Import Surveillance Measure on Certain Marble and Natural Stone Products – Communiqué No: 2026/4 (Türkiye)

Executive Summary

With Communiqué No: 2026/4, published in the Official Gazette dated 31 December 2025, the Turkish Ministry of Trade has introduced an import surveillance regime covering certain marble and natural stone products. Imports declared below the specified reference unit customs value will be subject to a mandatory surveillance certificate prior to customs clearance. The measure is forward-looking and focuses on enhanced control of import valuation.

Scope

The surveillance measure applies to the following products under the Turkish Customs Tariff Schedule (TGTC), only for imports declared below the reference unit customs value:

GTP / GTIPProduct DescriptionReference Unit Customs Value6802.21Marble, travertine and ecaussine stoneUSD 700 / ton (gross weight)6802.91.00.00.19Other natural stone products—

Mandatory Surveillance Certificate

• Imports of the products concerned may only be carried out with a Surveillance Certificate issued by the Import General Directorate.
• The certificate must be presented at the time of registration of the customs declaration.
• Without a valid certificate, the customs declaration will not be accepted.

Application and Review Process

Application Method

• Applications must be submitted electronically using an e-signature via:
• Authorization of e-signature holders acting on behalf of companies must comply with Communiqué No: 2026/19 on electronic authorization in import procedures.

System Selection

During the application:

• Document Type: TPS-0964 – Surveillance Certificate (Industry)
• Communiqué/Decision: Communiqué No: 2026/4
• The application form must be completed electronically and all documents listed in Annex-2 must be uploaded in full.

Exceptional Physical Application

If electronic submission is not possible due to technical issues:

• Applications may be submitted physically
• The application form in Annex-1 must be used
• A certified trade registry document must be attached

Issuance and Use of the Surveillance Certificate

• Surveillance certificates are issued electronically
• Notification is sent to the applicant’s registered email address
• The certificate includes a 23-digit reference number and issue date
• These details must be declared in Box 44 of the customs declaration
• No separate written notification is issued

If the applicant is not registered with customs:

• The Ministry will notify the applicant by email
• The importer must complete registration within five business days
• Failure to do so will render the application invalid

Validity and Legal Effect

• Surveillance certificates are valid for six months

Enforcement and Compliance Risk

• If false, inconsistent, or incomplete information is detected during the application or review stage, no surveillance certificate will be issued until deficiencies are remedied.
• Non-compliance may result in:

Entry into Force

The Communiqué enters into force 30 days following its publication date, i.e. at the end of January 2026.

Compliance Assessment

From a customs and trade compliance perspective, importers of marble and natural stone products under GTP 6802.21 and GTIP 6802.91.00.00.19 should:

• Review declared unit values against the USD 700/ton reference threshold
• Ensure consistency between contracts, invoices, transport documents, and declarations
• Plan surveillance certificate applications well ahead of shipment
• Prepare for enhanced valuation control during customs clearance

Such surveillance measures generally indicate increased sensitivity in valuation control and may precede stricter trade policy instruments if import patterns persist.

See the legislation document.