What checks should be made before signing a contract with a buyer or supplier abroad?
The company’s registered name and existence, its representation and signing authority, the match between the contracting party and the payment recipient, and product and country restrictions should be reviewed. Accessible records and the contract and payment documents are assessed together. A legal preliminary review does not guarantee the counterparty’s ability to pay or commercial success.
Who is responsible for the conformity requirements of an exported or imported product in the target country?
Responsibility is determined by the nature of the product, the rules of the target country, and the role of the manufacturer, importer or distributor in the transaction. A division of tasks in the contract does not by itself remove obligations that must be complied with. Labeling, technical documentation, conformity assessment and, where necessary, recall obligations should be reviewed with the relevant specialists before the transaction.
Is it enough to write an Incoterms® rule into the contract?
No. The place of delivery and the version of the rule must be stated explicitly, and the rule must be aligned with the other provisions of the sales contract. Incoterms® does not alone govern all contractual matters, such as the transfer of title, payment and dispute resolution.
Which law applies to an international sales contract?
The parties’ choice of law, the nature of the transaction and mandatory rules are assessed together. Whether the United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (CISG; Milletlerarası Mal Satımına İlişkin Birleşmiş Milletler Antlaşması) applies is also examined separately. The same outcome cannot be assumed for every cross-border sale.
Does using a letter of credit eliminate all commercial risks?
No. The conditions of the letter of credit, the documents required, presentation periods and the scope of the bank’s undertaking should be examined. The payment structure and the claims arising from the quality or delivery of the goods and from the sales contract are addressed as separate matters.
What records should be kept if goods arrive damaged, short or late?
The sales contract, order, invoice, packing list, transport and delivery documents, damage reports, photographs, inspection records and correspondence should be kept. Notices to the seller, carrier and insurer, and the application deadlines, should be assessed separately.
Can a case be filed in Türkiye if the buyer abroad does not pay?
This depends on the jurisdiction and arbitration provisions in the contract and on the applicable rules. Beyond where a case can be filed, it is also important whether a judgment can be enforced in the country where the debtor’s assets are located. The outcome of collection cannot be guaranteed in advance.
Do you also provide customs brokerage services?
The services on this page are legal advisory, representation and dispute follow-up. Customs declarations and customs brokerage transactions that require professional authorization are carried out by the authorized professionals concerned. Depending on the nature of the matter, we work in coordination with them.
What should be done if the counterparty informs you that it has changed its bank account?
Before any payment, the account change should be separately confirmed through a previously verified communication channel and an authorized person. It is important not to rely solely on a newly received email, and to keep the confirmations, instructions and payment records.
How are transactions governed by foreign law handled?
We assess the legal aspects of transactions connected with Türkiye. Where an opinion on foreign law, or representation in that country, is required, the scope of work and authorization are determined separately with the relevant experts.
Can consultations be held online from abroad?
Yes. Consultations can be held by Zoom or WhatsApp video call. Please state your country, city, meeting language and preferred local time. When the appointment is confirmed, the meeting date, the local time in your city and Türkiye time are communicated together; the time difference on the day of the meeting is applied.
When will the consultation fee and the acceptance of the matter be clarified?
We respond to your request within 48 hours. The scope of the consultation and, where applicable, its fee are communicated before your appointment is confirmed. Acceptance of the matter is notified separately once the scope of work, the fee agreement, the necessary agreements, authorization, documents and agreed obligations are completed. A first meeting or document sharing alone does not constitute acceptance of the matter.