This study evaluates the effects of digital customs applications on export processes in Türkiye. Globalization and digital transformation have fundamentally reshaped the structure of international trade. In Türkiye, digitalization has shown significant progress in areas such as internet infrastructure, mobile connectivity, and automation. This transformation has also affected customs procedures, which constitute a critical component of foreign trade, making the transition to digital customs systems inevitable in order to achieve faster, lower-cost, and more transparent operations. A review of the existing literature reveals a lack of studies specifically addressing the impact of digitalized customs procedures on Türkiye’s exports. Therefore, it is necessary to examine the effects of digital transformation on economic activities, particularly its implications for Türkiye’s export performance.

Within this framework, the concept of exports, the differences between e-exports and traditional exports, the growth of e-export volume in Türkiye, and government support mechanisms are explained in detail. The study adopts a qualitative approach and employs secondary data through literature review, comparative analysis, and document analysis methods. As part of the methodology, legislation, official documents, and statistics related to digital customs applications in Türkiye are examined. Data from TURKSTAT and the Ministry of Trade are used to assess the impact of the digitalization process on export performance, while the status of online orders is analyzed through ETGB data, pilot projects, and newly integrated questions within the customs declaration system. In addition, international examples of digital customs systems—such as the Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA) of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)—are comparatively analyzed. Customs processing times, the number of required documents, and efficiency ratios are examined on a yearly basis in order to assess the outcomes of digital transformation.

The findings indicate that in 2024, Türkiye’s e-exports increased by 27%, reaching USD 6.4 billion, with a target of exceeding a 10% share by 2028. The Electronic Trade Customs Declaration (ETGB) system has facilitated export procedures for micro-exporters and reduced associated costs. Overall, digital customs applications have rendered Türkiye’s export processes faster, more efficient, and more transparent. However, despite the quantitative expansion of digitalization, challenges persist, including slowdowns in processing times, infrastructure deficiencies, issues related to human resource training, and system integration problems. Although Türkiye’s growth potential in the field of e-exports is substantial, achieving sustainability in this area requires further technical and structural reforms.

With the increasing prevalence of digital customs applications, it is crucial for export-oriented firms to effectively learn and adopt these systems and to restructure their export processes in line with the requirements of digitalization. In this regard, the study provides valuable guidance for both policymakers and practitioners.