Customs Regulations for Hazardous Goods Imported into Turkey | 2026 Updated Legal Guide

Learn the customs regulations for importing hazardous goods into Turkey. Discover customs procedures, ADR compliance, TAREKS inspections, KKDIK requirements, import permits, Safety Data Sheets, and legal obligations in this 2026 Updated Legal Guide.

Hazardous goods are among the most highly regulated products imported into Turkey. International manufacturers, chemical producers, energy companies, pharmaceutical businesses, mining operators, logistics providers, and industrial manufacturers frequently import hazardous substances for commercial and industrial use. These products are subject not only to Turkish Customs legislation but also to environmental protection laws, occupational safety regulations, transportation rules, chemical legislation, and product safety requirements.

Importing hazardous goods without complying with the applicable legal framework may result in customs delays, administrative fines, refusal of importation, confiscation of goods, suspension of customs clearance, or even criminal liability in serious cases.

This 2026 Updated Legal Guide explains the customs regulations governing hazardous goods imported into Turkey and outlines the principal legal obligations for foreign companies.

What Are Hazardous Goods?

Hazardous goods are products that may pose risks to:

• Human health.
• Public safety.
• Property.
• The environment.
• Transportation systems.

Examples include:

• Industrial chemicals.
• Flammable liquids.
• Explosives.
• Corrosive substances.
• Toxic chemicals.
• Oxidizing agents.
• Compressed gases.
• Radioactive materials.
• Lithium batteries.
• Hazardous industrial waste.
• Laboratory reagents.
• Certain pesticides.

Each category is subject to different legal controls.

Who May Import Hazardous Goods?

Hazardous goods may generally be imported into Turkey by companies authorized to conduct import operations, provided they satisfy all customs, environmental, health, safety, and sector-specific regulatory requirements.

Certain hazardous substances may only be imported after obtaining approval from the competent public authority or by specifically authorized importers.

Customs Declaration Requirements

Hazardous goods require accurate customs declarations.

The declaration should include:

• Product description.
• Chemical name.
• HS tariff classification.
• UN Number where applicable.
• Customs value.
• Quantity.
• Country of origin.
• Manufacturer information.
• Importer information.

Incorrect declarations may lead to customs inspections, administrative penalties, or delayed clearance.

Required Import Documentation

Importers should prepare complete documentation before shipment.

Typical documents include:

• Commercial Invoice.
• Packing List.
• Bill of Lading or Air Waybill.
• Certificate of Origin where applicable.
• Safety Data Sheet (SDS).
• Certificate of Analysis where applicable.
• Technical specifications.
• Dangerous Goods Declaration where required.
• Transport documentation.
• Import permits where applicable.

Complete documentation significantly improves customs clearance efficiency.

Hazard Classification

Hazardous goods are generally classified according to internationally recognized transport standards.

Typical hazard classes include:

• Explosives.
• Gases.
• Flammable liquids.
• Flammable solids.
• Oxidizing substances.
• Toxic substances.
• Infectious substances.
• Radioactive materials.
• Corrosive substances.
• Miscellaneous dangerous goods.

Correct hazard classification is essential for customs, transportation, and storage compliance.

ADR Compliance

Hazardous goods transported by road into Turkey must generally comply with the ADR (European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road).

Importers should verify:

• Proper packaging.
• Hazard labels.
• UN-approved packaging where required.
• Transport documentation.
• Vehicle compliance.
• Driver certification.

Failure to comply with ADR requirements may delay customs clearance and transportation.

KKDIK (Turkish REACH) Requirements

Chemical substances imported into Turkey may also fall within the scope of KKDIK (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals).

Depending on the substance and annual import volume, companies may be required to:

• Register substances.
• Appoint an Only Representative where applicable.
• Prepare registration dossiers.
• Maintain technical documentation.
• Comply with substance restrictions.

The phased registration deadlines continue through 2026, 2028, and 2030, depending on tonnage and hazard classification.

Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

Most hazardous chemical imports require compliant Safety Data Sheets.

An SDS generally includes:

• Hazard identification.
• Composition.
• First-aid measures.
• Fire-fighting measures.
• Safe handling instructions.
• Storage requirements.
• Exposure controls.
• Disposal guidance.

Importers should ensure that SDS documentation complies with Turkish legislation.

Environmental Approvals

Certain hazardous substances require approvals before importation.

Examples include:

• Ozone-depleting substances.
• Fluorinated greenhouse gases.
• Chemicals controlled under international environmental conventions.
• Certain industrial chemicals.
• Hazardous waste.

Importation without the required approvals may result in refusal of customs clearance. The 2026 Import Communiqués continue to require prior authorization for several environmentally controlled chemicals and Chemical Weapons Convention substances.

TAREKS Product Safety Inspections

Certain hazardous products are subject to electronic risk-based inspections through the Risk-Based Trade Control System (TAREKS).

Authorities may review:

• Technical conformity.
• Safety documentation.
• Product labeling.
• Environmental compliance.
• Regulatory approvals.
• Supporting certificates.

Risk analysis determines whether physical inspection is required before customs clearance.

Customs Duties and Import Taxes

Hazardous goods may be subject to:

• Customs duties.
• Value Added Tax (VAT).
• Additional customs duties.
• Environmental charges where applicable.
• Other import-related taxes.

Applicable rates depend upon:

• HS tariff classification.
• Country of origin.
• Applicable Free Trade Agreements.
• Current Import Regime.

Customs Valuation

Import duties are generally calculated using the customs value.

The customs value may include:

• Purchase price.
• Freight costs.
• Insurance.
• Packing costs.
• Certain commissions.
• Royalties where legally includable.
• License fees where applicable.

Incorrect customs valuation frequently results in post-clearance reassessments.

Storage and Handling Requirements

Following customs clearance, hazardous goods must continue to comply with applicable Turkish legislation concerning:

• Safe storage.
• Hazard labeling.
• Occupational health and safety.
• Fire protection.
• Environmental protection.
• Emergency response planning.

Importers remain responsible for compliance after importation.

Customs Audits

Companies importing hazardous goods may be selected for post-clearance customs audits.

Authorities may examine:

• Customs declarations.
• HS classifications.
• Customs valuation.
• Import permits.
• KKDIK compliance.
• Safety Data Sheets.
• Accounting records.
• Supplier documentation.

Maintaining organized documentation significantly reduces audit risks.

Common Compliance Risks

Hazardous goods importers frequently encounter:

• Incorrect HS classifications.
• Missing import permits.
• Incomplete Safety Data Sheets.
• KKDIK non-compliance.
• Incorrect customs valuation.
• Missing environmental approvals.
• ADR documentation deficiencies.
• Inconsistent customs declarations.

Most of these issues can be prevented through careful compliance planning.

Best Practices Before Importing Hazardous Goods

Businesses should:

• Verify product classification.
• Confirm permit requirements.
• Review KKDIK obligations.
• Prepare compliant Safety Data Sheets.
• Verify ADR documentation.
• Confirm TAREKS applicability.
• Maintain complete customs records.
• Obtain legal advice before shipment.

Early preparation significantly reduces customs delays and legal risks.

Why Professional Legal Assistance Is Important

Hazardous goods imports involve customs law, environmental law, occupational safety legislation, transportation law, chemical regulations, and international trade law.

An experienced customs lawyer can:

• Review import transactions.
• Assess permit requirements.
• Verify customs valuation.
• Advise on KKDIK compliance.
• Assist with TAREKS procedures.
• Coordinate regulatory approvals.
• Represent companies during customs audits.
• Resolve customs disputes before the competent authorities and courts.

Professional legal guidance enables businesses to import hazardous goods safely while minimizing regulatory, operational, and financial risks.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can foreign companies import hazardous goods into Turkey?

Yes. Foreign companies may import hazardous goods through an authorized importer in Turkey, provided all customs, environmental, health, safety, and regulatory requirements are fulfilled.

2. Are import permits required for hazardous goods?

Many hazardous substances require prior authorization or conformity approvals from the relevant Turkish authorities before customs clearance.

3. Is KKDIK applicable to hazardous chemicals?

Yes. Many chemical substances fall within the scope of KKDIK, depending on their characteristics and annual import volumes.

4. Are Safety Data Sheets mandatory?

Yes. Most hazardous chemical products require compliant Safety Data Sheets that meet applicable Turkish legal requirements.

5. Does TAREKS apply to hazardous goods?

Yes. Certain hazardous products are subject to risk-based electronic inspections through TAREKS before customs clearance.

6. Must hazardous goods comply with ADR requirements?

Yes. Hazardous goods transported by road generally must comply with ADR transport requirements regarding packaging, labeling, documentation, and transportation.

7. Can Turkish Customs audit hazardous goods imports?

Yes. Turkish Customs may conduct post-clearance audits reviewing customs declarations, valuation, permits, KKDIK compliance, Safety Data Sheets, and supporting documentation.

8. Why should hazardous goods importers work with a customs lawyer?

A customs lawyer can ensure compliance with customs legislation, obtain required approvals, review regulatory obligations, manage customs audits, minimize legal risks, and protect your business throughout the import process.

Legal Support – Contact Our Customs Lawyers

Hazardous goods imports require meticulous compliance with customs, environmental, transportation, and chemical safety regulations. A single documentation error or missing approval can delay an entire shipment and expose your business to significant financial and legal risks.

Fırat Fesih Kaya and our customs law team provide comprehensive legal services to chemical manufacturers, industrial companies, logistics providers, mining operators, pharmaceutical businesses, energy companies, and foreign investors in customs compliance, hazardous goods imports, KKDIK compliance, TAREKS procedures, customs valuation, import permits, customs audits, customs litigation, and all aspects of Turkish customs and international trade law.

Phone: +90 312 434 22 22

Mobile: +90 532 769 22 22

Email: info@firatfesihkaya.av.tr

Address: Mevlana Boulevard No:221, Yıldırım Tower, Office No:148, 06520 Balgat, Çankaya, Ankara, Turkey