Practice Area
International Trade Law
Export and import contracts, letters of credit, Incoterms and cross-border trade disputes involving Türkiye.
International trade law governs the sale, distribution and supply of goods and services between parties based in different countries. For businesses trading with Türkiye, the practical focus is on export-import contracts, payment security instruments, delivery terms and the resolution of cross-border disputes. This page summarises the general framework for information purposes.
What it covers
- International sales and distribution agreements
- Export and import contract review and drafting
- Letters of credit, documentary collections and payment security
- Incoterms and the allocation of delivery and risk
- Cross-border dispute resolution and arbitration
How the process works
- Contract formation: clarifying governing law, jurisdiction and dispute-resolution clauses.
- Payment and delivery security: structuring letters of credit or guarantees.
- Document management: aligning invoices, bills of lading, certificates of origin and customs documents.
- Dispute resolution: negotiation, mediation, arbitration or litigation.
Key documents and early steps
- Sales contract and annexes
- Proforma and commercial invoices
- Letter of credit terms and bank correspondence
- Transport and customs documents
Defining the governing law and the competent forum clearly at the outset reduces uncertainty if a dispute arises.
Common mistakes and risks
- Leaving the governing law and jurisdiction clause undecided
- Failing to present documents that strictly comply with letter of credit terms
- Using Incoterms imprecisely
- Not assessing the counterparty’s creditworthiness
Each cross-border matter must be assessed on its own facts; this content is general information and not legal advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which law governs an international sale involving Türkiye?
- It depends on the contract. Where the parties have chosen a governing law, that choice is generally respected. In its absence, the CISG may apply to international sales of goods between contracting states, and Turkish private international law determines the rest.
- What are Incoterms and why do they matter?
- Incoterms are international commercial terms that allocate delivery, risk and cost between seller and buyer. The chosen term materially affects each party’s obligations and liability.
- How are cross-border trade disputes resolved?
- Through negotiation, mediation, arbitration or litigation, depending on the dispute-resolution clause and the applicable law. The contract’s jurisdiction and arbitration clauses are usually decisive.
This page is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified lawyer about your specific situation.