Türkiye requires conformity certificates for imported solid fuels

What happened

Türkiye’s Ministry of Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change has put its regulation on solid fuels into effect. The measure covers the specifications, certification, sale and use of both imported and domestically produced solid fuels.

Companies importing solid fuel must hold a Solid Fuel Importer Registration Certificate. A provincial directorate will issue a conformity certificate only if a sample from an import meets the applicable limits. Imports cannot proceed without that certificate. Certain imports for defence industry use, non-thermal manufacturing, filtration or laboratory purposes may receive an exemption letter.

Domestic producers must declare fuel volumes, sales and product characteristics through the Solid Fuel Module. Sales must be entered within 24 hours after fuel leaves the production site. Coal and petroleum coke testing must be carried out by accredited laboratories.

Why it matters

The requirements add documentation, testing and reporting steps for businesses bringing solid fuel into Türkiye and for suppliers operating in the domestic market. Importers, producers, distributors and retailers that work without a conformity certificate can face administrative fines.

A business receiving two penalties in a year will lose its certificate. It cannot obtain a replacement for one year from the cancellation date. The rules therefore make compliance records and timely system reporting important for fuel supply chains.

Petroleum coke allocations are limited to facilities holding a temporary activity certificate or environmental permit and subject to online monitoring under SEÖS. Facilities exceeding emission limits will have their allocation cancelled.

What’s next

Certificates already in force remain valid until 30 June 2027. Packaging provisions take effect on 1 June 2028; heating fuels must then use QR-coded bags with specified colours. Imported coal will use green bags, while domestic coal colours will vary by the area in which it is used. Biomass briquettes and pellets must be sold in transparent bags.