Safeguard Investigation and Provisional Measure on PET Resin Imports – Communiqué No: 2026/1 (Türkiye)

Scope

The investigation and provisional measure cover the following product under the Turkish Customs Tariff Schedule (TGTC):

• GTIP 3907.61.00.00.00 – PET resin with a viscosity of 78 ml/g or higher

The scope applies irrespective of country of origin; however, developing countries are exempted in accordance with Article 9.1 of the WTO Agreement on Safeguards.

Decision on Provisional Safeguard Measure

Based on the findings reached during the examination phase, the Board for the Evaluation of Safeguard Measures on Imports decided:

• To initiate a safeguard investigation under the Regulation on Safeguard Measures on Imports
• To apply a provisional safeguard measure for a maximum period of 200 days
• To set the provisional measure as an additional financial obligation of USD 100/ton
• To grant exemptions to developing countries, in line with WTO rules
• To submit a proposal to the Presidency for the adoption of the provisional measure

The provisional measure will be applied upon the entry into force of the Presidential Decision No. 10806 dated 31 December 2025 on the Application of a Provisional Safeguard Measure on PET Resin Imports.

Investigation Process

The investigation will be conducted by the Import General Directorate in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Regulation on Safeguard Measures on Imports.

Interested Parties

• Interested parties established in Türkiye must submit questionnaire responses and official views via their registered KEP (Registered Electronic Mail) addresses to:ticaretbakanligi@hs01.kep.tr
• Interested parties established abroad must submit questionnaire responses and official views via email to:korunma@ticaret.gov.tr

Questionnaires and Submission of Information

• Questionnaires and the non-confidential summary of the application are available on the Ministry’s website under:Imports → Trade Policy Defense Instruments → Safeguard Measures / Investigations
• All questionnaires must be completed and submitted within 30 days from the publication date of the Communiqué.
• All submissions, including documents, information, and opinions, must be provided in Turkish. Submissions in other languages will not be considered.

Confidentiality and Verification

• Confidential information submitted during the investigation must be accompanied by a non-confidential summary sufficient to allow reasonable understanding.
• Failure to provide requested information within the prescribed timeframe, obstruction of the investigation, or submission of misleading information may result in determinations being made on the basis of facts available.

Duration of the Investigation

• The safeguard investigation will be completed within nine months.
• Where necessary, this period may be extended by up to six additional months.

Enforcement and Compliance Risk

Unlike standard safeguard investigations, this Communiqué introduces an immediate and tangible cost impact through the provisional measure. Importers of PET resin with a viscosity of 78 ml/g or higher should anticipate:

• Immediate cost increases of USD 100/ton once the Presidential Decision enters into force
• Potential cash-flow and pricing pressure during the provisional period
• A risk that the provisional measure may be followed by definitive safeguard measures at the end of the investigation

Compliance Assessment

From a customs and trade compliance perspective, companies importing PET resin under GTIP 3907.61.00.00.00 should:

• Urgently assess the financial impact of the provisional additional charge
• Review supply contracts and pricing clauses for safeguard-related cost adjustments
• Confirm whether their country of origin may benefit from the developing country exemption
• Prepare robust, accurate, and timely questionnaire responses to protect their position in the investigation

Given the existence of a provisional measure, active participation is not optional but strategically necessary for affected importers.

Entry into Force

The Communiqué entered into force on 31 December 2025.The provisional safeguard measure will apply upon the entry into force of Presidential Decision No. 10806.

See the legislation document.