General Standards
The economy of Turkey is defined as an emerging market economy by the IMF. Turkey is among the world's developed countries according to the CIA World Factbook. The country has the world's 17th-largest nominal GDP, and 17th-largest GDP by PPP. Turkey is among the world's leading producers of agricultural products, textiles, motor vehicles, ships and other transportation equipment, construction materials, consumer electronics and home appliances. The country ames to keep its possition on the international trade market. That is why, the government established a number of export and import standards in order to keep the local market and motivate the manufacturers.
In 2002, the Government of Turkey’s Under-secretariat for Foreign Trade announced the implementation of twenty-three European Union industrial directives, which would affect an estimated 70% of the manufactured products imported into Turkey.
The Under-Secretariat for Foreign Trade has adopted the EU’s Low Voltage Directive, the Simple Pressure Vessels Directive, the Gas Appliances Directive, the Hot Water Boilers Directive, the EMC, the Machinery Directive, the Civil Explosives Directive, the Weighing Instruments Directive, the Equipment and Protective Systems Intended in Explosive Atmospheres Directive, the Lifts Directive (elevators), the Household Refrigerator/Freezer Directive, the Pressure Equipment Directive, the Noise Emission Directive, the Energy Efficiency for Ballast for Fluorescent Lighting Directive, the Active Implantable Medical Device Directive, the Medical Device Directive, the In Vitro Diagnostics Device Directive, the Toy Directive, the Recreational Water Craft Directive, the Construction Equipment Directive, the Personal Protective Equipment Directive, the Radio and Telecommunications Terminal Equipment Directive and the Cableway Directive (ski lifts and gondolas).
Turkish documentation procedures require a commercial invoice and a bill of lading or airway bill to accompany all commercial shipments. Depending on the type of product, importers may be required to submit a Certificate of Origin. Import licenses and phytosanitary certificates are necessary for food and agricultural commodity imports.
Import License
The 1996 Turkish import regime abolished the requirement that every importer needs an import license and that the importer must obtain an import authorization from a bank. An importer only needs a tax number to import all but restricted items (firearms, hazardous materials, etc.) which can be imported only by a uthorized establishments or for which the approval of the Directorate General of Security is required. Before December 2011, the majority of food and non-food imports required a “Control Certificate” which is an import license indicating whether or not the product is eligible for import. In accordance with the new import regime enacted in December 2011, Control Certificates are required only for animal, animal products, and certain plants such as seeds, seedling, sapling and flower bulbs.
Commercial Invoice
The commercial invoice must be submitted in triplicate, including the original copy and must contain a complete description, quantity, unit cost, HS code, delivery method of the goods, and country of origin, along with all required payment terms and letter of credit number if transaction was actualized through this payment method.
Certificate of Origin
It is a document that is required by certain foreign countries for tariff purposes, certifying the country of origin of specified goods. The certificate of origin is to be prepared in duplicate. No corrections are permitted on this document, which is to be prepared in English. A Certificate of Origin is usually prepared by the exporter or the freight forwarder and notarized and attested to by a local Chamber of Commerce or a World Trade Center. The Turkish Embassy or Consulate in the United States must certify the certificate of origin. One copy of the document must be surrendered to the customs authorities at the time of importation.
Health Certification
Special health certificates are required for imports of plants, seeds, live animals and animal products. Plants, including fruits and vegetables, must be substantially free from pests and diseases and must have been grown in an area substantially free from prohibited pests and diseases.
Special Import Requirements
Alcohol can be imported by the private sector by obtaining license and permission from the Tobacco, Tobacco Products and Alcoholic Drinks Market Regulatory Authority (TAPDK), which is an independent regulatory body. Despite these changes, non-tariff barriers, arduous document requirements, and high duty rates continue to limit trade in alcoholic beverages. Cigarettes can only be imported cigarette producers, which are permitted by the government under a special decree.
Importation of Precious Metals
The importation of precious metals (gold, silk, and platinum) can only be done by members of Borsa Istanbul. The Istanbul Gold Exchange consist s of domestic or foreign banks, precious metals companies, currency offices, precious metals producing and marketing companies and precious metals refineries. In 2003, Turkey signed an agreement to become a participant of the Kimberley Process Diamond Certification Scheme, which is a joint government, international diamond industry and civil society initiative to stem the flow of conflict diamonds. On 14 August 2007 Turkey officially became a member of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme. Information on the regulations pertaining to the importation of precious metals and stones can be found at: http://www.borsaistanbul.com/
CONTACTS
Turk Standardartlari Enstitusu
Necatibey Caddesi 112
Standart Hazirlama Baskanligi
06100 Bakanliklar
Ankara, Turkey
Tel: +(90) (312) 416-6200
Fax: +(90) (312) 416-6610
