How to import aluminium profiles from Turkey

Aluminium profiles are at the heart of a sustainable world. Aluminium is an extraordinary material that, by its very nature, can be recycled repeatedly without losing its properties, thus making it one of the most environmentally responsible choices in global industry. For this reason, it is frequently used in various fields, from architecture to automotive. It is a material whose hardness and surface type can be adjusted as desired. It can be produced using various methods and is an economically sustainable commercial material worldwide.

During my university years, aluminium was the material we most enjoyed working with our professors. Its promising career opportunities made it very important for students. Also today, its presence in almost every sector makes it indispensable.

Aluminium profiles, in particular, are found in almost everywhere of our lives today. This has increased the commercial demand for this product. Millions of tons of aluminium profiles are currently produced and traded worldwide. This volume attracts the attention of importers and is being realized as profitable business ideas in local markets.

What is an aluminium profile?

Aluminium profiles are products created by an extrusion press machine. Aluminium is pushed into a die, then extruded form comes from other side of the die. We place a billet of 6000 series aluminum alloy into the extrusion press machine and give the machine a pressing command. The heated billet is pushed into the pre-prepared die with very high force. The profile emerging from the other side of the die is cut to the desired size. We bring it to the desired hardness, then apply the desired surface treatment, and finally package it with protective tape. 

There are thousands of types of aluminium profiles. It’s possible to produce profiles in thousands of different forms, each with different visual and functional purposes. For example, a skirting board profile isn’t expected to bear a load, while a profile used in the automotive industry is expected to be extremely strong. While some profiles are not exposed to moisture at all, another profile can be used directly in shower enclosure production. It’s possible to produce aluminum profiles suitable for every purpose.

Why import aluminium profiles from Turkey?

The primary reasons for importing aluminium profiles from Türkiye are quality and geographical location. Thanks to advanced Turkish engineering, we are highly developed in technical matters. We have a team of experts. We are a country that is considered a leader in metallurgy worldwide. We are very good at producing high-quality products. On the other hand, our geographical location is favorable for exporting to all the world. We are right in the center of the global aluminium trade.

Türkiye is very competitive in terms of aluminium prices. Aluminium billet production is abundant here. We offer very competitive aluminium profiles. The combination of high quality and competitive price makes us the preferred choice worldwide.

Step by step: How to import aluminium profiles from Turkey

First, prepare a list of the aluminium profiles you wish to import, specifying the surface type and lengths for your project or clients. Once you send us this list, we will prepare a proforma invoice for you. This document contains detailed information about the exporter, importer, date, document number, order details, payment method, delivery method, our bank account information, and the total amount.

Once you receive the proforma invoice, contact a customs broker in the country where you wish to import. Learn about the regulations regarding aluminium profile imports in your country and check if the payment method is acceptable. Some countries have no restrictions on imports, while others may. The payment method should also be checked, as some countries do not allow cash in advance method, directing importers to use letters of credit or cash against documents payment methods.

After a preliminary review with your customs broker, you need to finalize the payment process. You will need to contact your bank and present the proforma invoice. Using the information in this document, the bank will transfer the money to the exporter with your approval and provide you a receipt.

While money transfers from some countries arrive in Türkiye the same day, it may take a few days from others. Therefore, sharing your receipt with us will be helpful for initiating aluminium profile production.

Shipping is planned before production is completed. Our usual delivery term is EXW. We will provide you with a date and request that the container or truck be ready at our factory on that date. After loading, we will prepare the document set for you.

These documents include a commercial invoice, packing list, and certificate of origin. If we have an agreement with your country, we can also prepare A.TR and EUR.1 documents. Additionally, for exports by sea, we prepare the bill of lading.

The commercial invoice shows the kilogram of aluminium profiles purchased, the unit price, the total amount, the payment method, and the delivery method.

The packing list details the profile types loaded, their surface info, their images, lengths, net weight, gross weight, and pallet information.

The certificate of origin is an international document, officially approved by the authorities in Türkiye, that certifies the origin of the goods.

We prepare A.TR and EUR.1 documents for our clients in countries with which we have customs agreements. These documents provide certain tax advantages depending on the country.

Regarding the bill of lading: If the shipment is by road and EXW delivery is agreed, the bill of lading for the truck is prepared by the truck owner. If the shipment is by sea, we will be in contact with the agent in Türkiye to ensure an error-free bill of lading is prepared. For sea freight exports, we have two options. We can send the bill of lading to you as a issued document, or we can release it by telex. If we release it, you won’t need to deliver a issued paper bill of lading to your port when receiving the aluminium profiles.

Some countries accept import documents in PDF format, allowing importers to complete their transactions with a released bill of lading. On the other hand, some of our clients in certain countries specifically request that we ship all documents as issued documents.

In addition to the documents I’ve listed, some of our clients in certain countries request additional documents such as annex – declarations. As a manufacturer and exporter, we are generally able to provide all the necessary declarations.

I would also like to point out that before finalizing these documents, we provide you with digital drafts for you to review. This will give you peace of mind.

You have almost completed the import of aluminium profiles. Once your goods are discharged at your country’s port and you receive your document set, you can quickly begin the import process with your customs broker, make the necessary tax payments, and clear your goods through customs to your warehouse.

If you are exporting to another country without clearing it through your own customs, this is also possible; you just need to inform your customs broker.

Why You Should Buy Directly from the Manufacturer

By contacting us directly and purchasing aluminium profiles, you avoid commission fees and eliminate the possibility of misunderstandings in your orders. With a middleman, you explain your requirements to them, they relay them to us, and then they relay our questions and responses back to you creating unnecessary delays and room for misunderstandings.

Instead of word-of-mouth communication, direct contact between importers and manufacturers via email or WhatsApp groups, with relevant personnel, is faster and smoother.

Furthermore, purchasing directly from a Turkish aluminium profile factory offers significant economic advantages. You’ll have a stronger position when competing with rivals. You can conduct higher volume trade at a lower cost. If you plan to use aluminium profiles in your own project, you’ll reduce project costs and improve quality.

Mehmet Ali ARSLAN
Metallurgical and Materials Engineer