Import Surveillance for Automotive Safety Glass

Why this matters for automotive parts importers to Türkiye and compliance teams:

This Communiqué introduces a gross weight–based value surveillance trigger for automotive safety glass classified under HS 8708.22, directly affecting how importers structure pricing, invoicing, and logistics documentation. Because the surveillance threshold is calculated per kilogram, even commercially reasonable transactions may fall below the USD 6.5/kg benchmark due to bulk shipments, mixed consignments, or aftermarket supply chains. As a result, imports that previously cleared without friction may now require advance regulatory action to avoid clearance blocks.

Operationally, the measure significantly raises the bar for customs valuation accuracy and weight determination. Importers must ensure that gross weight calculations, HS classification, and cost allocation models are internally consistent and fully supported by documentation. Where legitimate foreign cost elements are omitted or misaligned, shipments face mandatory surveillance certification, customs delays, storage costs, and heightened post-clearance audit exposure. Conversely, a well-structured valuation strategy can lawfully eliminate the surveillance requirement and preserve clearance predictability.

Executive Summary

Import Surveillance Communiqué (No: 2026/15) establishes a value-based import surveillance regime for automotive safety glass, classified under HS 8708.22. The regulation introduces a minimum unit customs value threshold calculated on a gross weight basis (USD per kilogram). Imports declared below this threshold are subject to a mandatory Surveillance Certificate requirement. The Communiqué enters into force 30 days after its publication on 31 December 2025.

Scope of the Regulation

The surveillance measure applies to front, rear, and other automotive safety glass as defined in the relevant subheading note of HS Chapter 87 and classified under HS 8708.22. Imports fall within scope when the declared unit value is below USD 6.5 per kilogram (gross weight).

Only consignments declared at or above the reference value may be released for free circulation without surveillance certification.

Mandatory Surveillance Certificate

Where the declared unit value falls below the applicable reference threshold, importation is permitted only upon presentation of a valid Surveillance Certificate issued by the Ministry of Trade. The certificate must be obtained prior to registration of the customs declaration and must be accurately referenced in the declaration using the assigned document number and issue date.

Absent a valid certificate, customs clearance will not be permitted, irrespective of vehicle type, replacement market use, or whether the glass is imported as original equipment or aftermarket components.

Application and Review Process

Applications for Surveillance Certificates are submitted electronically through the national Single Window system using the designated industrial surveillance document type and selecting Communiqué No: 2026/15 as the legal basis. A qualified electronic signature is required, with an alternative submission channel available via the national e-government portal.

Where electronic submission is not technically feasible, physical applications may be accepted using the prescribed application form together with corporate registration documentation.

During the review stage, the authority may request original invoices, technical specifications, conformity documentation, or supplementary explanations. Any inconsistency, deficiency, or contradiction identified will suspend issuance until fully remedied.

Customs Value Clarification and Practical Application

The Communiqué explicitly provides, in a separate provision, that the reference value introduced for surveillance purposes does not replace and does not constitute the customs value. General customs valuation rules therefore remain fully applicable.

In practice—and specifically for value-based surveillance regimes—importers may lawfully increase the declared customs value by including legitimate foreign cost elements, such as international freight, insurance, royalties, tooling charges, or other overseas costs. Where these elements are properly documented and declared, the final customs value may exceed the surveillance reference threshold, allowing the import to proceed without a Surveillance Certificate. This approach is accepted by customs authorities, provided all valuation elements are genuine, transparent, and compliant.

This mechanism applies only to value-based surveillance measures and does not extend to quantity-based or non-value surveillance regimes.

Validity and Legal Effect

Surveillance Certificates issued under this Communiqué are valid for six months from the date of issuance. The issuance of a certificate does not prevent customs authorities from reviewing or reassessing the declared value under general valuation rules. Conversely, accurate and well-supported valuation may eliminate the need for surveillance certification where thresholds are legitimately exceeded.

Enforcement and Compliance Risk

If inaccurate, misleading, or incomplete information is identified during the application or review stages, issuance of the Surveillance Certificate will be withheld until corrective action is taken. Non-compliance may result in customs delays, storage costs, and increased exposure to post-clearance audits.

Entry into Force

The Communiqué enters into force on the 30th day following its publication date. Importers with shipments in transit or contracts concluded near the effective date should reassess pricing, gross weight calculations, and cost allocation models to ensure compliance at the time of customs declaration.

Compliance Assessment

From a customs compliance and trade risk management perspective, this regulation targets a price-sensitive and safety-critical automotive component group where under-declaration risks frequently arise due to bulk transport, weight-based pricing, and mixed aftermarket supply chains.

Importers should ensure accurate HS classification, correct gross weight determination, and comprehensive documentation of all cost elements. For value-based surveillance, lawful inclusion of overseas cost components can provide operational flexibility, provided documentation is robust and internally consistent. A shipment-by-shipment assessment is strongly recommended to determine whether surveillance can be avoided through proper valuation or whether proactive application for a Surveillance Certificate offers greater predictability and reduced clearance risk.

See relevant legislative document.

Import Surveillance Requirements for Automotive Safety Glass Communiqué No: 2026/15