Basic information
Outline of the system
The approval by the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry is required for the imports of goods listed below.
Product coverage
Please see Products "High intensity sweeteners"
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 Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry is not intended to restrict the quantity or value of importation of goods. The purpose is to monitor the impact of High Intensity Sweeteners (HIS) importation on the Turkish sugar market, for statistical purpose.
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 in the Communiqué (Import Communiqué: 2022/4) published in the Official Gazette of 31 December 2021, No. 31706 bis. The Communiqué is available at the https://www.resmigazete.gov.tr/eskiler/2021/12/20211231M3-6.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?
What persons or firms are eligible to apply for a licence?
All importers are eligible to apply for licence.
Is there a registration fee?
Is there a 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
Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
Documentation requirements
What information is required in applications?
What documents is the importer required to supply with the application?
Requested documents from importers to submit for an application for license are as follows:
- Commercial invoice or proforma invoice certified by the Consulate of Republic of Türkiye.
- Drug prospectus and custom exemption letter for pharmaceutical applications. In addition, the information on the application form shall be completed.
Window of submission of an application
How far in advance of importation must application for a licence be made?
Applications for approval shall be made to Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry at least 10 days in advance of importation.
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?
Applications for license are issued within ten working days, if requested application documents are complete.
Can licences be obtained within a shorter time-limit or for goods arriving at the port without a licence
Which administrative body is responsible for approving application of licences?
Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
Must the applications be passed on to other organs for visa, note or approval?
The assessment of applications is carried out 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?
Yes.
What is the amount of the fee or charge?
The license fee is 1,335 TL as of 1 August 2022. This fee may change from year to another.
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?
Application for approval may be rejected in case information or documents requested by administrative authority are incomplete.
Are the reasons for any refusal given to applicants?
The reason for the rejection shall be notified to the applicant via the electronic system.
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. However, all actions and procedures of the administration is subject to judicial remedy in the constitution.
If so, to what bodies and under what procedures?
The applicant may submit an objection to the Ministry with an official letter, together with the reasons of objection. The Ministry may review the objections and reasons within the framework of the provisions of the legislation in force and re-evaluate the application.
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 Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, shall be annexed to the Customs Declaration form.
Are there any other administrative procedures, apart from import licensing and similar administrative procedures, required prior to importation?
There are no quantitative restrictions or other conditions attached to the issue of a licence.
Conditions of licensing
What is the period of validity of a licence? Can the validity be extended? How?
The validity of licence is six months and this period can not be extended.
Is there any penalty for the non-utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence?
No.
Are licences transferable between importers? If so, are any limitations or conditions attached to such transfer?
No.
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.