Frequently Asked Questions

TAREKS is the Ministry of Trade's risk-based control system for foreign trade. For goods subject to product safety inspection, it issues a reference number to be entered on the customs declaration. Without this number, the import of inspectable goods cannot be completed.

Yes. CE marking is the manufacturer's own declaration of conformity; TAREKS is the verification of that declaration and of the product's compliance with Turkish legislation at the import stage. One does not replace the other. A significant share of CE-marked products is separately subject to inspection at import.

If the risk assessment results in direct approval, the reference number can be issued the same day. A document review typically takes 1–3 business days; a physical inspection 5–10 business days depending on scheduling. Files requiring a ministry permit, such as used machinery, can extend to 10–25 business days.

The system assesses risk based on variables such as the importer, manufacturer, product and country of origin, and routes the application to an inspection stage accordingly. Importers who consistently submit complete and compliant files are over time routed to physical inspection less often. This is why getting the first applications right is a long-term investment.

You have a right of appeal against negative decisions within a limited period from notification. The appeal must be reasoned and supported by documents that remedy the deficiency. Because the window is short, you must act immediately after the decision — we prepare the appeal file.

If the goods will not be offered to the end consumer but used as an input in production, an exemption may be requested. It is not automatic: the application must be supported by an industrial registry certificate, a capacity report and a technical statement showing the input–final product relationship, and it must be filed before import.

An incorrect HS declaration is not merely a duty difference; it can also mean an inspection obligation has been bypassed. This can lead to penalties and, in serious cases, to disposal of the goods. The code must be chosen according to the product's actual function.

For TAREKS inspection alone, one week before loading is sufficient for most files. However, if a used-goods permit, UTS registration or an exemption application is required, you should start 3–4 weeks in advance. If you are unsure, send us the proforma invoice and we will tell you the timeline to work to.