Regime Regarding Technical Regulations
The Presidential Decree no:2022/6038 on Regime Regarding Technical Regulations aims the maintenance of safety and conformity of products which are subject to foreign trade. For this purpose, the Decree determines the principles of the adaptation of the technical regulations to foreign trade; the inspections to be carried out during import and export; and determination of the competent authorities to carry out inspections. Also, the responsibilities of the competent authorities; the responsibilities of importers and exporters; the measures to be taken and the sanctions to be imposed are explained in the Decree.
The Decree also emphasizes the protection of the image of Türkiye originated products in foreign markets. For this purpose, in case any detection of non-conformity to the Decree and the product legislations, the relevant sanctions are imposed to the exporter. (click here)
Regulation on Technical Regulations in Foreign Trade
The Regulation, involving the procedures and principles of the inspections of products which are subject to foreign trade, has been prepared on the basis of the Law No. 7223 on Product Safety and Technical Regulations and the Presidential Decree no:2022/6038 on Regime Regarding Technical Regulations; and entered into force after being published in the Official Gazette dated 16 August 2023 and numbered 32281.
With the Regulation, the procedures and principles regarding the inspections of products exported to EU countries and products exported to countries other than EU members are explained separately within the framework outlined by the Law and the Decree in order to protect the image of Türkiye originated products in foreign markets.
Accordingly, products exported to EU countries are assumed to be placed on the Turkish market and in case of any non-conformity, competent authorities impose sanctions according to the Law no 7223 and relevant product legislation, additionally the sanctions set out in the Decree can also be imposed by the Ministry of Trade.
The products exported to the countries other than EU members must also be safe; not adulterated and the marking, the labelling and the certification of product should not be misleading for the buyer. In case of any non-conformity to these requirements, the Ministry imposes the administrative fines within the scope of Law No. 7223 and imposes the sanctions within the scope of the Decree. (click here)
The Presidential Decree no:2022/6038 on Regime Regarding Technical Regulations aims the maintenance of safety and conformity of products which are subject to foreign trade. For this purpose, the Decree determines the principles of the adaptation of the technical regulations to foreign trade; the inspections to be carried out during import and export; and determination of the competent authorities to carry out inspections. Also, the responsibilities of the competent authorities; the responsibilities of importers and exporters; the measures to be taken and the sanctions to be imposed are explained in the Decree.
The Decree also emphasizes the protection of the image of Türkiye originated products in foreign markets. For this purpose, in case any detection of non-conformity to the Decree and the product legislations, the relevant sanctions are imposed to the exporter. (click here)
Regulation on Technical Regulations in Foreign Trade
The Regulation, involving the procedures and principles of the inspections of products which are subject to foreign trade, has been prepared on the basis of the Law No. 7223 on Product Safety and Technical Regulations and the Presidential Decree no:2022/6038 on Regime Regarding Technical Regulations; and entered into force after being published in the Official Gazette dated 16 August 2023 and numbered 32281.
With the Regulation, the procedures and principles regarding the inspections of products exported to EU countries and products exported to countries other than EU members are explained separately within the framework outlined by the Law and the Decree in order to protect the image of Türkiye originated products in foreign markets.
Accordingly, products exported to EU countries are assumed to be placed on the Turkish market and in case of any non-conformity, competent authorities impose sanctions according to the Law no 7223 and relevant product legislation, additionally the sanctions set out in the Decree can also be imposed by the Ministry of Trade.
The products exported to the countries other than EU members must also be safe; not adulterated and the marking, the labelling and the certification of product should not be misleading for the buyer. In case of any non-conformity to these requirements, the Ministry imposes the administrative fines within the scope of Law No. 7223 and imposes the sanctions within the scope of the Decree. (click here)
Risk-Based Trade Control System (TAREKS)
“Risk-Based Trade Control System (TAREKS)” has been launched at the end of 2010 by the Ministry of Trade to carry out safety and quality checks on export and import goods electronically and on risk basis. Designed to be reached from the web using e-signature, the new control system mainly targets to increase the efficiency of the trade policy, to provide safe and quality products to consumers and firms, rationalize the resource allocation vis-à-vis the control of “risky” products and traders and reduce the waiting periods at the customs.
The System encompasses goods of vital importance to consumers like personal protective equipments, toys, batteries and accumulators, construction products, radio and telecommunications terminal equipments, medical devices, machines, lifts, pressure equipments, electrical and electronic equipments, some industrial inputs, raw materials, consumer products etc. which are subject to product safety inspections. It also includes agricultural products inspected by the Ministry for commercial quality.
Safety And Quality Control System On Import & Export
1) Safety Controls on Import:
Import control system under the Regime on Technical Regulations and Standardization for Foreign Trade in Turkey has been subject to modifications since 2004 with the aim of harmonization of the European Union (EU) technical legislation.
In this regard, the "Decree of Council of Ministers on the Regime on Technical Regulations and Standardization For Foreign Trade” and the legislation published based on the mentioned Decree was reviewed in order to enable the relevant EU legislation to be implemented in Turkey at the import stage. Related Communiqués are listed below;
- Communiqué of Product Safety and Inspection No. (2021/1)
In accordance with the Communiqué on Product Safety and Inspection No. 2021/1 (Official Gazette, d. 31/12/2020 and no. 31351 - 4th Repeated), industrial products within the scope of some Turkish Standards, which are at the same time mandated in the domestic market, are subject to inspection by the Turkish Standards Institution (TSE). The inspections are carried out in respect of minimum health, safety and protection of environment, providing adequate information to the consumers.
- Communiqué of Product Safety and Inspection No. (2024/3)
According to the Communiqué on Import Inspection of Wastes Under Control for Environmental Protection, certain non-hazardous waste types can be imported in a controlled manner, only for the purpose of recycling.
Within the scope of the Communiqué, the import of non-recyclable and disposal wastes is prohibited and only recyclable, non-hazardous wastes (wastes under Annex-1) can be imported by industrialists who have recycling facilities which obtain environmental license from Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change. Wastes subject to importation go through a conformity check procedure carried out by the same authority. The conformity check procedure involves both physical control and document check. The wastes importation of which are prohibited are also determined by the Communiqué. (click here)
Within the scope of the Communiqué, the import of non-recyclable and disposal wastes is prohibited and only recyclable, non-hazardous wastes (wastes under Annex-1) can be imported by industrialists who have recycling facilities which obtain environmental license from Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change. Wastes subject to importation go through a conformity check procedure carried out by the same authority. The conformity check procedure involves both physical control and document check. The wastes importation of which are prohibited are also determined by the Communiqué. (click here)
- Communiqué of Product Safety and Inspection No. (2024/4)
The Communiqué on Import Inspection of Substances Subject to the Special Permission of the Ministry of Health, regulates the procedures and principles regarding the conformity checks of importation of certain narcotic and psychotropic substances and preparations for medical purposes.
Within the scope of the Communiqué, the Ministry of Health (Turkish Medicines and Medical Devices Agency) issues a Control Certificate for the substance to be imported. (click here)
Within the scope of the Communiqué, the Ministry of Health (Turkish Medicines and Medical Devices Agency) issues a Control Certificate for the substance to be imported. (click here)
- Communiqué of Product Safety and Inspection No. (2024/5)
"Communiqué on Inspection of Import of Product that are Subject to Permission from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (Product Safety and Inspection: No: 2024/5), (Official Gazette, d. 31/12/2023 and no. 32416- 4th Repeated)"
The purpose of this Communiqué is to regulate the principles and procedures with regard to the conformity inspection regarding the human health and safety, animal and plant existence in import of the products lay down in Appendices. Certificate of conformity is arranged for all products in all Appendices by Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. Physical controls and sample analyses are also carried out by the Ministry.
- Communiqué of Product Safety and Inspection No. (2024/6)
The Communiqué on Import Inspection of Chemicals Under Control for the Environmental Protection, controls or prohibits the import of ozone depleting substances and fluorinated greenhouse gases for the protection of the environment.
The import of ozone depleting substances within the scope of the Communiqué is permitted only for certaion service purposes. For the import of these chemicals, their conformity in terms of environmental protection must be documented with OTIM Control Certificate issued by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change.
On the other hand, within the scope of the Communiqué, the import of fluorinated greenhouse gases in disposable pressurized containers is prohibited except for those for laboratory use; and during the import of these substances in pure, used, recycled or reclaimed form in bulk containers, their conformity in terms of environmental protection must be documented with Hydrofluorocarbon Control Certificate issued by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change. (click here)
The import of ozone depleting substances within the scope of the Communiqué is permitted only for certaion service purposes. For the import of these chemicals, their conformity in terms of environmental protection must be documented with OTIM Control Certificate issued by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change.
On the other hand, within the scope of the Communiqué, the import of fluorinated greenhouse gases in disposable pressurized containers is prohibited except for those for laboratory use; and during the import of these substances in pure, used, recycled or reclaimed form in bulk containers, their conformity in terms of environmental protection must be documented with Hydrofluorocarbon Control Certificate issued by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change. (click here)
- Communiqué of Product Safety and Inspection No. (2024/7)
The Communiqué on Import Inspection of Solid Fuels Under Control for Environmental Protection, regulates the procedures and principles regarding the conformity checks of solid fuels (such as hard coal, lignite, petroleum coke etc.) to be imported in terms of environmental protection.
Solid fuels within the scope of the Communiqué can be imported by companies who have Solid Fuel Importer Registration Certificate obtained from the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change. (click here)
Solid fuels within the scope of the Communiqué can be imported by companies who have Solid Fuel Importer Registration Certificate obtained from the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change. (click here)
- Communiqué of Product Safety and Inspection No. (2021/8)
The Communiqué of Product Safety and Inspection No. 2021/8 (Official Gazette, d. 31/12/2020 and no. 31351 - 4th Repeated) regulates the product safety controls of radio and telecommunication terminal equipment.
- Communiqué of Product Safety and Inspection No. (2021/9)
The Communiqué on Product Safety and Inspection No. 2021/9 (Official Gazette, d. 31/12/2020 and no. 31351 - 4th Repeated) regulates the product safety controls of certain products that require CE marking such as machinery, low voltage equipment, electromagnetic compatibility, pressure equipment, simple pressure vessels, appliances burning fuels, lifts and hot-water boilers. The controls are based on mainly document checks and physical controls, and carried out by the Turkish Standards Institution (TSE) at the import stage. The inspections are carried out with respect of essential requirements which are laid down in the technical regulations regarding these products.
- Communiqué of Product Safety and Inspection No. (2021/10)
In accordance with the Communiqué of Product Safety and Inspection No. 2021/10 (Official Gazette, d. 31/12/2020 and no. 31351 - 4th Repeated), import controls of toys are implemented as of 12/12/2005, coherent with the EU legislation.
- Communiqué of Product Safety and Inspection No. (2021/11)
With the Communiqué Product Safety and Inspection of No. 2021/11 (Official Gazette, d. 31/12/2020 and no. 31351 - 4th Repeated), the safety controls for imports of the Personal Protective Equipment are implemented coherent with the EU legislation.
- Communiqué of Product Safety and Inspection No. (2021/12)
Communiqué on Product Safety and Inspection No. 2021/12 (Official Gazette, d. 31/12/2020 and no. 31351 - 4th Repeated) regulates the import controls of certain consumer products such as pacifiers, baby bottles, baby care products, stationery supplies, mouse pads, imitation jewelry, wrist watches, etc.
- Communiqué of Product Safety and Inspection No. (2021/14)
Communiqué on Product Safety and Inspection No. 2021/14, (Official Gazette, d. 31/12/2020 and no. 31351 - 4th Repeated) regulates the import controls of construction products such as cement, iron and steel bars, etc.
- Communiqué of Product Safety and Inspection No. (2021/15)
The Communiqué of Product Safety and Inspection No. 2021/15 (Official Gazette, d. 31/12/2020 and no. 31351 - 4th Repeated), regulates the import controls of batteries and accumulators.
- Communiqué of Product Safety and Inspection No. (2021/16)
Communiqué on Product Safety and Inspection No. 2021/16 (Official Gazette, d. 31/12/2020 and no. 31351 - 4th Repeated) regulates import controls of medical devices such as in vitro, active implantable medical devices, etc.
- Communiqué of Product Safety and Inspection No. (2021/18)
- Communiqué of Product Safety and Inspection No. (2021/26)
Communiqué on Product Safety and Inspection No. 2021/18 (Official Gazette, d. 7/11/2020 and no. 31297) and Communiqué on Product Safety and Inspection No. 2021/18 (Official Gazette, d. 30/12/2020 and no. 31350) regulate the import controls of textile, leather and clothing products.
- Communiqué of Product Safety and Inspection No. (2024/19)
Communiqué on Import Inspection of Tobacco, Tobacco Products, Alcohol and Alcoholic Beverages (Product Safety and Inspection: 2024/19), (Official Gazette, d. 31/12/2023 and no. 32416 - 4th Repeated)"
The purpose of this Communiqué is to regulate the principles and procedures with regard to the conformity certification regarding market security and health, documentation, notification and inspection of the products, which are tobacco, tobacco products, alcohol and alcoholic beverages in importation thereof.
- Communiqué of Product Safety and Inspection No. (2024/20)
The Communiqué on Import Inspection of Certain Products Controlled by the Ministry of Health, regulates the procedures and principles regarding the conformity inspections during the importation of products such as medicinal products for human use, pharmaceutical raw materials, enteral nutrition products and drinking water.
Within the scope of the Communiqué, for the importation of these products a Control Certificate must be issued by the Ministry of Health. (click here)
Within the scope of the Communiqué, for the importation of these products a Control Certificate must be issued by the Ministry of Health. (click here)
- Communiqué of Product Safety and Inspection No. (2024/23)
The Communiqué on Import Inspection of Metal Scraps under Control for Environmental Protection, controls the import of certain metal scrap entering the customs territory of Türkiye for the protection of the environment.
Metal scraps included in the Annex-1 list of the Communiqué can be imported by industrialists who own Metal Scrap Importer Certificate and environmental license (provided by Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change). Import of scraps included Annex 2 list of the Communiqué is prohibited. Special conditions are required to obtain Metal Scrap Importer Certificate. Metal scrap can only be imported from customs installed with radiation panels. (click here)
Metal scraps included in the Annex-1 list of the Communiqué can be imported by industrialists who own Metal Scrap Importer Certificate and environmental license (provided by Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change). Import of scraps included Annex 2 list of the Communiqué is prohibited. Special conditions are required to obtain Metal Scrap Importer Certificate. Metal scrap can only be imported from customs installed with radiation panels. (click here)
- Communiqué of Product Safety and Inspection No. (2021/25)
In accordance with the Communiqué on Product Safety and Inspection No. 2021/25 (Official Gazette, d. 31/12/2020 and no. 31351 - 4th Repeated), vehicle parts are subject to inspection by the Turkish Standards Institution (TSE). The inspections are carried out in respect of minimum health, safety and protection requirements.
- Communiqué of Product Safety and Inspection No. (2023/24)
"Communiqué on Export and Import Inspections of Cotton (Product Safety and Inspection: 2023/24) (Official Gazette, d. 31/12/2022 and no. 32060)"
This Communiqué lays down principles and procedures relating to export, import and internal market controls of cotton.
- Communiqué of Product Safety and Inspection No. (2012/27)
"Communiqué on Standardization of Cotton (Product Safety and Inspection: 2012/27) (Official Gazette, d. 14/08/2012 and no. 28384)"
This Communiqué lays down principles and procedures relating to the infrastructure conditions of factories that are subject to classification and control of cottons, determination of cotton class and types, packaging, marking, sampling and analysis for control processes.
2) Quality Controls on Export:
- Communiqué of Product Safety and Inspection No. (2024/21)
"Communiqué on Commercial Quality Inspection on Export and Import for Certain Agricultural Products (Product Safety and Inspection: 2024/21)(Official Gazette, d. 31/12/2023 and no. 32416 - 4th Repeated)"
Certain agricultural products are in the scope of products which are mandatory to be up to specific standards with respect to quality compliance with the commercial quality on exportation. This Communiqué lays down principles and procedures relating to risk based inspections of these products with respect to quality compliance with the commercial quality standards at export stage.
- Communiqué of Product Safety and Inspection No. (2021/22)
"Communiqué on the Classification of the Firms with the Purpose of Risk Based Commercial Quality Controls of Exports (Product Safety and Inspection: 2021/22) (Official Gazette, d. 31/12/2020 and no. 31351 - 4th Repeated)"
This Communiqué lays down the principles and procedures regarding the classification of firms exporting products subject to commercial quality inspections on exports, specifications on which the classification is to be based, the rights and obligations of the firms for which the classes are determined, to determine how and how often the products on export subject to commercial quality inspection shall be subject to commercial quality inspection.
3) Communiqué of International Inspection Company Status No. (2015/24):
Within the framework of the procedures and principles set out in the Communiqué, "international inspection company (IIC)" status is granted to companies and organizations that will carry out
3) Communiqué of International Inspection Company Status No. (2015/24):
Within the framework of the procedures and principles set out in the Communiqué, "international inspection company (IIC)" status is granted to companies and organizations that will carry out
- quality and quantity control
- due diligence during storage, loading, unloading and transportation
- determination of the accuracy of price and customs classification, including exchange rates and financial conditions