Electronic Commerce Customs Declaration (ETGB)
What is Electronic Commerce Customs Declaration (ETGB)?
ETGB (in Turkish), known as Electronic Commerce Customs Declaration, is a type of declaration used in e-commerce transactions. This declaration is necessary to carry out the customs clearance of the goods and is filled in electronically. ETGB is an application used to facilitate international trade and speed up customs procedures.
Sending and receiving goods of companies engaged in foreign trade activities such as import and export are subject to customs legislation. The customs procedures of goods entering or leaving Turkey are carried out with the customs declaration submitted to the customs administration. In the past, before 2012, all information about the goods was on a printed customs declaration. However, with the development of digitalization and e-commerce sector, ETGB has started to be used. In this way, customs declaration procedures of goods arriving or sent with cargo of a certain weight and value are carried out in a digital environment without the need for a printed declaration.
What is the Usage Area of Electronic Commerce Customs Declaration (ETGB)?
Electronic Commerce Customs Declaration (ETGB) is an application where all transactions related to customs declaration of goods are carried out electronically. It is a system often used by the e-commerce industry. ETGB is generally used in cases such as postal and fast cargo transportation. This digital application is used to avoid costs and time loss in the customs clearance process. The main purpose of the Electronic Commerce Customs Declaration is to facilitate the work of individuals or institutions that want to sell and send products abroad. However, this application is limited to works up to 300 kg and 15,000 Euros excluding value added tax (VAT). Shippers are required to follow traditional export procedures for shipments above these limits. In other words, micro-exports defined as small-scale shipments are carried out with an ETGB declaration. The arrangement of ETGB does not require customs consultancy services, unlike traditional exports, and thus the customs consultancy service fee is eliminated. Also, there is no requirement to archive the declaration. ETGB arrangement is usually made by fast logistics and cargo companies and authorization is obtained from the senders for this process.
What is the Scope of Electronic Commerce Customs Declaration (ETGB)?
ETGB (Electronic Trade Customs Declaration) is filled online and used during customs procedures. This declaration is also used in the calculation and payment of customs duties. ETGB covers the following situations:
Cargoes with a gross weight of less than 300 kilograms and a value of less than 15 thousand Euros.
Book-like publications for personal use not exceeding 150 Euros.
Goods with a gross weight of non-commercial goods not exceeding 30 kg and whose value does not exceed 500 Euros.
Items that cannot be brought by the person and sent within 1 month before the person’s entry into the country or within 3 months after their exit.
Printed publications sent to public institutions, museums, libraries, scientific research institutions.
Items sent as samples.
These situations fall within the scope of ETGB. However, goods sent for fairs and exhibitions, goods sent for repair purposes, products subject to inspection such as mobile phones, drugs, supplements, chemicals, and free products are not covered by ETGB.
What are the Benefits of Electronic Commerce Customs Declaration (ETGB)?
The logistics company authorized by the sender issues the Electronic Commerce Customs Declaration. After the sender sends the declaration form to the logistics company via e-mail, the logistics company fills in the ETGB digitally. Keeping all transactions digitally facilitates digital archiving and provides easy access to documents. In this way, ETGB eliminates the exit warehouse fee while minimizing the customs declaration expense of the shipping company. The process, which takes place entirely in electronic environment, ensures that the goods reach the buyer safely and offers great benefits especially in the field of e-commerce. It is an application that encourages micro-exports by offering time advantage to those who want to make practical and fast transactions. Facilitating international sales increases the motivation of those who do e-commerce. Those who want to do micro export are first asked to fill in the micro export shipment information form. In order for logistics companies to transact, an indirect representation authorization document is required. In addition, the finance approved invoice containing the details and price of the goods is sent to the logistics or cargo company together with the original and the goods invoice issued in the language requested by the country to be used in the country where the shipment is made. The logistics company uses this information when filling out the ETGB by using the representation authorization document and the ETGB form received via e-mail.
What are the Advantages of Electronic Commerce Customs Declaration (ETGB)?
This system primarily accelerates the transactions carried out in the trade and service sectors. Payments are made quickly and securely through this system. The following advantages can also be listed:
In transactions made with Electronic Commerce Customs Declaration, payment is made at the same time as the declaration is filled. In this way, customers do not have to wait for the payment process to complete their export or import transactions.
Payments can be made by credit card. Credit card information is secured by authentication and encryption methods.
Since the transactions are carried out electronically, the obligation of the enterprises to pay by check or cash is eliminated. Paying customs duties by credit card reduces operating costs.
Transactions performed in the digital environment prevent manual errors.
Businesses can get reports more easily.
Payments can also be made via mobile devices.
There is no obligation to register with the Exporters’ Association.
Since it does not require a customs broker, no customs brokerage fee is paid.
The need to pay a warehouse fee is eliminated.
VAT refunds can be obtained from shipments.
Since all transactions are done electronically, there is no need to deal with extra paperwork. This saves time and budget.
Electronic Commerce Customs Declaration (ETGB) Inquiry ?
Persons who want to get information about the status of their declarations and customs procedures over the Electronic Commerce Customs Declaration can make an inquiry. The customs declaration number is important for the inquiry process. An inquiry is made with the customs declaration number and information about the declaration is displayed on the screen. This information includes detailed information about the products, product price, quantity, weight, manufacturer information and customs clearance status.
AB Customs is a candidate to be a solution partner in all your micro export business with its experienced and expert staff. In the transactions realized with ETGB (Electronic Commerce Customs Declaration), our expert employees ensure that your transactions proceed smoothly as planned. By cooperating with AB Customs, we help you move your company to an important position in the international market.
