Communiqué on the Application of Surveillance in Imports (Communiqué No: 2026/34)

Executive Summary

Communiqué No. 2026/34, published on 31 December 2025, introduces a new import surveillance framework for a wide range of household appliances and laundry-related machinery, including refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, washing machines, dryers, and ironing equipment classified mainly under GTIP 8418, 8421, 8422, 8450 and 8451. Imports declared below the specified unit customs values (USD/kg, gross weight) will require a mandatory Surveillance Certificate (Gözetim Belgesi). The regulation will enter into force on 30 January 2026.

1. Scope and Technical Content

The Communiqué establishes forward-looking surveillance measures for the following main product groups, with unit customs values applied per kilogram of gross weight:

Refrigeration equipment (GTIP 8418)

• 8418.21.* – Refrigerators by volume and design: USD 4–7/kg
• 8418.30.80.00.00 – Freezers (400–800 liters): USD 6/kg
• 8418.40.* – Combined refrigerator-freezers (≤900 liters): USD 5.5–6/kg

Dryers, dishwashers, and laundry appliances

• 8421.12.* – Clothes dryers (≤6 kg and >6 kg capacity): USD 8/kg
• 8422.11.00.00.00 – Household dishwashers: USD 5/kg

Washing machines (GTIP 8450)

• 8450.11.* – Front-loading and top-loading machines: USD 3/kg
• 8450.11.90.00.00 – 6–10 kg capacity machines: USD 2.5/kg
• 8450.12.00.00.00 – Other washing machines with centrifuge dryers: USD 4/kg

Ironing and finishing machines (GTIP 8451)

• 8451.21.* – Ironing machines (household and others): USD 5.5–6/kg

Only imports declared below the applicable unit customs value are subject to the surveillance requirement.

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 through the Import Directorate General.

Key procedural requirements include:

• 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 must be 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).

Key steps include:

• Selecting document type “TPS-0964 – Surveillance Certificate (Industrial)”,
• Selecting Communiqué No. 2026/34,
• 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 has broad operational implications for importers of household appliances and white goods.

Key implications:

• Accurate valuation and gross weight declaration are critical, as surveillance thresholds apply strictly on a USD/kg (gross) basis.
• Product segmentation by capacity, volume, and configuration increases GTIP classification sensitivity.
• Imports below the thresholds must be supported by a Surveillance Certificate; otherwise, customs declarations may be blocked or suspended.

Recommended actions for companies:

• Map all imported appliance models to the correct GTIP subheadings and corresponding unit thresholds.
• Review pricing policies, invoices, and weight calculations to ensure consistency.
• Prepare technical documentation (capacity, volume, model type) to support classification during customs controls.
• Plan surveillance certificate applications well in advance of shipment, especially for high-volume imports after 30.01.2026.

5. Entry into Force and Legal Effect

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

See related legislation document