Glossary
The words that appear on Turkish quotations, invoices and company records, explained for foreign buyers. Each entry says what the term means and why it matters before you pay.
How we verifyThe Turkish joint-stock company, comparable to a public or private limited company by shares. It is managed by a board of directors, can have a single shareholder and needs a higher minimum capital than a limited company.
Why it matters to a buyerAn A.Ş. can look larger than it is. Check that the legal name on the quotation matches the registry exactly, and that the person signing is authorised by the board.
See the Lite packageInvoices issued through the Turkish Revenue Administration’s electronic systems. e-Fatura is used between registered users; e-Arşiv covers other recipients. Each electronic invoice carries a unique identification number (ETTN).
Why it matters to a buyerA final invoice that looks like an edited PDF, with no unique number and a name that differs from the registry, deserves a question before you pay.
A certificate issued by the chamber of commerce or industry confirming that a company is registered, is a member and is active. It shows the date it was issued.
Why it matters to a buyerAn old certificate proves little about today. Ask for a recently dated one and compare its details with the registry.
See the Pro packageThe declaration lodged with Turkish customs when goods are exported, usually by a licensed customs broker. It names the exporter, the goods and their declared value.
Why it matters to a buyerThe exporter on the customs declaration should be the company you contracted with. A different exporter name is a reason to ask why.
A Turkish IBAN has 26 characters and starts with TR. The digits after the check digits identify the bank, and the account is held in a specific name.
Why it matters to a buyerThe account holder should be the registered company that issued your quotation. An account in a private individual’s or another company’s name is one of the most common warning signs.
See the Lite packageDebt-collection proceedings run through a Turkish enforcement office. Enforcement files are not public records; access is limited to the parties and their lawyers.
Why it matters to a buyerNo lawful public search shows every enforcement case against a supplier. Treat any offer of a full “debt check” with care, and use payment terms that limit your exposure.
Turkish exporters register with a sector exporters’ association. TİM, the Turkish Exporters Assembly, is the umbrella body for these associations.
Why it matters to a buyerMembership indicates a registered exporter. It is not a quality endorsement and does not confirm production capacity.
A document, usually notarised, that shows the specimen signatures of the people authorised to represent a company. It states whether they may sign alone or jointly, and any limits on their authority.
Why it matters to a buyerA sales manager may send quotations without being allowed to sign contracts or change bank details. The signature circular shows who can commit the company.
See the Lite packageA report issued by a chamber of industry or commerce after an expert assessment of a manufacturer’s machinery, workforce and premises. It states a production capacity and has a validity date.
Why it matters to a buyerIt describes theoretical capacity at the time of the assessment, not the capacity available for your order today. An agreed facility visit shows what is running now.
See the Enterprise packageKayıtlı Elektronik Posta is a legally recognised electronic mail system used for official notices in Türkiye. Companies use a KEP address for formal correspondence with authorities and other businesses.
Why it matters to a buyerOrdinary email can be spoofed or compromised. A KEP address does not replace your own checks, but it is a formal channel that is harder to imitate.
A court-supervised procedure that gives a debtor in financial difficulty time to agree a settlement with its creditors. The temporary protection period is publicly announced.
Why it matters to a buyerA supplier under konkordato may still trade, but deposits paid to it carry more risk. Publicly announced proceedings can be found in official records.
See the Pro packageThe most common company form for small and medium-sized Turkish businesses. It can have between 1 and 50 partners, is managed by one or more managers (müdür), and share transfers must be notarised and registered.
Why it matters to a buyerMany genuine manufacturers are limited companies. Check who the managers are and whether recent partner changes appear in the Trade Registry Gazette.
See the Lite packageA 16-digit number assigned to each company in MERSİS, the central registry system of the Ministry of Trade. It is normally shown on invoices, letterheads and the company website.
Why it matters to a buyerThe MERSİS number ties a document to one registered company. A number that does not match the legal name is a clear reason to stop and ask.
See the Lite packageTurkish notaries are public officials who authenticate signatures, documents and powers of attorney. A notarised copy confirms that the copy matches the original presented to the notary.
Why it matters to a buyerNotarisation confirms a signature or a copy; it does not confirm that the content is true. Documents for use abroad may also need an apostille.
A planned industrial zone with shared infrastructure and its own management. Many Turkish manufacturers operate from an OSB parcel.
Why it matters to a buyerAn OSB address suggests an industrial site, but it does not prove that the supplier operates there. An exterior check records what is visible at the address.
See the Pro packageA preliminary invoice that sets out the goods, price, delivery and payment terms before an order is confirmed. It is not a tax document.
Why it matters to a buyerThe proforma is where bank details usually appear, and where fraudulent details are most often inserted. Compare its name, address, tax number and account holder with the registry.
See the Lite packageA business owned and run by one person, who is personally liable for its debts. Its trading name usually contains the owner’s name.
Why it matters to a buyerFor a sole proprietorship, an account in the owner’s name can be legitimate. Confirm that the account holder is the registered owner, not a third person.
See the Lite packageLocal chambers to which registered companies must belong. TOBB, the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Türkiye, is their national umbrella organisation.
Why it matters to a buyerChamber records confirm membership and registered activity. A company that claims to manufacture should normally have a matching registered activity.
See the Pro packageThe official gazette in which company registrations are announced: incorporation, capital changes, appointments of managers and board members, address changes and liquidation.
Why it matters to a buyerThe gazette history shows how long a company has existed and whether its managers, partners or address changed recently, especially just before your order.
See the Lite packageThe local office that registers companies and their changes. Trade registry offices operate within the chambers of commerce and industry under the supervision of the Ministry of Trade.
Why it matters to a buyerThe registry office and registration number tell you where a company is officially registered. A city that differs from the quotation is worth a question.
A document, issued before a notary in Türkiye, that authorises a person to act for a company or an individual. Its scope and any expiry date are written in it.
Why it matters to a buyerIf someone who is not in the signature circular signs for the supplier, ask for the power of attorney and check that it covers the act being signed.
See the Lite packageThe tax office at which a business is registered. It appears on invoices and on the tax registration certificate together with the tax number.
Why it matters to a buyerThe tax office and tax number should appear consistently across the quotation, proforma and invoice. Inconsistent combinations suggest copied or altered documents.
A certificate showing the taxpayer’s name, tax number, tax office and main activity. It can be generated electronically and checked through the Revenue Administration.
Why it matters to a buyerA tax certificate in a different name from the quotation, or one that cannot be checked, is a reason to pause before paying.
See the Lite packageCompanies have a 10-digit tax number (vergi kimlik numarası, VKN). Individuals, including sole proprietors, use their 11-digit national identity number as their tax number.
Why it matters to a buyerThe tax number should be the same on every document and belong to the legal name you are dealing with.
See the Lite packageA person entitled to bind the company, as shown by the registry, the signature circular or a power of attorney. Job titles such as export manager do not, on their own, confer this authority.
Why it matters to a buyerFraudsters often impersonate a real employee or use a convincing title. Check that the person you deal with works for the company and what they are allowed to do.
See the Lite packageShare the quotation, proforma and bank details with your request. A Lite review checks them against the registry and tells you what to clarify before you pay.
