Arabic-speaking buyers can contact us on WhatsApp, +90 538 368 37 34.
How the process works
- Ask your buyer, consulate or customs broker which documents must be translated, into which language, and whether notary certification, apostille or legalisation is required.
- Send the documents as clear PDFs. Excel packing lists and Word contracts can be sent in their original format.
- We confirm the price and deadline, then translate and arrange notary certification if needed.
- You or your forwarder complete the chamber, apostille or consular steps; we tell you the order.
- We deliver digitally for quick checks, and the signed originals at our office or by courier.
Pricing
We do not publish fixed prices. The quote depends on the language, the number and density of documents and how much repeated text they contain, notary certification and the deadline. If you ship regularly, tell us; we can discuss a routine for recurring documents.
Send a photo or PDF and we will tell you which certification you need and the price. We confirm the delivery time once we have seen the document. Documents are accepted from anywhere in Türkiye and abroad.
Frequently asked questions
Chambers of commerce and chambers of industry issue and approve certificates of origin, as well as A.TR and EUR.1 movement certificates. Contact the foreign trade department of the chamber your company is registered with for its procedure.
Usually not, if it is in English and the buyer and customs accept English. A sworn translation is needed when the importing country or a bank requires the invoice in another language or as a certified document.
No. Iraq is not a party to the Hague Apostille Convention, so documents go through consular legalisation. Certificates of origin and invoices are commonly certified by Iraq's consulate or commercial attaché; check the current requirements before shipping.
According to the hcch.net status table, Iraq, Syria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates are not parties to the Apostille Convention. Saudi Arabia is a party. Check the table again before you start, because countries join over time.
HS (GTIP) codes and Incoterms such as FOB, CIF or DAP are kept exactly in their standard form. The goods description around them is translated in line with customs terminology.
Yes. Contracts are translated with consistent defined terms, and the translation can be certified by a notary if one of the parties or an authority asks for it.
Short documents such as invoices and certificates can often be delivered the same day, depending on the language and volume. Consular legalisation may take longer than the translation, so plan for it.
Related pages
This guide is general information. Requirements of authorities can change; always check the current list of the institution you are applying to.