Importing Magnets to Türkiye: A Practical Guide

1. Who this is for

This guide is for companies in Türkiye that import magnets, directly from China or through a supplier, and want to know what the customs side looks like. We do not publish duty rates here because they depend on the exact 12-digit tariff code and the country of origin and they change. We show where to check them.

2. Classify the magnet first

Permanent magnets sit in heading 8505 of the Harmonized System. As a general guide, permanent magnets of metal (NdFeB, SmCo, AlNiCo) fall under 8505.11 and other permanent magnets such as ferrite under 8505.19, while magnetic lifting devices, holders and similar goods are classed separately under 8505.20 or 8505.90. Türkiye uses a longer national code (GTİP, 12 digits), and the last digits and the duty depend on the exact product. Rubber-coated, pot or assembled magnets can fall elsewhere. Confirm the code with your customs broker, or ask customs for a binding tariff information decision for a product you will import repeatedly.

3. What you will pay

Expect these cost lines on top of the goods price and freight: customs duty, possibly an additional customs duty (İGV) for certain origins or codes, VAT calculated on the customs value plus duties, and broker, storage and local transport fees. Check the rate for your exact code in the import regime published by the Ministry of Trade [1] and in the additional customs duty decision [2]. Rates change, so check again at the time of the order, not at the time of the quote.

4. Documents you need

• Commercial invoice with a full description, quantity, unit price and Incoterm.
• Packing list with weights and packages.
• Transport document (bill of lading, air waybill or CMR).
• Certificate of origin when you claim it or when it is required.
• Customs declaration, normally filed by your customs broker.
• Product information that supports the classification: material, grade, coating, shape.
• For grades that contain dysprosium or terbium, the supplier's licence and composition papers (see our export licence guide).

5. Shipping strong magnets

Strong magnets are not ordinary cargo. Air carriers apply special rules to magnetised material, and a poorly packed shipment can disturb instruments or attract steel in the container. Ask your forwarder about the carrier's rules before you book, and have the magnets packed in shielded or spaced packaging. Sea freight is normally simpler for large quantities.

6. Direct import or through a supplier in Türkiye

Importing directly gives you the lowest unit price but you carry the licence paperwork, customs, transport and the risk of a failed batch. Buying through a supplier in Türkiye adds a margin but moves part of that work and risk to the supplier. Whichever you choose, ask who is the importer of record, who pays duty and tax, who checks quality before shipment and what happens if the batch fails.

7. Common mistakes

• Using the 6-digit code from a supplier without checking the national code.
• Quoting a landed cost with last year's duty rate.
• Forgetting the licence step for Dy/Tb grades and promising a delivery date.
• Skipping a pre-shipment inspection on a first order.
• Leaving the Incoterm vague, so nobody knows who pays freight and insurance.

8. What to send us

Send the product, grade, size, quantity and delivery address, and tell us whether you want to import yourself or buy delivered. We will answer with the points you need to settle.

Frequently asked questions

Which customs heading do magnets fall under in Türkiye?

Permanent magnets sit in heading 8505 of the Harmonized System. As a general guide, metal magnets (NdFeB, SmCo, AlNiCo) fall under 8505.11 and others such as ferrite under 8505.19. Türkiye uses a longer 12-digit national code (GTİP) and the duty depends on the exact product, so confirm the code with your customs broker.

What will I pay on top of the goods price?

Expect customs duty, possibly an additional customs duty (İGV) for certain origins or codes, VAT calculated on the customs value plus duties, and broker, storage and local transport fees, on top of freight. Rates change, so check them again when you place the order, not when you receive the quote.

Can strong magnets be shipped by air?

Strong magnets are not ordinary cargo. Air carriers apply special rules to magnetised material, and a poorly packed shipment can disturb instruments or attract steel in the container. Ask your forwarder about the carrier’s rules before you book and have the magnets packed in shielded or spaced packaging. Sea freight is normally simpler for large quantities.

References

1. [1]  T.C. Ticaret Bakanlığı. 2026 Yılı İthalat Rejimi Resmî Gazete'de yayımlandı. https://ticaret.gov.tr/haberler/ticaret-bakanliginin-hazirladigi-2026-yili-ithalat-rejimi-resmi-gazetede-yayinlandi
2. [2]  T.C. Ticaret Bakanlığı. 2. İthalatta İlave Gümrük Vergisi Uygulanmasına İlişkin Karar (Karar Sayısı: 3351). https://ticaret.gov.tr/ithalat/ithalat-mevzuati/ithalat-rejimi-karari-igv-karari-ve-ithalat-tebligleri/2-ithalatta-ilave-gumruk-vergisi-uygulanmasina-iliskin-karar-karar-sayisi-3351-karar-metni-ve-tablolar-konsolide-edilmis-olup-gunceldir

Important notice: This guide is general information and is not customs, tax or legal advice. Classification, duty rates and documents depend on the exact product and change over time. Confirm them with your customs broker or the Ministry of Trade before you order. It does not bind Rami Technics.