Machine builders and OEMs in Europe face two problems when sourcing welded parts: long lead times and supply risks in the Far East, and capacity shortages and labour costs in Western and Central Europe. That is why Turkey and Eastern European countries stand out in the search for nearshoring. This article compares the three options for sourcing welded parts and steel fabrications.
Note: the assessments below are general trends. In every project the supplier itself matters more than the country it is in.
Comparison Table
| Criterion | Turkey | Eastern Europe (PL, CZ, SK, HU, RO) | Far East |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transport to Central Europe | A few days to a week by road | A few days by road | Weeks by sea |
| Customs | EU–Turkey Customs Union; no duty on most industrial goods with A.TR, customs formalities apply | EU single market, no customs formalities | Duties and formalities depending on the product |
| Labour cost | Competitive | Medium | Low |
| Small and medium batches | Workshops open to this work are common | Possible, depending on capacity | Large series usually preferred |
| Standards and documents | EN 1090, EN ISO 3834, CE common | EN 1090, EN ISO 3834, CE common | Varies widely by supplier |
| Time difference and communication | 1–2 hours; English widely used | 0–1 hour; German and English widely used | 6–7 hours; language and distance risk |
| Audits and visits | Short flight | By road or short flight | Long journey |
When Does Turkey Make Sense?
- For labour-intensive welded parts: machine frames, chassis and structures that need many welds, fixtures and inspection.
- For small and medium batches: jobs where Asian minimum orders and long lead times do not fit.
- For documented work: projects that require EN 1090, EN ISO 3834-2, WPS/WPQR, NDT reports and traceability.
- When you need a second source: when your current supplier is at capacity or you want to reduce single-source dependency.
When Is Eastern Europe a Better Fit?
- For just-in-time (JIT) supply with deliveries within a few days at short intervals.
- When staying inside the EU without customs formalities is a must.
- For projects with very frequent engineering changes and on-site coordination.
When Is the Far East Preferred?
For simple parts with a mature design, high volumes and flexible lead times, the Far East can offer a cost advantage. However, transit time, inventory cost, quality audits and the slow implementation of revisions must be added to the total cost.
Customs, Origin and CBAM
Turkey and the EU have a customs union covering industrial goods. Industrial goods in free circulation generally enter the EU without customs duty when accompanied by an A.TR movement certificate; customs declarations and checks still apply. Since different rules may apply to some steel products, check the situation for your product's HS code with your customs broker.
The EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) covers many iron and steel products and places reporting and certificate obligations on the importer. For details, see our guide to CBAM and steel exports.
What to Check When Choosing a Supplier in Turkey
- EN 1090 certificate and execution class (EXC2, EXC3).
- EN ISO 3834-2 welding quality system and welding coordinator.
- A portfolio of qualified WPS/WPQR and EN ISO 9606-1 welder certificates.
- NDT capability: which methods are done by own staff and which by partners.
- Quotes, documents and communication in English; first article approval and dimensional reporting process.
For a more detailed list, see our article on choosing a welding subcontractor.
ArmaWeld: from our workshop in Konya, Turkey, we ship welded parts and structures to customers in Austria, Germany, Luxembourg and Norway. We work under EN 1090 EXC3 and EN ISO 3834-2 and prepare quotes and documentation in English. Details: welded fabrication for Europe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there customs duty on welded parts imported from Turkey into the EU?
For industrial goods covered by the EU–Turkey Customs Union, no customs duty is generally charged when an A.TR movement certificate is provided. Customs formalities still apply and some steel products may follow different rules; check with your customs broker based on your product's HS code.
How long does delivery from Turkey to Germany take?
By road, including loading and customs clearance, it is usually planned at around one week. The exact time is stated in the quote, depending on part size, type of transport and delivery address.
How do I secure quality when working with a Turkish supplier?
Ask for EN 1090 and EN ISO 3834-2 certificates, the WPS/WPQR list and NDT capability, and approve the first article with a dimensional report and NDT results. If needed, plan a workshop visit or an independent inspection.
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