Brand and Product Safety Certifications in Türkiye: Key Updates for 2025
International entrepreneurs planning to enter Türkiye’s market in 2025 must understand the latest regulatory updates regarding product safety and certification. As of this year, significant revisions have been introduced to streamline import controls, enhance compliance, and integrate digital processes. Below is an overview of the core certifications, updated procedures, and sector-specific regulations in Türkiye for 2025.
Core Certifications and Compliance Mechanisms
– TSE Certification: The Turkish Standards Institution (TSE) certifies product compliance with Turkish and international standards. Commonly required for many products, including:
– Automotive lighting systems and seat belts, which are subject to UNECE regulations.
– Wheel balance weights and similar parts, which must comply with TS 11772 standards.
– Metal Scrap Import Certificate: Mandatory for certain metal imports and issued by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change.
– Certificate of Conformity (Uygunluk Yazısı): Issued by the Ministry of Industry and Technology, this is required for importing vehicles and their components to confirm compliance with technical regulations.
– AQAP Certification: Issued by the Ministry of National Defense, this certifies industrial manufacturers’ adherence to quality assurance standards in defense-related production.
Major Import Control Changes in 2025
Türkiye has implemented strict updates to import inspection procedures, particularly affecting sectors like automotive, electronics, and industrial equipment.
- Physical Inspections (Fiili Denetim): Products flagged during a risk analysis must provide relevant documents via the TAREKS system within 20 business days. Failure to do so results in automatic rejection.
- Non-Compliance and Penalties: Repeated violations lead to suspension of company import rights for 3 to 12 months and increased audit frequencies.
- Appeal Rights: Objections to negative audit outcomes must be filed within 15 business days from the date the results are reported.
Sector-Specific Regulations
Türkiye’s updated communiqués include detailed technical requirements for various industries:
- Automotive Parts: According to Communiqué No. 2025/25, technical compliance audits are mandatory for imported parts. For example, collapsible tube-like containers must meet TS 4812 EN 13046 standards.
- Defense Sector: Companies working in or supplying to the defense industry must hold an AQAP certificate proving adherence to specific quality assurance levels.
Digital Integration and Submission Requirements
Türkiye continues to modernize its oversight systems through increased digitalization:
- TAREKS and PGDBİS Integration: Data from import inspection processes within the TAREKS platform is now automatically shared with the National Market Surveillance and Inspection Information System (PGDBİS).
- Mandatory E-Document Submission: All inspection requests and document uploads are processed electronically, greatly reducing manual bureaucracy and enabling remote compliance verification.
Effective Dates and Exemptions
– Communiqués such as 2025/1, 2025/2, 2025/5, and 2025/25 entered into force on January 1, 2025.
– Products falling under the Inward Processing Regime (Hariçte İşleme Rejimi) may be exempt from certain inspections.
Conclusion
These regulatory updates mark a significant shift in how Türkiye handles imports and product certification. International companies seeking market entry must prioritize compliance with TÜRK standards, particularly for high-risk products like vehicle parts and technical equipment. The increased reliance on digital systems such as TAREKS and PGDBİS, alignment with EU and UNECE standards, and strict enforcement make it essential for foreign investors to stay informed and prepared. For more details, consulting with a local compliance advisor or visiting the official Ministry of Trade website is highly recommended.