Import Surveillance for Candles – Communiqué No: 2026/23

Why this matters for foreign exporters / importers to Türkiye:

This Communiqué replaces a 20-year-old surveillance regime, signalling a renewed policy focus on low-priced consumer goods with high import volumes.
The differentiated thresholds for beeswax candles vs. other candles make product composition and documentation a critical compliance factor.
Given the wide price dispersion in the candle market, valuation strategy (rather than product type alone) will increasingly determine whether surveillance applies.
Importers relying on promotional pricing, private labels, or OEM production face a higher likelihood of triggering surveillance controls.
While value-based structuring may lawfully avoid surveillance, weak or inconsistent documentation may still lead to post-clearance scrutiny and retroactive challenges.

Executive Summary

Import Surveillance Communiqué (No: 2026/23) introduces a value-based import surveillance regime for candles classified under HS heading 3406. The regulation sets minimum unit customs value thresholds calculated on a gross weight basis (USD per metric ton) and requires a Surveillance Certificate when declared values fall below those thresholds. The Communiqué repeals Communiqué No: 2005/2 and enters into force 30 days after its publication on 31 December 2025.

Scope of the Regulation

The measure applies to candles under HS 3406, distinguishing between beeswax candles and other candles.Imports of beeswax candles are subject to surveillance when declared below USD 4,000 per metric ton (gross weight).Imports of other candles under the same heading fall within scope when declared below USD 2,900 per metric ton (gross weight).

Shipments declared at or above the applicable reference levels may proceed without surveillance certification.

Mandatory Surveillance Certificate

Where the declared unit value is below the relevant 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 correctly referenced in the declaration with the assigned document number and issue date.

Failure to present a valid certificate results in customs clearance being blocked.

Application and Review Process

Applications are filed electronically via the national Single Window platform using the designated industrial surveillance document type and selecting Communiqué No: 2026/23 as the legal basis. A qualified electronic signature is required, with an alternative submission route available through the national e-government portal.

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

During review, the authority may request original documents, supplementary information, or clarifications. Any inconsistency, deficiency, or contradiction will suspend issuance until fully remedied.

Customs Value Clarification and Practical Application

The Communiqué explicitly provides, in a separate provision, that the reference values set for surveillance purposes do not replace and do not constitute customs value. Standard customs valuation rules remain fully applicable.

In practice—and specifically for value-based surveillance regimes—it is possible to structure the declared customs value by including legitimate foreign cost elements such as international freight, insurance, and other overseas charges, thereby increasing the final customs value above the surveillance reference level. This approach is accepted by customs authorities, provided all costs are genuine, properly documented, and declared in compliance with valuation rules.

Accordingly, imports may proceed without a Surveillance Certificate where the final declared customs value, inclusive of eligible foreign costs, exceeds the applicable threshold. This practice 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. The presence of a certificate does not prevent customs authorities from examining or reassessing the declared value under general valuation principles. Conversely, accurate and well-documented valuation may allow clearance without surveillance certification where thresholds are legitimately exceeded.

Enforcement and Compliance Risk

If inaccurate, misleading, or incomplete information is identified during application or review, issuance of the Surveillance Certificate will be withheld until corrective action is taken. Non-compliance may lead to clearance delays, storage costs, and heightened scrutiny during post-clearance controls.

Repealed Regulation and Entry into Force

With the entry into force of this Communiqué, Communiqué No: 2005/2 has been fully repealed. The new regime applies to customs declarations registered from the 30th day following publication, making early compliance planning essential for shipments around the transition period.

Compliance Assessment

From a trade compliance and customs risk management perspective, this regulation targets a sector characterized by high price dispersion and competitive low-value imports. Importers should reassess supplier pricing, declaration strategies, and cost allocation in advance.

For value-based surveillance, lawful inclusion of foreign cost elements can provide operational flexibility, provided documentation is robust and internally consistent. Importers should evaluate—shipment by shipment—whether surveillance can be avoided through correct valuation or whether proactive application for a Surveillance Certificate offers greater predictability.

See relevant legislative document.

Import Surveillance Requirements for Candles - Communiqué No: 2026/23