Import Inspection of Waste Controlled for Environmental Protection (PSD: 2026/3)

Import Inspection of Waste Controlled for Environmental Protection (PSD: 2026/3): Scope, Prohibited Waste, and Application Process

The Import Inspection of Waste Controlled for Environmental Protection Communique, designated as Product Safety and Inspection: 2026/3 and published in the Official Gazette, regulates how certain waste entering the customs territory of Turkey including free zones will be subject to environmental conformity inspection, while also clearly identifying waste whose entry into Turkey is prohibited. This Communique enters into force on January 1, 2026, and the previous regulation PSD: 2025/3 has been repealed.

What is the purpose of the Communique?

The purpose of the Communique is to regulate the procedures and principles relating to the environmental conformity inspection of waste listed in Annex 1, and to identify waste whose entry into Turkey is prohibited.

Which waste is within scope? Annex 1, waste subject to inspection

The Communique subjects the import of waste listed in Annex 1 to a conformity inspection requirement. Examples of waste subject to inspection in Annex 1 include zinc-containing drosses and galvanizing waste such as zinc top and bottom dross and zinc skimmings, copper-containing waste, aluminium-containing waste including waste aluminium oxide, plastic waste and plastic scrap under headings 39.01 to 39.12 and position 3915, rubber waste and used tyres, paper and cardboard waste and scrap for recycling, used clothing and textile waste, glass cullet and glass waste, spent accumulators and certain battery types, printed circuit boards of certain product types, and used filled products such as quilts and pillows.

Which waste is prohibited from entry into Turkey? Annex 2/A and Annex 2/B

The Communique prohibits the entry into the customs territory of Turkey of waste listed in Annex 2/A and Annex 2/B. These prohibited lists cover various industrial process waste, chemical waste, and environmentally hazardous waste categories.

Basic requirement for Annex 1 waste: no explosive, radioactive, hazardous, or prohibited content

For Annex 1 waste subject to inspection, the following condition is also explicitly required. The waste must not contain explosive substances or radioactivity, must not contain hazardous or prohibited waste or substances, and must not be contaminated by them.

Who can import? Authorized facility requirement

The general rule for importing waste within the scope of Annex 1 is that imports may only be carried out by industrialists holding recycling facilities that have obtained a Temporary Activity Certificate or an Environmental Permit and License Certificate from the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change. The Communique also regulates exceptions under which imports may be carried out under special conditions in certain cases.

How does the application process work? Conformity Letter

Importers or representatives wishing to import waste within the scope of Annex 1 are required to obtain a Conformity Letter from the Provincial Directorate of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change of the province where the border customs administration through which the waste will enter is located. Applications are submitted through the Ministry's Environmental Import and Export Permits Application.

Timing rule, which is critically important: at least 3 business days in advance

The application to the Provincial Directorate must be submitted at least three business days before the waste arrives in Turkey. Applications not submitted within this timeframe will not be accepted.

How does the inspection conclude?

Following document review and physical inspection if deemed necessary, the Provincial Directorate will issue a Conformity Letter if the waste is found compliant, or a Non-Conformity Letter if it is not. Where deemed necessary, samples may be taken for analysis, and if the analysis result is unfavorable, the waste import will not be accepted. For non-compliant waste, return to the country of origin or loading, or transit to a third country, may become options under customs legislation.

What document is required at customs?

The primary document required at customs for the entry of Annex 1 waste into Turkey is the Conformity Letter. Entry of waste found to be non-compliant will not be permitted.

Transition process: the 45-day rule

A transition rule is included stating that for waste for which a transport document was issued or which was presented to customs before the date the Communique enters into force, the provisions of the previous regulation may be applied for a period of 45 days.