Textile Legislation and Certification Standards in Türkiye for 2025
In 2025, Türkiye has introduced a comprehensive regulatory framework for the textile sector. These rules cover import/export procedures, product safety, labeling obligations, and certification standards. For international entrepreneurs and investors, understanding these requirements is essential for compliance and successful operations in the Turkish market.
Inward Processing Regime Regulation
The updated Inward Processing Regime Circular (İHRACAT: 2025/1) came into force on July 7, 2025, and replaced the earlier 2015/2 circular. It regulates the import of textiles, apparel, leather, and leather products within the scope of Türkiye’s inward processing system.
Main requirements include:
- no inward processing certificate is issued to exporters who are not manufacturers (except foreign trade capital companies and sectoral foreign trade companies)
- for first-time applicants, the processing certificate is limited to a maximum of 25% of their production capacity
- when applying for a second certificate, at least 85% of the export commitment from the first certificate must have been fulfilled
Product Safety and Chemical Compliance
The Product Safety and Inspection Communiqué (2025/18), published on December 31, 2024, introduced stricter controls for textiles, apparel, and leather products. Inspections focus on chemical safety and compliance with the EU REACH Regulation. For importers, aligning with REACH standards is critical to avoid shipment delays or penalties.
Labeling and Consumer Information Requirements
One of the most significant regulatory changes took effect on June 9, 2025. Products containing animal-origin parts, such as leather, must now include clear labeling that identifies the specific animal source. This applies to textiles, footwear, and similar products. Labels must be transparent, accurate, and compliant with official guidelines.
Special Rules for Home Textiles
Home textile products, classified under GTIP codes 5804, 5805, 6301, 6302, 6303, 6304, 9404.30, and 9404.90, are subject to additional restrictions. Key points include:
- a maximum of 50% of the listed yarn types may be sourced through imports
- the remaining materials must be obtained from the domestic market
- imports exceeding the 50% threshold are subject to penalties
Transition Rules and Implementation
To facilitate adaptation to the new system, transition provisions were applied in early 2025:
- products shipped before January 1, 2025, could be imported until February 28, 2025, under the previous regulations
- certificates issued before July 7, 2025, remain valid under the rules of the earlier circular
Oversight and Authority
Regulation and enforcement responsibilities are shared across different authorities:
- the Ministry of Trade’s Directorate General for Exports manages the inward processing regime applications
- the Directorate General of Product Safety and Inspection oversees compliance with chemical safety requirements and random inspections at customs
Key Compliance Takeaways for International Entrepreneurs
Foreign investors and exporters entering the Turkish textile sector in 2025 should carefully observe the following obligations:
- full compliance with REACH standards for all imported and locally distributed textile products
- transparent labeling for all animal-origin materials used in finished goods
- strict adherence to inward processing documentation and fulfillment of export commitments
- respecting local sourcing obligations for home textiles under defined GTIP codes
These regulatory updates demonstrate Türkiye’s commitment to international alignment in product safety, consumer transparency, and trade administration. For international entrepreneurs, staying well-informed and building compliance systems in advance is essential for smooth access to the Turkish textile market. For further information and official updates, consult the Ministry of Trade and the Turkish Standards Institution.