Product Certification in Türkiye: Accredited Institutions and Opportunities for Entrepreneurs
In Türkiye, product certification is carried out by authorized institutions operating within a structured accreditation system. This system ensures compliance with both national and international standards, offering a wide range of certification options for entrepreneurs and businesses planning to enter the Turkish market.
Main Accrediting Institutions
The key pillars of the certification system in Türkiye are the national accreditation bodies. These institutions oversee and authorize certification organizations across various sectors, ensuring conformity and trustworthiness.
Turkish Accreditation Agency (TÜRKAK)
TÜRKAK (Turkish Accreditation Agency) is the sole authority in Türkiye responsible for granting accreditation to certification bodies. It accredits product certification institutions according to the TS EN ISO/IEC 17065:2012 standard, which is the core international norm for certifying products.
Halal Accreditation Agency (HAK)
The Halal Accreditation Agency (HAK) is the authorized entity overseeing halal product certification in Türkiye. Among the prominent certification bodies accredited by HAK are:
- IFC Global Halal Certification Inc.
- SIGMACERT Global Auditing and Certification
- TSE Global Certification
Types of Product Certification Bodies
General Product Certification
Entities eligible to operate as product certification bodies in Türkiye include public and foundation universities, public institutions, private legal entities, and individuals. However, in order to provide certification services, these organizations must be accredited by TÜRKAK. Accreditation ensures that they meet international technical and quality standards.
Agricultural Product Certification
Specific government-authorized bodies certify organic and good agricultural practices in Türkiye, overseen by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. These certifications are crucial for businesses planning to export or import agricultural products.
Authorized Bodies for Organic Agriculture
- ECAS Ecological Certification Inc. (authorization until: August 3, 2025)
- BIOBEL Certification (authorization until: March 8, 2029)
- KAYOS International Certification (authorization until: August 23, 2029)
- BAŞAK Ecological Products Control and Certification
Authorized Bodies for Good Agricultural Practices (GAP)
- CTR International Certification and Inspection Ltd. (authorization until: October 4, 2025)
- ETKO Ecological Agriculture Control Organization (authorization until: December 19, 2025)
- IFC Global Certification (authorization until: September 15, 2025)
- GENSA Technology Control and Certification (authorization until: March 18, 2026)
Specialized Certifications
Halal Product Certification
HAK-accredited bodies offer halal certification under various categories such as CI, CII, CIII, CIV, E, GI, HIII, I, and K. These certifications are of increasing importance for accessing both domestic and international Muslim consumer markets.
Green Transformation Certificates
Companies like CERTILOOP Green Transformation Certification Services Inc. provide services focused on environmental protection and sustainability, aligning with the growing global demand for eco-friendly practices and certifications.
Training and Requirements for Certification Bodies
TÜRKAK offers training sessions for personnel working in product certification institutions. The training is based on the TS EN ISO/IEC 17065:2012 standard and aims to enhance competence in certification procedures. The training fee is 6,000 TL + VAT and can only be paid by credit card.
Target Participants:
- Managers of certification bodies
- Personnel responsible for quality management
- Technical staff and relevant employees
- Individuals seeking to understand the TS EN ISO/IEC 17065:2012 standard
Key Considerations for International Entrepreneurs
For foreign businesses or investors planning to operate in Türkiye, it is crucial to ensure that any certification body they work with is accredited either by TÜRKAK (for general certifications) or HAK (for halal certifications), or is authorized by the relevant ministry for sector-specific certifications.
Keep in mind that:
- Accreditations and authorizations have fixed validity periods and require timely renewals.
- The certification system assures compliance with international norms, enhancing your brand’s credibility in global supply chains.
- Proper certification is essential for exporting, importing, or manufacturing in regulated fields, especially in sectors like agriculture, food, cosmetics, and eco-focused industries.
By partnering with accredited institutions in Türkiye, entrepreneurs can not only meet legal compliance but also gain customer trust and competitive advantage in international markets.
