CE is not a quality award
It indicates that the essential safety and conformity requirements of the applicable technical regulations have been met.
4EIN · Import guide
What is CE, and which documents are required for imports?
An introduction to CE: all the basic steps, from the product marking and EU Declaration of Conformity to test reports and the TAREKS reference.
Key point
There is no single government-issued CE certificate for every product. CE indicates that the manufacturer has assessed conformity with the applicable rules, prepared the necessary technical evidence and accepted responsibility.
The manufacturer is responsible
The manufacturer performs the conformity assessment, prepares the technical file, signs the declaration and affixes the CE marking.
The importer also checks
Before importing, the importer must verify that the product, model, manufacturer, marking and documents match.
Document checklist
The core file to prepare before importing
1
EU Declaration of Conformity
The manufacturer's signed document must identify the product/model, manufacturer, applicable regulations and standards.
2
Product test reports
The laboratory, report number, test standard and tested product model must be clearly identified.
3
Technical file
Retain the risk assessment, design and production information, technical drawings, instructions and conformity evidence.
4
Labelling and marking images
CE marking, brand, model, serial/batch details and manufacturer/importer traceability information must be legible.
5
Notified body certificate — where required
If the conformity assessment module requires a third party, verify the body's name/number and certificate scope.
6
TAREKS reference
The reference generated by the Turkish import inspection application must be entered in the relevant customs declaration.
Test reports
Which tests are required?
There is no single fixed CE test package. Tests depend on the product's technical characteristics and applicable regulations. If a matching record includes scopes such as LVD or EMC, the import calculator highlights the relevant test group.
LVD · electrical safety
Insulation, electric-shock protection, earthing, leakage current, temperature rise and abnormal operation.
EMC · electromagnetic compatibility
Radiated and conducted emissions, electrostatic discharge, surge and radio-frequency immunity.
Machinery safety
Risk assessment, guards, emergency stops, control systems and mechanical/electrical safety.
RED · radio equipment
Efficient use of the radio spectrum, plus product-specific EMC and electrical safety.
Pressure equipment
Pressure resistance, leak tightness, safety devices and checks required by the conformity assessment module.
Gas appliances
Gas tightness, safe combustion, temperature and applicable emission checks.
Noise emissions
Sound power and pressure measurements, and verification of the value declared on the product or document.
Important: The exact test standard cannot be selected from the tariff code alone. Brand/model, voltage, power, operating environment, radio features, machinery function and current harmonised standards must be reviewed together.
Step by step
How does importing into Türkiye work?
- 1
Verify the GTIP and product scope
Not every product under the same GTIP necessarily requires CE marking. Match the product's actual technical characteristics to the relevant regulation.
- 2
Obtain the manufacturer's file before shipment
Request the EU Declaration of Conformity, test reports, technical information, label photographs and any required notified-body certificate.
- 3
Check the document–product match
Confirm that the brand, model, manufacturer, standard, report date and tested sample match the imported product.
- 4
Complete the TAREKS application
Where covered by the relevant Product Safety and Inspection Communiqué, applications and risk analysis proceed through TAREKS; document, marking, physical or laboratory checks may follow.
- 5
Use the reference in the declaration
Enter the inspection reference in the appropriate customs declaration field as required by legislation.
Common mistakes
- • Treating an arbitrary CE certificate found online as sufficient.
- • A mismatch between the brand/model in the test report and the invoiced product.
- • Omitting an applicable regulation from the declaration.
- • Trying to add the CE marking like an ordinary label after the product reaches customs.
- • Using a TAREKS reference as a substitute for CE conformity evidence.
Signs of a complete file
- • Manufacturer, brand, model and product description match across all documents.
- • The declaration is signed and clearly identifies legislation and standards.
- • Test reports cover the same product's technical characteristics.
- • Instructions and safety information meet the target market's requirements.
- • Current changes and product revisions are reflected in the technical file.
Official sources
Product scope and document requirements may change. Check the communiqué and product regulation in force on the transaction date using these official sources.