Kurumsal Finans ve Strateji Rehberi | Finance & Strategy Insights

For companies engaged in exports from Turkey, there are several models that offer tax advantages and operational flexibility. To optimize export processes, businesses typically consider three main options: the Classical Foreign Trade Company (KDT), the Foreign Trade Capital Company (DTSŞ), and the Inward Processing Regime Certificate (DİİB). Each model comes with its own benefits and drawbacks.

1. KDT – Classical Foreign Trade Company
KDT refers to conducting export transactions through a joint stock company established with a minimum capital of TRY 250,000.

Advantages:

• Centralizes export operations under one entity.
• Simplifies VAT refund processes.
• Provides a 1-point reduction in corporate tax (24% instead of the standard 25%).

Disadvantages:

• Requires setting up a new company and additional administrative workload.
• Corporate tax rate is still higher compared to the DTSŞ option (24% vs. 20%).

2. DTSŞ – Foreign Trade Capital Company
In this model, exports are conducted through an existing DTSŞ that meets certain conditions, usually in exchange for a 2% commission.

Advantages:

• Offers a 5-point reduction in corporate tax (20% instead of 25%).
• Simplifies VAT refund procedures.
• Processes are well-established due to working with large-scale exporters.

Disadvantages:

• Involves commission costs.

3. DİİB – Inward Processing Regime Certificate
DİİB allows companies to benefit from tax and VAT exemptions on imported inputs in exchange for an export commitment.

Advantages:

• Exempts raw material imports from VAT and customs duties.
• Reduces VAT accumulation and supports cash flow.
• Does not require establishing a new company.

Disadvantages:

• The certificate is time-bound (6–12 months) and must be renewed.
• Failure to meet the export commitment entails penalty risks.
• Requires rigorous monitoring and reporting obligations.

Comparative Evaluation

Option	Tax Advantage	Operational Load	Cash Flow Impact	Risk Factor
KDT	1% corporate tax reduction (24% instead of 25%)	Establishing a new company	Medium	Additional administrative burden
DTSŞ	5% corporate tax reduction (20% instead of 25%)	Commission payment	Medium	External dependency
DİİB	VAT and customs duty exemption	Reporting and commitment obligations	High	Export commitment risk

Conclusion
Each model offers unique advantages depending on the company’s scale, financial priorities, and operational capacity.

• KDT is suitable for firms seeking to manage exports independently under a new entity.
• DTSŞ is ideal for those prioritizing maximum tax benefits despite external dependence.
• DİİB is highly effective for companies aiming to strengthen cash flow, provided they have a capable finance team to manage commitments and reporting.

Ultimately, choosing the right model depends on aligning export strategy with a company’s financial structure and long-term objectives.