Communiqué on the Application of Surveillance in Imports (Communiqué No: 2026/35)

Executive Summary

Communiqué No. 2026/35, published on 31 December 2025, introduces a new surveillance regime for a broad range of construction and earth-moving machinery classified under GTIP 8429 (including bulldozers, graders, loaders, excavators, compactors, and backhoe loaders). Imports declared below the specified unit customs values (USD/kg, gross weight) will be subject to mandatory surveillance certification. The Communiqué sets out detailed unit thresholds by machine type and configuration and will enter into force on 30 January 2026.

1. Scope and Technical Content

The Communiqué establishes forward-looking surveillance for the following machinery groups under GTIP 8429, with unit customs values applied per kilogram of gross weight:

• Bulldozers (8429.11.00.00.11) – USD 10/kg
• Graders (8429.20.00.00.11) – USD 15/kg
• Tamping/compacting machinery (8429.40.*) – USD 6–10/kg depending on type
• Front-end loaders (8429.51.*) – USD 5–10/kg, differentiated by wheel/track and configuration
• Excavators (8429.52.*) – USD 6–10/kg, differentiated by wheel/track
• Backhoe loaders and others (8429.59.*) – USD 5–10/kg

Only imports declared below the applicable unit value fall within the surveillance requirement.

2. Surveillance Requirement and Import Procedure

Pursuant to Article 2, 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 points:

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

3. Application Process

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

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

Application steps include:

• Selecting document type “TPS-0964 – Surveillance Certificate (Industrial)”,
• Selecting Communiqué No. 2026/35,
• Uploading all required forms and supporting documents (Annex-2),
• Completing e-signature.Where electronic submission is not possible, physical applications may be accepted using Annex-1 with a trade registry certificate.

The Ministry may request originals or additional information if inconsistencies are identified.

4. Practical Meaning for Importers and Required Actions

This Communiqué introduces a material compliance impact for importers of heavy machinery:

• Pricing and weight accuracy are critical, as thresholds apply strictly on USD/kg (gross).
• Configuration-specific GTIP selection (wheel vs. track, function-based subheadings) increases classification sensitivity.
• Declarations below thresholds must be supported by a Surveillance Certificate; otherwise, declarations may be rejected or suspended.

Recommended actions:

• Map all machinery SKUs to the correct GTIP subheading and applicable threshold.
• Review invoice pricing, gross weights, and product descriptions for consistency.
• Plan surveillance applications ahead of shipment to avoid clearance delays after 30.01.2026.
• Strengthen technical documentation (specs, configurations) to support classification during controls.

5. Entry into Force and Legal Effect

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

See Related legislation document