Import Surveillance Measure on Vacuum Storage Bags – Communiqué No: 2026/3 (Türkiye)

Executive Summary

With Communiqué No: 2026/3, published in the Official Gazette dated 31 December 2025, the Turkish Ministry of Trade has introduced an import surveillance regime for vacuum storage bags classified under GTIP 3926.90.97.90.20. 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 aims to strengthen customs valuation control.

Scope

The Communiqué covers vacuum storage bags classified under GTIP 3926.90.97.90.20.Only imports declared at a unit customs value below USD 30/kg (gross weight) fall within the scope of the surveillance requirement. Imports declared at or above this level are not subject to the obligation to obtain a surveillance certificate under this Communiqué.

Mandatory Surveillance Certificate

• Imports within scope may only be carried out with a Surveillance Certificate issued by the Import General Directorate.
• The certificate is required at the time of customs declaration registration.
• Customs clearance cannot proceed without a valid certificate.

Application and Review Process

Application Method

• Applications must be submitted electronically with 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 application:

• Document Type: TPS-0964 – Surveillance Certificate (Industry)
• Communiqué/Decision: Communiqué No: 2026/3
• 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 identified during application or review, no surveillance certificate will be issued until deficiencies are remedied.
• Declarations without a valid certificate may lead to:

Entry into Force

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

Professional Compliance Assessment

From a customs compliance perspective, importers of vacuum storage bags under GTIP 3926.90.97.90.20 should:

• Review declared unit values against the USD 30/kg reference threshold
• Ensure consistency across contracts, invoices, packing lists, and declarations
• Plan surveillance certificate applications before shipment
• Prepare for enhanced valuation checks during clearance

Such surveillance measures typically indicate heightened valuation sensitivity and may precede broader trade policy actions if import patterns persist.

See the legislation document.