Communiqué on the Application of Surveillance in Imports (Communiqué No: 2026/33)

1. Scope and Technical Content

The Communiqué establishes forward-looking surveillance for pharmaceutical salts only under GTIP 2501, as listed below:

• 2501.00.91.00.00 – Salt for human consumption (pharmaceutical salts only):USD 700/ton (gross)
• 2501.00.99.10.00 – Pure sodium chloride (pharmaceutical salts only)
• 2501.00.99.90.00 – Others (pharmaceutical salts only)

Important scope limitation:The surveillance applies exclusively to goods qualifying as pharmaceutical salts. Non-pharmaceutical salt products under the same headings are outside the scope of this Communiqué.

• Measurement basis: Unit customs values are assessed per ton of gross weight.
• Only imports declared below the applicable unit value shown in the table are subject to surveillance.

2. Surveillance Requirement and Import Procedure

Under Article 2, the covered goods may be imported only with a valid Surveillance Certificate (Gözetim Belgesi) issued by the Ministry of Trade of Türkiye (Import Directorate General).

Key procedural requirements:

• The certificate must be obtained before registration of the customs declaration.
• The 23-digit TPS document reference number and issue date must be declared in Box 44 of the customs declaration.
• Surveillance certificates are issued electronically, notified via email, and are valid for six months.

3. Application Process

Applications are submitted via the Single Window System (Tek Pencere Sistemi):

• Through the Ministry’s website under E-Services / Import Document Transactions, using a qualified electronic signature, or
• Via e-Devlet (turkiye.gov.tr).

Application steps include:

• Selecting document type “TPS-0964 – Surveillance Certificate (Industrial)”,
• Selecting Communiqué No. 2026/33,
• Uploading all required forms and supporting documents listed in Annex-2,
• Completing the application with an electronic signature.

Where electronic submission is not possible, physical applications may be accepted using Annex-1, together with a trade registry certificate.

4. Practical Meaning for Importers and Required Actions

This Communiqué introduces new compliance obligations for importers in the pharmaceutical supply chain.

Key implications:

• Imports of pharmaceutical-grade salt and pure sodium chloride declared below the applicable unit values will require a Surveillance Certificate.
• Product qualification is critical: Customs authorities are expected to scrutinize whether the imported salt genuinely qualifies as pharmaceutical grade.
• Valuation and gross weight accuracy are essential, as the control is applied on a USD/ton (gross) basis.

Recommended actions for companies:

• Verify whether imported salt products fall within the pharmaceutical salts definition.
• Align technical specifications, quality certificates, and product documentation to support pharmaceutical classification.
• Review pricing structures and gross weight declarations against the surveillance threshold.
• Plan surveillance certificate applications in advance of shipment to avoid clearance delays after 30.01.2026.

Failure to comply may result in rejected or suspended declarations and clearance delays.

5. Entry into Force and Legal Effect

• The Communiqué enters into force on 30 January 2026 (30 days after publication).

See related legislation documnent.