Lupos Dış Ticaret
Global photovoltaic module prices have dropped to historic lows, with factory prices sometimes falling near $0.10–$0.12 per watt. For Turkish buyers, however, the difficulty is no longer sourcing inexpensive panels. The real challenge is navigating Turkey’s regulatory environment without triggering customs penalties, anti-dumping duties, or product safety rejections.
Importing solar panels into Turkey involves a complex combination of GTIP classification, anti-dumping exposure, surveillance pricing thresholds, TAREKS conformity controls, CE documentation review, customs valuation scrutiny and Ministry of Trade inspections. A single container shipment can involve multiple regulatory checkpoints. If even one of them fails, the financial consequences can exceed the projected profit of the project.
Companies planning to import photovoltaic modules should approach the process as a regulated trade operation rather than a simple purchase transaction. Professional import consulting helps ensure correct GTIP classification, regulatory compliance, supplier verification and customs risk management before the shipment reaches Turkish customs.
For EPC contractors, industrial energy investors and solar equipment distributors, importing photovoltaic modules is not simply a procurement decision. It is a regulatory execution process that must be managed before a purchase contract is signed.
Correct GTIP Classification Before Signing a Contract
Solar panels are typically classified under GTIP 8541.43, which covers photovoltaic cells assembled in modules or panels. However, shipments rarely consist of panels alone. Solar energy imports often include multiple components such as inverters, mounting systems, cables, connectors or junction boxes.
Each component may fall under a different GTIP classification. Turkish customs authorities do not rely on the HS code written on the supplier’s invoice. Classification is determined according to the technical characteristics of the goods and the Turkish Customs Tariff Schedule.
- Photovoltaic modules or panels
- Inverters and electrical control equipment
- Mounting systems and structural components
- Junction boxes and connectors
- Cables and electrical accessories
Misclassification can result in incorrect duty calculations and retroactive tax assessments during or after customs clearance. Because duty rates depend on classification, origin and the current Import Regime (İthalat Rejimi Kararı), GTIP verification must occur before confirming the commercial invoice.
Anti-Dumping Duties and Origin Risk
Solar panels originating from China remain subject to anti-dumping measures introduced by the Ministry of Trade. These measures can significantly increase the real import cost, sometimes reaching approximately $25 per square meter depending on the applicable decision.
Some suppliers attempt to avoid these measures by routing shipments through third countries such as Vietnam, Thailand or Malaysia. Turkish authorities now conduct detailed origin investigations to determine whether the photovoltaic cells themselves are of Chinese origin.
If authorities determine that the core components originate from China, anti-dumping duties may still apply regardless of the declared export country. Importers must therefore verify both the manufacturing location and the cell origin before accepting supplier documentation.
Surveillance (Gözetim) and Customs Valuation Sensitivity
Solar energy equipment is also subject to valuation scrutiny due to aggressive global price competition. Turkish authorities actively monitor under-invoicing risks in photovoltaic imports.
Surveillance measures establish reference prices for certain product categories. If the declared invoice value falls below the Ministry’s threshold, customs authorities may calculate VAT based on the surveillance value rather than the declared purchase price.
This can significantly alter the tax base and increase import costs even when the commercial transaction is legitimate. Importers must ensure that declared prices are commercially defensible and supported by payment documentation, contracts and supplier records.
TAREKS Product Safety Controls
Photovoltaic modules are subject to conformity controls under Turkey’s technical regulations, typically managed through the Risk-Based Trade Control System (TAREKS). Approval is required before customs clearance can proceed.
TAREKS evaluation may require multiple technical documents and verification steps.
- CE Declaration of Conformity
- Accredited laboratory test reports
- Technical file documentation
- Product labeling compliance
- Model identification consistency
If the system assigns the shipment to physical inspection, customs clearance pauses until the review is completed. During this period, port storage, demurrage and container detention costs begin accumulating.
Recent regulatory changes have also increased documentation expectations. In certain inspections, importers must upload photographs of the products taken inside the bonded warehouse directly into the TAREKS system.
CE Documentation and Technical File Risk
CE marking is not simply a logo printed on the product. It represents a complete technical documentation system that demonstrates compliance with applicable EU-aligned safety directives.
Common compliance failures observed in solar panel imports include:
- Test reports issued by non-recognized laboratories
- Expired or unverifiable certificates
- Model numbers that do not match the shipment
- Manufacturer name inconsistencies
- Missing risk analysis documentation
- Incomplete technical files
If CE documentation fails during TAREKS review, the shipment may be rejected or redirected for further inspection. Attempting to reconstruct the technical file after the goods arrive in Turkey significantly increases the probability of rejection.
Expanding Trade Measures on Solar Components
Regulatory exposure is not limited to photovoltaic panels themselves. Turkish authorities have also examined related components such as junction boxes and aluminum frames used in module construction.
These components fall under different GTIP codes and may be subject to separate anti-dumping investigations or additional customs duties. Companies importing kits for local solar assembly operations must evaluate the duty exposure of each component individually.
Operational and Logistics Risk
Container-scale solar panel shipments require careful operational control before loading in China. Customs inspections in Turkey may include random sampling and document verification.
Risk increases when packaging or labeling does not match the documentation provided during customs declaration.
- Incorrect or missing model labels
- Inconsistent serial numbers
- Packaging that obscures identification marks
- Product characteristics that differ from declared specifications
Pre-shipment verification and load supervision significantly reduce the probability of inspection disputes during customs clearance.
Financial Compliance and VAT Control in 2026
A regulatory change introduced in early 2026 created additional compliance requirements for high-volume importers. Companies exceeding certain import thresholds may be required to submit a special-purpose report prepared by a sworn-in certified public accountant (YMM).
The report verifies the correct handling of VAT and other import-related tax elements. Incorrect reporting or inconsistencies between customs declarations and accounting records can trigger tax audits affecting the importer’s broader business operations.
Consequences of Compliance Failure
Solar panel imports involve multiple regulatory checkpoints. When these controls fail, the consequences extend beyond simple shipment delays.
- TAREKS rejection or conditional import bans
- Additional customs duties and anti-dumping penalties
- Storage and demurrage costs at the port
- Delivery delays affecting EPC project timelines
- Post-clearance audits by customs authorities
- Market surveillance investigations by the Ministry of Trade
In large-scale photovoltaic projects, these risks can easily exceed the margin expected from the import transaction.
Structured Import Execution Model
A controlled solar panel import process requires a structured sequence of compliance steps beginning before supplier negotiations.
- Supplier due diligence and manufacturer verification
- Pre-contract GTIP classification confirmation
- Import regime and duty exposure modeling
- CE technical file review before shipment
- TAREKS documentation preparation
- Controlled logistics and pre-shipment inspection
- Post-clearance documentation archiving
Each step reduces regulatory uncertainty and financial exposure in container-scale imports.
Why Accountable Import Execution Matters
In the Turkish solar energy market, the difference between a successful project and a financial loss often lies in regulatory preparation rather than purchase price.
Lupos Dış Ticaret executes imports from China into Turkey with full operational responsibility. The focus is supplier verification, GTIP accuracy, compliance with Turkish technical regulations, customs valuation control and financial risk management.
Companies planning a solar panel import project can contact Lupos Dış Ticaret to evaluate regulatory exposure, supplier reliability and customs compliance before committing capital to the shipment.
For EPC contractors, distributors and industrial energy investors, the key question is not whether solar panels can be imported. The real question is whether the shipment will clear Turkish customs without disruption.
