What happens when a shipment is selected for inspection by TAREKS risk analysis in Turkey? Learn about document checks, physical inspection, sampling, laboratory testing, conformity decisions and importer remedies.

A Turkish importer completes its TAREKS application expecting the product-safety control to proceed electronically. Instead, the system selects the shipment for inspection.

This does not automatically mean that the product is non-compliant.

TAREKS is a risk-based control system. Selection can lead to further documentary review, physical inspection and, where considered necessary under the applicable product-control framework, sampling or laboratory examination.

For importers, the critical issue is what happens after selection and how the company should manage the process without creating unnecessary delays, storage costs or additional compliance problems.

1. What Does Selection by TAREKS Risk Analysis Mean?

Selection generally means that the shipment will undergo additional control instead of completing the relevant process solely through the initial electronic assessment.

The exact procedure depends on:

• Product category;
• Applicable import-control legislation;
• Risk criteria;
• Documents submitted;
• Product characteristics;
• Previous compliance history.

Selection itself should therefore be distinguished from an adverse final decision.

2. Does Selection Mean Customs Suspects Fraud?

No.

A risk-based inspection system can select transactions for control without establishing any violation.

The importer should avoid interpreting:

“Selected for inspection”

as:

“Product has been rejected.”

The inspection exists to determine compliance.

3. What Happens Immediately After Selection?

The importer should first check the TAREKS record and determine what action is required.

The next stage may involve:

Document review

→ physical inspection

→ additional information request

→ sampling

→ laboratory testing

→ compliance determination.

Not every shipment passes through every stage.

4. Review the TAREKS Application Before the Inspection

Before inspectors examine the shipment, compare the application with the actual goods.

Check:

• Manufacturer;
• Brand;
• Model;
• Product description;
• Quantity;
• Country information;
• Invoice;
• Technical specifications.

Errors should be identified early.

5. Confirm the HS Classification

Classification can determine whether the product falls within a particular import-control regime.

Verify:

HS code

→ product description

→ applicable technical legislation

→ TAREKS requirement.

A classification dispute can become central if the importer believes the product should not have been subject to the relevant control.

6. Prepare the Complete Technical File

Depending on the product, Customs or the competent product-safety authority may require documents concerning:

• Conformity;
• Technical specifications;
• Test results;
• Manufacturer;
• Product model;
• Applicable standards;
• Markings;
• Instructions.

The file should be internally consistent.

7. Model Numbers Must Match

One of the most avoidable problems occurs when different documents use different model numbers.

For example:

Invoice: ZX-500A

Test report: ZX-500

Product label: ZX500-A.

These may describe the same product, but the importer should be prepared to explain and document the relationship.

8. Manufacturer Information Should Also Match

Compare the manufacturer shown on:

• Product;
• Packaging;
• Invoice;
• Test report;
• Technical documentation.

An unexplained manufacturer discrepancy can prolong the inspection.

9. What Happens During Physical Inspection?

Inspectors may compare the goods with the information declared in the TAREKS application and supporting documentation.

Depending on the product and applicable procedure, attention may be given to matters such as:

• Product identity;
• Brand;
• Model;
• Quantity;
• Markings;
• Labels;
• Packaging;
• Technical characteristics.

The precise scope depends on the relevant product-control rules.

10. Packaging Should Not Contradict the Application

Before inspection, review the goods where legally and operationally possible.

Unexpected labels or inconsistent manufacturer information can create additional questions.

The commercial and technical teams should know exactly what arrived.

11. Product Markings Can Be Important

For regulated products, authorities may examine required markings and information.

Importers should therefore verify applicable requirements concerning matters such as:

• Product identification;
• Manufacturer details;
• Importer information;
• Safety information;
• Required conformity marking.

The exact requirements depend on the product legislation.

12. Instructions and Safety Information May Be Examined

For certain consumer or technical products, required instructions and warnings can become part of the conformity review.

Foreign manufacturers should therefore prepare Turkey-specific compliance before shipment rather than waiting until goods reach the border.

13. Can Customs Open the Packages?

Physical inspection may require access to the goods.

Importers should coordinate with:

• Customs broker;
• Temporary storage operator;
• Relevant inspection authority.

The objective is to ensure the correct shipment, package, model and batch are made available for inspection.

14. Record Which Goods Were Inspected

For high-value or technically complex shipments, maintain a record of:

• Package number;
• Model;
• Batch;
• Serial number;
• Inspection date.

This can become important if a later dispute concerns whether the inspected product was representative of the shipment.

15. Can Samples Be Taken?

Depending on the applicable control procedure, yes.

A product may be sampled where technical examination or laboratory analysis is considered necessary.

If sampling occurs, the importer should record:

• Sample date;
• Product;
• Model;
• Batch;
• Serial number where applicable;
• Quantity sampled.

16. Sampling Can Extend Clearance Time

Once a sample is sent for technical or laboratory analysis, immediate completion of the import-control procedure may no longer be possible.

The importer should begin monitoring:

sample taken

→ laboratory received

→ analysis performed

→ result issued

→ TAREKS decision.

17. Obtain the Manufacturer’s Test Reports Early

Do not wait for an adverse laboratory result.

If samples are being tested, immediately collect the manufacturer’s:

• Accredited laboratory reports;
• Product specifications;
• Test methodology;
• Certificates;
• Technical drawings where relevant.

These documents can become important if the Turkish result conflicts with foreign testing.

18. A Foreign Test Report Does Not Automatically End the Inspection

The existence of a foreign laboratory report may be useful, but whether it is sufficient depends on the applicable technical-control regime.

The authority may still require its own inspection or testing where legally permitted.

19. What If the Turkish Laboratory Result Differs?

Do not immediately concede non-compliance.

Compare:

tested product

sample identity

standard used

test method

technical threshold

manufacturer’s report

laboratory result.

The disagreement may require both legal and technical analysis.

20. Check Whether the Correct Standard Was Applied

Technical standards can change.

Confirm that the authority applied the legally relevant:

• Standard;
• Version;
• Test method;
• Product category.

Using the wrong technical framework can materially affect the outcome.

21. Product Scope Can Be Disputed

Sometimes the central issue is not whether the product complies with a technical standard.

The dispute may instead be:

Does this product fall within the regulation at all?

Review:

• Product function;
• Intended use;
• Technical specifications;
• HS classification;
• Regulatory scope.

22. Respond Quickly to Additional Document Requests

If additional information is requested, respond promptly.

Keep evidence showing:

• Request date;
• Response date;
• Documents supplied.

This becomes important if the inspection later develops into a delay dispute.

23. Do Not Submit Inconsistent Documents Just to Respond Quickly

Before uploading or submitting additional material, cross-check:

• Manufacturer;
• Product;
• Model;
• Dates;
• Test standards;
• Technical characteristics.

Contradictions can create more problems than a short, explained delay in obtaining the correct document.

24. Contact the Foreign Manufacturer Immediately

The manufacturer should be informed that the shipment has been selected.

Request a single coordinated technical file rather than obtaining documents from multiple departments with inconsistent information.

25. Storage Costs Should Be Monitored From the Inspection Date

Inspection can delay release.

Record:

• Port storage;
• Temporary-storage costs;
• Demurrage;
• Detention;
• Terminal expenses.

If the process becomes prolonged, contemporaneous records are much stronger than a later reconstruction.

26. Request Additional Free Time Where Possible

The importer may approach:

• Carrier;
• Shipping line;
• Terminal;
• Warehouse operator.

Commercial waivers or extensions may reduce losses while the regulatory process continues.

27. TAREKS Inspection and Customs Inspection Are Not Necessarily the Same Thing

Businesses should distinguish the technical product-control procedure from ordinary customs controls.

A shipment may potentially face:

• Customs documentary control;
• Customs physical inspection;
• TAREKS/product-safety control.

Determine which authority is requesting each action.

28. Selection Does Not Automatically Affect Every Future Shipment

One shipment’s selection should not automatically be interpreted as permanent rejection of the importer or product.

However, businesses should review whether recurring compliance issues could increase future scrutiny.

29. Repeated Selection Should Trigger an Internal Review

If similar shipments are repeatedly selected, examine whether there are recurring issues involving:

• Classification;
• Product description;
• Manufacturer;
• Documentation;
• Compliance history.

The objective should be improving the quality of future applications.

30. What If the Inspection Finds No Problem?

If the relevant control is successfully completed, the TAREKS process can proceed toward the result necessary for the customs procedure, subject to the applicable product-specific framework.

The importer should retain the complete file for future shipments.

31. What If a Minor Documentary Problem Is Found?

Do not assume that every documentary problem requires rejection.

Determine whether:

• Correction is possible;
• Additional evidence can be submitted;
• The discrepancy affects product identity;
• The discrepancy affects substantive compliance.

The exact regulation governs the consequence.

32. What If the Product Is Found Non-Compliant?

The importer should immediately obtain the formal basis of the finding.

Identify:

• Technical requirement;
• Inspection finding;
• Laboratory result;
• Product affected;
• Legal consequence.

Do not rely only on an oral statement that the goods “failed TAREKS.”

33. Obtain the Laboratory or Inspection Record

Where an adverse decision relies on technical findings, obtain the relevant documentation necessary to understand the decision.

A legal challenge cannot be prepared effectively without knowing the technical basis.

34. Second Analysis or Review Possibilities Should Be Checked

Depending on the applicable product-control procedure, there may be mechanisms concerning review, retesting or further technical examination.

These mechanisms are product- and procedure-specific.

The importer should check them immediately because procedural periods may apply.

35. Preserve a Representative Product Where Legally Possible

Where the dispute concerns technical characteristics, preserving evidence concerning the relevant batch, model and product can be extremely useful.

This should be coordinated lawfully with the applicable customs and storage procedures.

36. Do Not Alter the Goods During a Pending Inspection

Avoid unauthorized:

• Relabelling;
• Modification;
• Repair;
• Repackaging;
• Replacement.

Any legally permissible corrective procedure should be performed transparently and with appropriate authorization.

37. What If Inspection Takes Too Long?

First establish why.

Separate:

Importer delay

from

laboratory processing

from

administrative inactivity.

If the importer has supplied everything required and the process remains unresolved for an excessive period, a reasoned request for prompt administrative action may be considered.

38. Build a Complete Timeline

Record:

Date	Event	Result
Day 1	TAREKS application	Submitted
Day 2	Risk selection	Inspection
Day 4	Physical control	Completed
Day 5	Sample taken	Laboratory
Day 12	Additional document request	Received
Day 12	Documents submitted	Complete

This is invaluable if delay later becomes disputed.

39. Can an Adverse TAREKS Decision Be Challenged?

Potentially, yes.

The available administrative or judicial remedy depends on:

• Nature of the decision;
• Competent authority;
• Product-control legislation;
• Procedural stage.

The formal notification and applicable deadline should be reviewed immediately.

40. Technical Evidence Should Accompany the Legal Challenge

A TAREKS dispute cannot always be resolved through legal arguments alone.

Where the disagreement concerns testing or product characteristics, combine:

legal analysis

with

technical expert evidence.

41. Foreign Manufacturers Should Participate Actively

A manufacturer should not respond:

“The Turkish importer will handle Customs.”

The manufacturer may possess the only reliable evidence concerning:

• Design;
• Production;
• Testing;
• Technical standards.

Early cooperation can significantly shorten the dispute.

42. Supplier Liability May Arise

If inspection problems result from incorrect documentation supplied by the manufacturer, the Turkish importer may need to review:

• Conformity warranties;
• Technical-document obligations;
• Indemnification;
• Regulatory-compliance clauses.

Administrative remedies and supplier claims can proceed separately.

43. Review Goods Already in Transit

If one shipment reveals a technical-document problem, immediately inspect identical products already on their way to Turkey.

Correcting the next shipment before arrival can prevent repeated storage costs.

44. Use Inspection Results to Improve Future Compliance

After the case is resolved, update the company’s import-control file.

Maintain:

HS classification

TAREKS scope

manufacturer

model

technical documents

test reports

inspection history.

This creates a defensible compliance record.

45. Immediate Action Plan After TAREKS Selection

When risk analysis selects a shipment:

Confirm the selection

→ identify the required inspection

→ verify HS classification and product scope

→ review the TAREKS application

→ check manufacturer/model information

→ prepare the technical file

→ coordinate physical inspection

→ record any sampling

→ obtain manufacturer test reports

→ respond immediately to additional requests

→ track laboratory analysis

→ monitor storage and demurrage

→ document every procedural step

→ review any adverse technical finding

→ protect administrative and judicial remedies.

25-Point TAREKS Inspection Checklist

1. TAREKS application number.
2. Selection date.
3. Importer.
4. Manufacturer.
5. Product.
6. Model.
7. HS classification.
8. Applicable regulation.
9. Product-control scope.
10. Commercial invoice.
11. Packing list.
12. Technical specifications.
13. Conformity documentation.
14. Test reports.
15. Product markings.
16. Instructions and warnings.
17. Physical inspection date.
18. Batch information.
19. Serial numbers.
20. Sample information.
21. Laboratory.
22. Additional-document requests.
23. Storage and demurrage.
24. Inspection or laboratory result.
25. Challenge strategy.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does TAREKS selection mean the product has failed?

No. Selection for control is not itself a finding of non-compliance.

2. Will every selected shipment be sent to a laboratory?

No. The precise control depends on the product, applicable legislation, risk assessment and findings during the procedure.

3. Can the goods be physically inspected?

Yes, where the applicable control procedure requires physical examination.

4. Can samples be taken?

Potentially. Sampling and laboratory analysis may be used where required under the applicable product-control procedure.

5. What should the importer prepare before inspection?

The importer should verify the application data and assemble consistent commercial, technical, conformity and manufacturer documentation relevant to the product.

6. What if the foreign manufacturer’s test report says the product complies?

Preserve it, but do not assume it automatically prevents Turkish inspection or laboratory testing. Its legal significance depends on the applicable regime.

7. What if the Turkish laboratory reaches a different result?

Review the sample identity, applicable standard, test method, technical threshold and foreign test evidence before determining the appropriate challenge.

8. Can the importer challenge an adverse TAREKS result?

Potentially. The available remedy depends on the nature of the administrative decision and applicable product-control legislation, so the formal decision and deadline should be examined promptly.

9. What if inspection causes substantial storage charges?

Document the costs from the beginning, pursue commercially available mitigation and separately track whether any part of the delay results from importer deficiencies or administrative processing.

10. What is the most important practical step after selection?

Immediately create a complete inspection file linking the exact imported product to its manufacturer, model, technical documentation, conformity evidence and any samples taken. If a dispute later arises, this contemporaneous file can be far more valuable than attempting to reconstruct the shipment months later.

Client-Focused Legal Support for TAREKS Inspections in Turkey

TAREKS inspections may involve:

Risk-based shipment selection

Documentary controls

Physical inspections

Product sampling

Laboratory testing

Technical-standard disputes

Product-scope disputes

Storage and demurrage

Non-compliance findings

and administrative challenges.

Fırat Fesih Kaya Law Office assists foreign manufacturers, international exporters and Turkish importers when shipments are selected for TAREKS inspection or become subject to technical product-safety controls in Turkey.

Lawyer Fırat Fesih Kaya provides legal assistance in reviewing TAREKS procedures and technical documentation, coordinating evidence with foreign manufacturers, analyzing inspection and laboratory findings, challenging adverse administrative decisions and protecting importers against losses arising from prolonged or disputed product-control procedures.

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