Turkey's GTIP Split Removes TAREKS Out-of-Scope Basis for Network Equipment New Customs Tariff Classification Separates Smartwatches from Routers, Switches and Data Transmission Devices

The Tariff Amendment: Presidential Decision No. 11507

On 11 July 2026, Turkey published Presidential Decision No. 11507, amending several 12-digit tariff classifications in the Turkish Customs Tariff Schedule. One of the most operationally significant changes affects products classified under heading 8517.62, which covers machines used for the reception, conversion, transmission or regeneration of voice, images or other data. This heading includes switching and routing equipment commonly used in enterprise networks, telecommunications infrastructure, cloud deployments and data centres.

The previous Turkish tariff code was:

The new classification divides this code into:

The decision entered into force on 11 July 2026. Import declarations registered from that date must use the newly created tariff codes.

Why This Matters for Network Equipment Imports

The importance of the change goes beyond tariff statistics. Under the previous tariff structure, smartwatches and various network or data transmission devices could be classified under the same Turkish GTIP, 8517.62.00.90.00.

Smartwatches were subject to import controls under Turkey's radio equipment product safety regime. Network equipment classified under the same code, however, was not necessarily among the products intended to undergo the same TAREKS inspection. The Ministry of Trade had previously clarified that only smartwatches and certain wireless Bluetooth headsets classified under the shared code were intended to undergo TAREKS inspection. Other products classified under the same GTIP could be declared outside the scope of the relevant import inspection measure.

Because both product categories shared one customs code, importers of network equipment were still required to address the TAREKS requirement at the declaration stage. For products such as routers, switches and other enterprise network devices, this was generally handled through a TAREKS out-of-scope declaration.

This created an unusual administrative situation: the network equipment itself was outside the intended product scope, but the importer still had to complete an out-of-scope TAREKS procedure because the customs code was included in the inspection framework due to smartwatches.

The practical benefit is not simply a different number on the customs declaration. It is the removal of the tariff-classification basis for a regulatory step that existed because two technically unrelated product groups had been placed under the same national tariff subdivision. Once the TAREKS control tables are updated to reflect the new GTIP structure, this should eliminate the out-of-scope procedure for network equipment that was triggered solely by the shared code.

Which Products Are Affected

For qualifying network products classified under 8517.62.00.90.19, the previous need to make a TAREKS out-of-scope declaration solely because smartwatches shared the same GTIP should be eliminated. This can simplify the import process for products such as enterprise network switches, routers, network gateways, data transmission appliances, certain wireless network controllers, communication and data conversion devices, switching and routing equipment used in data centres, and network infrastructure deployed as part of cloud and AI projects.

The exact classification must still be confirmed from the product's technical function. Not every electronic or network-connected device falls under 8517.62.00.90.19. A device described as a "network gateway" could incorporate routing functions, cellular communication, radio transmission, security or firewall functions, data processing, industrial control capabilities, or proprietary wireless communication technology. These characteristics may affect both tariff classification and import controls.

TAREKS Has Not Been Abolished for All Network Equipment

The amendment should not be interpreted as a general exemption for every networking, wireless or telecommunications product imported into Turkey. A product may still require TAREKS, BTK-related controls, CE documentation or other import formalities because of its exact GTIP, radio transmission functions, cellular network functionality, frequency bands, intended use, product-specific technical regulations, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or other radio modules, separate controls applying to power supplies, batteries or accessories, or the wording of the applicable Product Safety and Inspection Communiqué.

The amendment removes the TAREKS out-of-scope procedure that arose specifically from the shared smartwatch and network-equipment GTIP. It does not override other product-specific controls. Importers should also confirm that the new GTIP and related control tables have been implemented consistently across TAREKS, customs declaration software and brokerage product databases.

Other Tariff Changes in Presidential Decision No. 11507

Wireless Headphones

The decision also creates a specific tariff code for wireless headphones. The previous code 8518.30.00.90.00 (Other headphones and earphones) has been divided into 8518.30.00.90.11 for wireless headphones and 8518.30.00.90.19 for other products. Companies importing wireless headsets, enterprise communication headsets or Bluetooth audio products should update their tariff databases and verify whether the product is correctly classified under heading 8518 or, depending on its principal function and technical configuration, another heading.

Motion-Sensing Switches

The tariff amendment also introduces dedicated classifications for switches with motion-detection functionality. New tariff codes include 8536.50.19.00.11 for switches with motion-detection functionality, 8536.50.19.00.19 for other switches, and 8536.50.80.00.10 for household switches with motion-detection functionality. The existing code 8536.50.80.00.15 remains in use but its description has been narrowed to exclude motion-detection products. This may affect products used in smart buildings, automated lighting systems, security and access installations, IoT deployments and energy-management systems.

Additional Customs Duty Checks After the GTIP Update

A separate Presidential Decision published on the same date, Decision No. 11508, updated Turkey's Additional Customs Duty (İGV) framework and aligned several İGV schedules with the newly created tariff classifications.

This does not change the main TAREKS consequence for network equipment described above. The separation of smartwatches from other products under heading 8517.62 remains the key operational development for routers, switches and related data transmission equipment.

However, importers should not assume that a newly created GTIP automatically carries the same duty treatment as the previous code. The following should be checked separately for each shipment: the new 12-digit GTIP, country of origin, applicable İGV column, customs duty rate, preferential origin treatment, any exemption or end-use condition, and TAREKS and other product-specific controls.

Decision No. 11508 also broadened the İGV exemption for imports benefiting from an actual customs duty exemption. This does not mean that every import with a zero customs duty rate is automatically exempt from İGV. In particular, an A.TR movement certificate, a preferential origin document or a standard tariff rate of zero does not by itself constitute a customs duty exemption for this purpose. The exemption applies where the goods benefit from a specific duty exemption regime, not simply where the applicable rate happens to be zero.

For network equipment imported under the new 8517.62.00.90.19 classification, the removal of the smartwatch-driven TAREKS out-of-scope procedure should therefore be assessed separately from customs duty and İGV exposure. Tariff classification, product safety controls and origin-based taxation remain distinct compliance questions.

Importers Should Update Product Master Data Immediately

The new classifications entered into force on the publication date. There is no general transition period allowing importers to continue using the abolished 8517.62.00.90.00 code for declarations registered after 11 July 2026.

Impact on Data-Centre and Enterprise Technology Deployments

For enterprise technology imports, this is a constructive regulatory change. Network switches, routers and related infrastructure are frequently imported as part of data-centre expansions, cloud infrastructure deployments, AI computing environments, corporate network upgrades, telecom projects, security system installations and multi-country technology rollouts.

Under the old structure, the presence of smartwatches in the same national tariff code created an additional TAREKS step for equipment that was otherwise outside the intended inspection scope. Separating smartwatches into 8517.62.00.90.11 gives Turkey a more precise basis for product-specific controls while allowing professional network equipment under 8517.62.00.90.19 to be processed without the smartwatch-driven TAREKS out-of-scope procedure.

For recurring enterprise shipments, removing even a nominal out-of-scope process can reduce pre-declaration administration, incorrect TAREKS applications, customs broker queries, classification disputes, data-entry errors, clearance uncertainty and delays caused by inconsistent interpretation.

Pre-Shipment Classification Remains Essential

Although the change simplifies the position for network equipment, the correct GTIP cannot be determined from a commercial product name alone. Before shipment, the importer should review the product datasheet, primary and secondary functions, supported communication protocols, cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and radio capabilities, frequency information, power supply and battery configuration, intended commercial or industrial use, CE documentation and Declaration of Conformity, applicable standards, and the current TAREKS and customs control tables.

This review should be completed before the commercial invoice and shipping documents are finalised. If you are unsure about the HS code classification for a specific product, the classification should be confirmed before the cargo leaves origin rather than tested at the customs declaration stage.

How TFTIOR Supports Technology Imports into Turkey

TFTIOR provides Importer of Record and pre-shipment compliance support for enterprise technology, network equipment, servers, data-centre hardware and regulated electronic products imported into Turkey. Our engineering-led review process evaluates the product before cargo movement, including Turkish GTIP classification, TAREKS applicability, CE and Declaration of Conformity review, radio and telecommunications controls, product-specific permit requirements, customs valuation, document consistency, importer liability and customs clearance planning.

For network equipment affected by the July 2026 tariff amendment, existing product records should be reassessed to confirm the transition from 8517.62.00.90.00 to the correct new tariff subdivision. If you are importing into Turkey without a local entity, the full process can be handled as part of a non-resident Importer of Record engagement.

Conclusion

Presidential Decision No. 11507 creates a dedicated Turkish customs tariff code for smartwatches and separates them from other equipment previously classified under 8517.62.00.90.00. The central operational consequence is clear: the tariff-classification basis for requiring a TAREKS out-of-scope declaration on network equipment has been removed. Subject to the TAREKS control tables being updated for the new GTIP, network equipment should no longer need to complete this procedure solely because it previously shared a tariff code with smartwatches.

Smartwatches will now be identified under 8517.62.00.90.11, while qualifying network and data transmission equipment will generally move to 8517.62.00.90.19. The underlying classification problem that created the unnecessary procedure has been resolved. However, importers must still verify each device's technical classification, confirm that the TAREKS control tables reflect the new codes, and check all other applicable radio, product safety and customs requirements before shipment.

© 2026 TRANSPARENT DIS TICARET LTD. STI. All rights reserved. This guide is original proprietary content produced by TFTIOR based on direct operational experience with network equipment imports and customs compliance in Turkey. Reproduction, rewriting, or redistribution in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.