Basic information
Outline of the system
The approval of the Ministry of Interior, the General Directorate of Security is required for the importation of the goods listed below.
Product coverage
Please see Products "Certain Explosives, Firearms, Knives and Similar Products"
Nature of licensing
Automatic
If Automatic, administrative purpose
Non-Automatic
If Non-Automatic, description of the notified Non-Automatic Licensing regime
Products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports
The approval of the General Directorate of Security is not intended to restrict the quantity or the value of importation of the goods. The purpose is to protect national security and public safety.
Questions for products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports
Not applicable.
The system applies to products originating from which country?
The system applies to goods imported from all countries.
Expected duration of licensing procedure
Legal requirements
Is the licensing statutorily required?
The procedure is mentioned in the Import Communiqué: (Import Communiqué 2022/11) published in the Official Gazette of 31 December 2021, No. 31706 bis. The Communiqué is available at the https://www.resmigazete.gov.tr/eskiler/2021/12/2021231M3-13.htm website link.
Does the legislation leave designation of products to be subject to licensing to administrative discretion?
Is it possible for the government to abolish the system without legislative approval?
It is possible for the Government to abolish the system without legislative approval.
Eligibility of applicants
Is there a system of registration of persons or firms permitted to engage in importation?
There is a system where companies/importers are registered in the aforementioned Authority's database. Companies/Importers with production, sales and usage permit certificates from the relevant Governorates and importers who have manufacturer or dealership certificate can be considered eligible.
What persons or firms are eligible to apply for a licence?
Importers who have production, sales and usage permit certificate from the Governorates, may import goods which are classified under HS codes of 3102.90.00.00, 3601.00, 3602.00, 3603.00, 36.04, 3912.20.11.00.19, 3912.20.19.00.19, 9306.21, 9306.29, 9306.30.90, 9306.90.90.00.00. Importers who have manufacturer or dealership certificate may import other items which are listed in the second chapter (product coverage) excluding items indicated above.
Is there a registration fee?
There is no transaction fee.
Is there a published list of authorized importers?
There is no published list of authorized importers.
Contact point for information on eligibility
Ministry/Authority
Address
Telephone
Fax
E-mail address
Website
Contact officer
Submission of an application
Administrative body(ies) for submission of an application
Ministry of Interior, the General Directorate of Security
Documentation requirements
What information is required in applications?
What documents is the importer required to supply with the application?
Required documents in the application are as follows:
- Petition.
- Import declaration.
- Importer's Commitment issued by Notary. - Proforma invoice.
- Production, Sales or Usage Permit Certificate issued by relevant Governorates for importation of goods classified under 3102.90.00.00, 3601.00, 3602.00, 3603.00, 36.04, 3912.20.11.00.19, 3912.20.19.00.19, 9306.21, 9306.29, 9306.30.90, 9306.90.90.00.00 HS codes.
- Manufacture permit certificate or dealership certificate for importation of other items listed in the product coverage excluding items indicated above.
- Catalog or product image;
- Bullet sale certificate for importation of gun magazine.
- Certificate of origin and its translation;
- Dangerous Goods Compulsory Liability Insurance Policy
Window of submission of an application
How far in advance of importation must application for a licence be made?
It is not specifically defined regarding how far in advance of importation application for a license must be made in legislation in force.
Are there any limitations as to the period of the year during which application for licence can be made? If so, explain
There is no limitation. Applications for approval can be made any time during the year.
Issuing the license
Can a licence be granted immediately on request?
No. If requested application documents are complete, applications for a license are granted within two working days.
Can licences be obtained within a shorter time-limit or for goods arriving at the port without a licence
Licenses can be obtained for goods arriving at the port without an import license. There are no restrictive elements about this situation in the legislation.
Which administrative body is responsible for approving application of licences?
Ministry of Interior, the General Directorate of Security
Must the applications be passed on to other organs for visa, note or approval?
The assessment of applications is conducted by a single administrative organ.
Are there any other conditions attached to the issue of a licence?
No.
Fees and other administrative charges
Is there any licensing fee or administrative charge?
No.
What is the amount of the fee or charge?
Is there any deposit or advance payment required associated with the issue of licences?
No.
Amount or rate?
Is it refundable?
What is the period of retention?
What is the purpose of this requirement?
Refusal of an application
Under what circumstances may an application for a licence be refused other than failure to meet the ordinary criteria?
According to our legislation, importers who have production, sales and usage license documents from the Governorates, may import goods which are classified under 3102.90.00.00, 3601.00, 3602.00, 3603, 36.04, 3912.20.11.00.19, 3912.20.19.00.19, 9306.21, 9306.29, 9306.30.90, 9306.90.90.00.00 HS codes. Those who do not have at least one of these documents or those whose documents are missing shall be rejected. Also, security and public order shall be taken into consideration by administrative authority while issuing an import license for other items which listed above in the product coverage. The application shall be rejected when the use of imported goods within the country are not considered appropriate in terms of security and public order.
Are the reasons for any refusal given to applicants?
The reason for rejection shall be notified to the applicant in writing.
Have applicants a right of appeal in the event of refusal to issue a licence?
No appeal procedures are specified in provisions of the legislation in force.
If so, to what bodies and under what procedures?
However, all actions and procedures of the administration is subject to judicial remedy in the constitution.
Importation
Are there any limitations as to the period of year during which importation may be made?
What documents are required upon actual importation?
One copy of the document which comprises the approval of the General Directorate of Security shall be annexed to Customs Declaration.
Are there any other administrative procedures, apart from import licensing and similar administrative procedures, required prior to importation?
For the importation of goods classified under HS codes 3102.90.00.00, 3601.00, 3602.00, 36.03, 36.04, 3912.20.11.00.19, 3912.20.19.00.19, 9306.21, 9306.29, 9306.30.90, 9306.90.90.00.00 obtaining a production, sales or use permit certificate from the relevant Governorates is required.
For the importation of other items which listed in the product coverage excluding items indicated above, it is required to have manufacturer or dealership certificate.
Conditions of licensing
What is the period of validity of a licence? Can the validity be extended? How?
The duration of the import license is valid for the year in which it is issued and in case the importation does not take place, this period can be extended for another one year upon the application of the requesting person, company/institution.
Is there any penalty for the non-utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence?
There is no penalty for non-use or partial use of a license granted by the General Directorate of Security.
Are licences transferable between importers? If so, are any limitations or conditions attached to such transfer?
Licenses granted by the General Directorate of Security cannot be transferred between importers.
Foreign Exchange
Is foreign exchange automatically provided by the banking authorities for goods to be imported?
Not applicable.
Is a licence required as a condition to obtaining foreign exchange?
Not applicable.
Is foreign exchange always available to cover licences issued?
Not applicable.
What formalities must be fulfilled for obtaining the foreign exchange?
Not applicable.