Import Surveillance for Leaf Springs – Communiqué No: 2026/6

Why this matters for importers of leaf springs to Türkiye and compliance teams:

This Communiqué introduces a gross weight–based value surveillance threshold for leaf springs and their components (leaves) classified under HS 7320.10, a cost-sensitive industrial component widely used in automotive and heavy-duty applications. With the benchmark set at USD 3.5/kg, competitively priced or bulk consignments may fall below the reference level—making surveillance certification a prerequisite for clearance and affecting delivery schedules if not anticipated.

From a compliance and operations standpoint, the measure heightens the need for accurate HS classification, defensible customs valuation, and complete disclosure of eligible overseas cost elements. Lawful inclusion of documented costs (international freight, insurance, tooling, molds, engineering services, and other dutiable charges) can legitimately lift the declared value above the threshold and avoid surveillance, provided attribution and documentation are robust. Weak valuation support or misclassification increases exposure to declaration non-acceptance, clearance delays, and post-clearance audits, especially given the recurring valuation scrutiny on automotive suspension components.

Executive Summary

Import Surveillance Communiqué (No: 2026/6) introduces a value-based import surveillance mechanism for leaf springs and their leaves classified under HS heading 73.20. The regulation establishes a minimum reference unit value of USD 3.5 per kilogram (gross weight). Imports declared below this threshold are subject to a mandatory Surveillance Certificate issued by the Directorate General for Imports. The Communiqué was published on 31 December 2025 and enters into force 30 days after publication.

Scope of the Regulation

The Communiqué applies to:

Leaf springs, and
Leaf spring components (leaves)

classified under HS 7320.10.

The surveillance regime is triggered only when the declared unit customs value falls below the reference value set out in the regulation. Declarations meeting or exceeding the threshold fall outside the scope of certification.

Mandatory Surveillance Certificate

Where the declared value is below USD 3.5/kg, importation is permitted exclusively upon presentation of a valid Surveillance Certificate issued by the Ministry of Trade (Directorate General for Imports).

The certificate must be obtained prior to customs declaration registration and correctly declared in the relevant reference fields of the customs entry. Without a valid certificate, the declaration cannot be registered.

Application and Review Process

Applications are submitted electronically via the Single Window System, selecting the industrial surveillance document type and referencing Communiqué No: 2026/6. Applications must be completed using an electronic signature and may also be filed through the national e-government portal.

In the event of technical issues, physical submission is permitted, accompanied by company registration documentation. The authority may request original commercial documents or additional supporting evidence. Any inconsistency, deficiency, or contradiction will result in suspension of the application until resolved.

Customs Value Clarification and Practical Application

The Communiqué explicitly states, in a separate provision, that the surveillance reference value does not constitute or replace the customs value determined under general customs valuation rules.

In practical application—for value-based surveillance measures only—it is accepted practice that importers may exceed the surveillance threshold by lawfully including overseas cost elements such as international freight, insurance, tooling, molds, engineering services, or other dutiable charges, provided these costs are genuine, attributable, and properly documented.

Where the final customs value exceeds the reference level, customs clearance without a Surveillance Certificate is accepted in practice, subject to adequate substantiation and auditability.

Validity and Legal Effect

Surveillance Certificates issued under this Communiqué are valid for six months. The existence of a certificate does not restrict the customs administration’s authority to examine, verify, or reassess the declared customs value under applicable valuation legislation.

Enforcement and Compliance Risk

Leaf springs are frequently used in automotive and industrial applications, making them a recurring focus in valuation controls. Incorrect classification, undervaluation, or unsupported cost adjustments may lead to refusal of certification, clearance delays, or post-clearance audits. Robust valuation files and consistent classification practices are essential to mitigate compliance risk.

Entry into Force

The Communiqué enters into force 30 days following its publication date. Importers with ongoing contracts or shipments in transit should review pricing and valuation structures accordingly.

Compliance Assessment

This regulation targets a cost-sensitive industrial component with a history of pricing variability. Importers should perform pre-import valuation assessments to determine whether certification is required or whether lawful inclusion of overseas cost elements can elevate the customs value above the surveillance threshold. Early planning significantly reduces operational delays and audit exposure.

See relevant legislative document.

Import Surveillance Requirements for Leaf Springs Communiqué No: 2026/6