How to Import Fabric
from Turkey
MOQ, sampling, incoterms, payment terms and lead time — a practical, step-by-step guide from a Zeytinburnu, Istanbul knit fabric manufacturer that has exported to 50+ countries since 2013.
Importing Fabric from Turkey in One Paragraph
In short: send your fabric spec (type, GSM, width, content) and quantity, request a physical sample, confirm price and MOQ (commonly 50 kg per fabric/color), agree on incoterms (EXW/FOB Istanbul for first orders, FCA for EU forwarders) and payment (30-50% deposit, balance before shipment), then production and shipping follow — 2-5 business days within Türkiye, 3-7 days by road to the EU. Most knit fabrics are classified under HS Chapter 60.
The Fabric Import Process
Six steps from first inquiry to fabric arriving at your warehouse.
Define your fabric spec
Decide fabric type, GSM, width, fiber content and any color/print requirement. If you have a reference swatch or spec sheet, send it — it speeds up matching and quoting.
Request a quote and a physical sample
Contact the supplier with quantity and destination country. A serious manufacturer replies within hours and can courier a physical swatch or cut length — never commit to a bulk order on photos alone.
Confirm MOQ and pricing
Most Turkish knit fabric mills set a minimum order quantity per color/fabric — commonly 50 kg at Altunkaya, versus 300 kg+ at many mills. Pricing is quoted per kg, factory-direct, in USD or EUR.
Agree on incoterms and payment terms
EXW or FOB Istanbul are typical for first orders; EU buyers often use FCA with their own forwarder picking up from the Zeytinburnu warehouse. Payment is usually 30-50% deposit to confirm the order, balance before shipment.
Production and quality check
Bulk production starts once the deposit is confirmed. For first-time orders, ask for in-process photos or arrange a pre-shipment inspection before the goods leave the factory.
Shipping and customs clearance
Fabric typically ships by road (fastest to the EU, 3-7 business days) or by sea/air for distant markets. Knit fabrics generally fall under HS Chapter 60 — confirm the exact code with your customs broker before clearance.
Typical Terms at a Glance
| Item | Typical Term |
|---|---|
| Minimum order quantity | 50 kg per fabric/color (Altunkaya); 300 kg+ common elsewhere |
| Sample lead time | 1-3 business days to courier a physical swatch |
| Production lead time | ~2-4 weeks for bulk orders, depending on fabric and quantity |
| Domestic delivery (Türkiye) | 2-5 business days |
| Road freight to EU | 3-7 business days |
| Sea/air freight (US, Gulf, Asia) | 2-5 weeks depending on route |
| Common incoterms | EXW, FOB Istanbul, FCA (EU forwarders), DAP/DDP on request |
| Payment structure | 30-50% deposit, balance before shipment; LC for larger repeat orders |
| HS classification | Chapter 60 (knitted/crocheted fabrics), heading depends on content — confirm with broker |
First-Time vs. Repeat Buyer
First-Time Importer
Start with a small trial order at MOQ, use FOB or FCA so your own forwarder handles freight, and pay 50% deposit / 50% before shipment. Request photos during production.
Repeat / Volume Buyer
Once trust is established, buyers typically move to standing monthly orders, negotiated pricing tiers, and sometimes letter of credit or open-account terms.
Common Questions About Importing Fabric from Turkey
Start Your First Import Order
50 kg minimum order, factory-direct pricing, 2-5 business day delivery in Türkiye. Tell us your fabric spec and destination — we'll quote and courier a sample.