Posted on 19 Dec 2023
Turkey is adding some restrictions on the imports of electric vehicles into its market, set to be mainly targeting the expansion of Chinese EV models, Kallanish reports.
According to a notification published by the Turkish trade ministry on 29 November, the measure seeks to regulate the import of EVs. The new restrictions, to become effective on 29 December, do not include vehicles originating from the EU or countries which Turkey has a free trade agreement with. The EVs being imported into Turkey must come with an A.TR Movement Certificate or proof of origin document within the scope of the relevant free trade agreement.
The changes will cover EVs subject to customs tariff statistical positions (GTIP) and require a permission certificate to be issued by Turkey's technology ministry. To be qualified for the permit, several requirements should be met.
The importer must establish at least 20 authorised service stations in each of the seven geographical regions in the country. They must be certified by the Turkish Standards Institute (TSE) under TS 12047 and TSE K 646 standards. The stations shall be used for after-sales assembly, maintenance and repair of the goods to be imported.
People who will be responsible for the purchase, sale, maintenance and repair of the EVs must have the corresponding qualification certificates issued by the TSE or the Vocational Qualifications Authority. All services shall be provided through a Turkish call centre with at least 40 personnel for each brand.
The EV manufacturers exporting to Turkey must also have an authorised representative resident in the country, the ministry says.
Meanwhile, the importer needs to be responsible for the monitoring, control and inspection of battery systems to enter the country.
While stating the new regulation aims to improve customer safety, after-sales service quality and ensure effective management of EV ecosystems, the Turkish move is also seen as somewhat related to the EU’s probe on China’s EV subsidies. China is the largest EV exporter to Turkey.
During January-October, China is believed to have sold $184 million worth of EVs to Turkey, almost double the figure in the whole of 2022. Such imports are subject to a 50% customs duty, after Turkey added a 40% tariff on Chinese EV imports earlier this year.
Source:Kallanish
