The answer to "which category is my product in, does it fall within TAREKS?" is always ultimately determined by HS Code; but knowing which general product groups frequently fall within TAREKS/ÜGD scope is an important guide when planning imports. In this article we cover the most commonly encountered product groups under TAREKS scope and the points to watch for each.
Why Is Scope Determined by HS Code, Not by Product Group?
The Product Safety and Inspection (ÜGD) communiqués published by the Ministry of Trade list products subject to inspection not by general category names, but directly by HS Code (Harmonized System / Customs Tariff Statistics Position). For this reason, a general statement like "machinery falls within TAREKS" may not always be correct; within the same general category, some HS Codes may be within scope while others are not. The list in this article is prepared to show a general trend; the definitive answer should always be checked by HS Code using the method we explained in our article How Is the HS Code (GTİP) Determined?.
Commonly Encountered Product Groups
| Product Group | Typical Relevant Legislation | Point to Watch |
|---|---|---|
| Industrial machinery and mechanical equipment | Machinery Directive | Completeness of risk analysis and technical file |
| Electrical and electronic devices | LVD | Electrical safety test reports |
| Personal protective equipment (PPE) | PPE Regulation | Notified body certificate by category |
| Toys | Toy Safety legislation | Chemical and mechanical safety test reports |
| Construction materials | Construction Products Regulation | Declaration of Performance (DoP) and CE marking |
| Pressure equipment | PED (Pressure Equipment Directive) | Notified body involvement by category |
| ATEX-scope Ex equipment | ATEX Equipment Directive | Ex marking and protection type conformity |
| Gas-burning appliances | Gas Appliances Regulation | Combustion efficiency and safety tests |
| Radio and telecommunications equipment | RED (Radio Equipment Directive) | Frequency band conformity |
| Cosmetics and personal care products | Cosmetics legislation (a separate framework) | Outside CE scope, separate notification/inspection system |
Points to Watch for Machinery and Mechanical Equipment
Machinery used on industrial production lines is one of the most frequently encountered groups in TAREKS. In this group, inspection generally focuses on whether the risk analysis report is product-specific, whether applied harmonized standards are current, and whether the user manual is complete and in Turkish. For partly completed machinery, a declaration of incorporation requirement additionally comes into play; we covered this in our article What Is Partly Completed Machinery?.
Points to Watch for Electrical and Electronic Products
Electrical consumer products and industrial electrical equipment are frequently prioritized in TAREKS inspection due to electric shock and fire risk. In this group, whether test reports (dielectric strength, grounding continuity) are consistent with declared standards is particularly scrutinized. We covered how the need for testing is determined in our article When Are Tests Required in the CE Process?.
Special Situation for Personal Protective Equipment and Explosive Atmosphere Equipment
Because PPE and ATEX-scope equipment require notified body certification in high-risk categories, TAREKS inspection separately checks the existence and validity of this certificate. For these product groups, the correct display of the certificate number on the label is also a point scrutinized during inspection; for ATEX-scope equipment, we covered this topic in our article How Is the Ex Mark Read?.
What to Do for a Product Not on the List?
This list is a general guide prepared to show the most commonly encountered product groups; it is not exhaustive or definitive. ÜGD communiqués are updated periodically and new product groups may be added. For this reason, for a product not on the list or in a borderline situation, it is always recommended to check the current communiqué by HS Code and, if necessary, request binding tariff information.
Relevant Directives and Standards
The legal framework for these product groups is formed by separate EU directives and regulations, each based on New Legislative Framework principles in their own area: the Machinery Directive, LVD 2014/35/EU, RED 2014/53/EU, (EU) 2016/425 (PPE), Construction Products Regulation (EU) 305/2011, PED 2014/68/EU and ATEX 2014/34/EU. In Türkiye, import inspection of these directives is carried out through TAREKS within the framework of the Ministry of Trade's ÜGD communiqués.
Step-by-Step Process
- Determine your product's general category (machinery, electrical product, PPE, etc.).
- Identify the product's correct HS Code.
- Check whether this HS Code is listed in the current ÜGD communiqué.
- If within scope, identify the product-group-specific legislation (LVD, PPE Regulation, PED, etc.).
- Prepare the required technical file, test report and certificates according to this legislation.
- Confirm that all documents meet the product-group-specific requirements before the TAREKS application.
Most Common Mistakes
- Assuming "our product doesn't fall within TAREKS" based on the general product group name, without checking the HS Code.
- Relying on an old list without accounting for the periodic updating of ÜGD communiqués.
- Applying a general CE approach without considering product-group-specific legislation (for example, the PPE Regulation's category system).
- Forgetting that spare parts or accessories require a separate HS Code check.
- Preparing for only one piece of legislation for a product subject to more than one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a product not on this list outside TAREKS scope?
This list shows a general trend and is not exhaustive or definitive; the definitive answer for any product's scope should be determined by checking the relevant ÜGD communiqué via its HS Code.
How often are ÜGD communiqués updated?
Product Safety and Inspection communiqués are updated periodically (generally annually); for this reason it is important to check the current communiqué when assessing a product's scope.
Are spare parts also assessed within the same scope as the main product?
This depends on whether the part has its own HS Code and is assessed as an independent product; a separate HS Code check is required for every spare part.
Can the same product fall within the scope of more than one ÜGD communiqué?
Yes, this is possible especially for multi-function products or products subject to more than one directive; in this case the product needs to comply with all relevant communiqué scopes.
Which product group is most frequently routed to inspection?
This varies according to periodic risk analysis; but in general, electrical consumer products, toys and personal protective equipment often stand out in inspection priority because of their high safety risk.
Are industrial-type machines inspected the same way as consumer products?
While the inspection mechanism (TAREKS risk analysis) is the same, the technical requirements and standards examined differ significantly by product group; the Machinery Directive is used as the basis for industrial machines, and the relevant product safety legislation for consumer products.
Are construction materials within TAREKS scope?
Yes, certain construction material groups are subject to CE marking under the Construction Products Regulation and can accordingly also be subject to TAREKS/ÜGD inspection; this should be checked according to the product's HS Code.
Are pressure equipment items (boilers, cylinders, etc.) within TAREKS scope?
Yes, products within the scope of the Pressure Equipment Directive (PED) may be subject to TAREKS/ÜGD inspection according to the relevant HS Codes; a notified body certificate is also generally requested for this product group.
What is the most reliable way to track the scope list?
Following the current ÜGD communiqués officially published by the Ministry of Trade and checking by HS Code before every import is the most reliable way; general lists are only a guiding starting point.
Can a product outside the scope also be inspected at customs?
Even outside TAREKS/ÜGD scope, customs authorities can examine a shipment for other reasons (for example, origin or tax disputes); but this is a different process from TAREKS's technical conformity inspection.
Conclusion
The product groups within TAREKS scope span a wide range — from machinery to electrical devices, from personal protective equipment to construction materials, many sectors are affected by this inspection. But the definitive answer to scope is always found not in general category names, but in the product's specific HS Code and the current ÜGD communiqué; for this reason, an individual check before every import is indispensable.
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