How to Import Biscuits from Turkey: Documents, Ports and Shipping

Kalendos Snacks · Published 4 November 2026

Importing biscuits from Turkey is a well-trodden path for distributors, wholesalers and retail chains around the world. The process is straightforward once you understand the roles, the typical documents and the shipping options. This guide gives a high-level overview; specific requirements always depend on your destination country, so work with a customs broker or freight forwarder for final confirmation. For how Kalendos Snacks handles export orders, see export from Turkey.

Step 1: Understand the roles

• Manufacturer / exporter. Produces the goods, prepares export documents on the Turkish side and arranges export customs clearance as agreed.
• Importer of record. The company in the destination country responsible for import clearance, duties and taxes, and for compliance with local food safety and labelling rules.
• Freight forwarder. Organises transport by sea, road or other modes, books space and coordinates handover between parties.
• Customs broker. Files the import declaration and advises on tariff classification, duties and required certificates.

Before your first order, check whether you need a food import licence or registration in your country, and whether products must be registered or labels approved in advance.

Step 2: Choose products and agree specifications

Select the products, pack sizes and outer packaging. Request product specifications, ingredient and allergen information and shelf-life details. If you plan to use your own brand, agree on private label artwork and label languages early — label compliance in the destination country is a frequent cause of delays. A manufacturer that makes several categories can help you build a balanced first order; Kalendos Snacks, for example, produces biscuits, wafers and cakes.

Step 3: Agree commercial terms and Incoterms

Incoterms define who arranges and pays for each part of the journey and where risk transfers. The most common options for food imports are:

• EXW (Ex Works): the buyer collects from the factory and handles almost everything, including export formalities in many cases.
• FCA (Free Carrier): the seller hands over export-cleared goods to the buyer's carrier at an agreed place.
• FOB (Free On Board): the seller delivers goods loaded on the vessel at the port of shipment; used for sea freight.
• CFR / CIF: the seller pays sea freight to the destination port (CIF also includes minimum insurance); risk passes once goods are on board.
• DAP (Delivered at Place): the seller arranges transport to a named place in the destination country; the buyer handles import clearance.

Agree payment terms, currency, lead time and the Incoterm in writing in the proforma invoice or sales contract.

Step 4: Prepare the documents

Requirements vary by country, but the documents for food shipments usually fall into these categories:

• Commercial documents: proforma invoice, commercial invoice and packing list.
• Transport documents: bill of lading for sea freight, CMR consignment note for road freight.
• Origin documents: certificate of origin or a preferential origin document where a trade agreement applies.
• Product and health documents: health certificates, analysis reports or other certificates required by the importing country.
• Religious / quality certificates: such as Halal certificates, where your market or customers require them.

Your customs broker should confirm the exact list, the required wording and whether originals or electronic copies are accepted. Share this list with the manufacturer before production so documents match the goods and labels.

Step 5: Plan shipping: ports and transport modes

Turkey has several major container ports, and Istanbul and the Marmara region in particular are well connected for sea freight. Road transport by truck is also widely used for destinations in Europe, the Caucasus, the Middle East and Central Asia. The right port and mode depend on your destination, timing, volume and freight rates at the time of shipment; your forwarder can compare options.

Biscuits, wafers and cakes are generally shipped in dry containers. Plan for seasonal temperatures on long routes and ask about suitable loading and protection for chocolate-coated products in hot periods.

Step 6: Consider a mixed container

A mixed container combines several products — and sometimes several product categories — in one shipment. For new importers this is often the most efficient way to start: you can test a range in your market without committing to a full container of one item. Kalendos Snacks can prepare mixed containers combining biscuits, wafers and cakes. Discuss the product mix and pallet plan with the manufacturer and your forwarder before ordering.

Step 7: Production, loading and arrival

1. Confirm the order and approve artwork for any private label products.
2. The manufacturer produces, packs and palletises the goods.
3. Goods are loaded and export clearance is completed according to the agreed Incoterm.
4. Documents are sent to the importer or the bank, depending on payment terms.
5. The importer's customs broker clears the goods at destination; inspections may apply for food products.
6. Goods are delivered to the importer's warehouse and distributed.

Working with Kalendos Snacks

Kalendos Snacks is a manufacturer of biscuits, wafers and cakes in Beylikdüzü, Istanbul, founded in 2017, with an 8,000 m² factory and 4 production lines. The company holds ISO 9001 and Halal certification, offers private label / OEM production and mixed containers, and its products are sold in more than 50 countries. Read more on export from Turkey or in our guide to biscuit manufacturers in Turkey.

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