Fundamental changes occurred in Turkish customs regulations in 2026: Abolition of simplified declaration exemptions, tightened TAREKS requirements, and the start of CBAM obligations. Here's what warehouse operators and importers need to know.

What Changed in Turkish Customs Regulations in 2026?

2026 has been a year of fundamental changes in Turkish customs legislation. Increased oversight requirements, stricter compliance rules, and the elimination of simplified low-value import channels signal a new era for warehouse operators and importers.

This guide examines the most significant customs regulation changes of 2026, their impact on warehouse operations, and the steps businesses must take to ensure compliance.

Why Was the Simplified Customs Declaration Exemption Abolished?

The most significant change of 2026 was the complete abolition of the simplified customs declaration exemption for low-value goods. All imports, regardless of value, now require standard customs processing.

Consequences of This Change

• All imports require standard customs declarations

• Even small shipments must await formal clearance in bonded warehouses

• Customs brokerage services are now mandatory for every import

• Processing times and costs have increased compared to previous years

Impact on Warehouse Operators

This change has further increased the importance of bonded warehouses. The need to safely store goods while customs procedures are completed has elevated demand for professional warehouse services.

How Have TAREKS Requirements Been Tightened?

The 2026 Product Safety and Inspection Communiqués introduced significant tightening of TAREKS (Risk-Based Control System in Foreign Trade) requirements.

New TAREKS Rules

• In-warehouse product photos mandatory: Images of imported products taken within the bonded warehouse must be uploaded to the TAREKS system

• Physical sampling reports: Company representatives must personally sign physical sampling reports

• Expanded scope: Removal of "fixed out-of-scope" reference numbers means more HS codes now require TAREKS applications

• Increased inspection frequency: Random inspection rates have been raised

What Should Businesses Do?

Review your TAREKS application processes

Establish in-warehouse photography procedures

Designate authorized personnel for sampling

Verify your HS codes against current TAREKS scope

Evaluate new requirements with your customs broker

What Is CBAM (Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism)?

The European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) became a formal financial and customs obligation in 2026.

Which Sectors Does CBAM Affect?

Sector	Impact Level
Iron and Steel	High — CBAM certificate mandatory
Aluminum	High — Carbon footprint declaration required
Cement	Medium-High — Production emissions reporting
Fertilizers	Medium — Emissions calculation mandatory
Electricity	Medium — Applicable to cross-border trade
Hydrogen	Low-Medium — Newly included sector

Impact on Warehouse Operations

CBAM creates an additional compliance layer, particularly for goods exported to the EU or transiting through EU markets:

• Carbon emission declarations required for CBAM-scope products bound for the EU

• CBAM status of warehoused goods must be indicated on exit declarations

• Exporters must plan for CBAM certificate purchase costs

Changes in Warehouse Operating Rules

Continuing the tightening that began in 2025, significant updates to warehouse operating rules were implemented in 2026.

Size and Structure Requirements

Criterion	Metropolitan	Other Provinces
Minimum Area	5,000 m²	3,000 m²
Enclosed Area Ratio	Minimum 20%	Minimum 20%
Security System	CCTV + Alarm mandatory	CCTV + Alarm mandatory
Fixed IP	Mandatory	Mandatory

Operational Controls

• Authorities can limit new warehouse permits based on existing capacity and historical transaction volumes

• Operators must submit annual price tariffs to regional customs directorates by end of January

• Price transparency increased — tariffs made publicly available

2026 Customs Changes Timeline

Date	Change
January 2026	Warehouse price tariff reporting obligation began
February 2026	New TAREKS communiqués came into force
March 2026	Simplified declaration exemption fully abolished
April 2026	CBAM financial obligations officially started
June 2026	Warehouse minimum area requirements updated

Digitalization and Transparency Trends

While regulations have tightened, the digitalization trend continues to strengthen:

• Single Window System continues as the central platform for import/export management

• Electronic declarations form the foundation of all customs operations

• BİLGE system integration provides speed advantages in warehouse inventory tracking

• Data transparency has been enhanced — more information shared publicly

Non-Compliance Risks Have Increased

Errors in HS code classification, declared values, or origin certificates carry far more serious consequences in 2026:

• Immediate cargo seizure risk has increased

• Heavy financial penalties are being applied

• Administrative sanctions have been expanded

• Importers must verify all documentation before goods reach the Turkish border

How to Make Your Business Compliant with 2026 Regulations

Work with a current customs broker — one who knows 2026 TAREKS requirements

Review your HS codes — check for scope changes

Assess CBAM compliance — plan carbon declarations if you export to the EU

Strengthen document management — error tolerance has decreased

Invest in digital systems — BİLGE and Single Window integration should be prioritized

Choose your warehouse partner carefully — work with an experienced operator compliant with new rules

Ak Bonded Warehouse — Fully Compliant with 2026 Regulations

Ak Bonded Warehouse operates in full compliance with 2026 customs regulation changes:

• In-warehouse photography and sampling processes meeting current TAREKS requirements

• Digital declaration and inventory management through BİLGE system integration

• Regulatory compliance support with an experienced customs brokerage team

• Information and guidance services for CBAM-scope products

Contact us for detailed information on 2026 regulation changes and customized compliance consulting for your business.

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2026 Turkish Customs Regulation Changes: TAREKS, CBAM & New Rules for Warehouse Operators