Türkiye regulations · 15 October 2026
Türkiye-EU trade dialogue reviews EPREL access and circular-economy cooperation
The third trade dialogue in Brussels recorded progress on Türkiye’s access to EPREL and discussed circular-economy cooperation. The statement does not announce new environmental obligations.
Türkiye and the European Union addressed energy labelling, technical legislation and the circular economy at their third High-Level Dialogue on Trade, held in Brussels on 13 October 2026. The joint statement, published by Türkiye’s Ministry of Trade on 14 October, distinguishes completed steps from areas where technical work will continue. [Source](https://ticaret.gov.tr/haberler/ortak-basin-aciklamasi-3-turkiye-ab-yuksek-duzeyli-ticaret-diyalogu-bruksel-13-ekim-2026)
Work on EPREL access continues
The parties noted progress on Türkiye’s access to the EU energy-labelling registry, EPREL, and encouraged further work. The statement does not report that access has been completed or provide an access date, product scope or new application timetable for businesses. The development is therefore described as progress in ongoing work, rather than a completed access arrangement. The same passage also announces technical discussions on Türkiye’s access to the Cosmetic Products Notification Portal and on batch releases for pharmaceutical products. [Source](https://ticaret.gov.tr/haberler/ortak-basin-aciklamasi-3-turkiye-ab-yuksek-duzeyli-ticaret-diyalogu-bruksel-13-ekim-2026)
Official source: Ministry of Trade ↗Circular economy on the forward-looking agenda
The circular economy formed part of a broader agenda for future cooperation. Other subjects included alignment of technical legislation, public procurement, business mobility, digital trade and cooperation within the World Trade Organization framework. The joint statement does not announce a separate circular-economy implementation programme, numerical target or entry-into-force date. The discussions should therefore not be presented as a regulation introducing new environmental reporting or product obligations for companies: the text reports that cooperation in this area was discussed. [Source](https://ticaret.gov.tr/haberler/ortak-basin-aciklamasi-3-turkiye-ab-yuksek-duzeyli-ticaret-diyalogu-bruksel-13-ekim-2026)
Official source: Ministry of Trade ↗Reported outcomes on machinery and import controls
Among completed steps, the parties welcomed Türkiye’s alignment with the new EU Machinery Regulation. They described this as important for the free movement of goods across the Customs Union without technical barriers. They also announced the removal of the barrier concerning import controls under TAREKS, Türkiye’s risk-based foreign trade system for importers. Constructive cooperation will continue to address practical issues raised by EU economic operators. The statement does not say that the TAREKS system itself has been abolished. [Source](https://ticaret.gov.tr/haberler/ortak-basin-aciklamasi-3-turkiye-ab-yuksek-duzeyli-ticaret-diyalogu-bruksel-13-ekim-2026)
Official source: Ministry of Trade ↗Further technical engagement planned
Trade Minister Ömer Bolat and European Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič co-chaired the meeting. According to the statement, bilateral trade reached €217.6 billion in 2025. The parties agreed to continue technical engagement on market-access issues including export taxes on hides and skins, import surveillance and registration requirements for textile imports. Technical work will also address mutual recognition of electronic signatures. Their broader objective is to maintain close engagement and develop practical solutions supporting a more predictable, transparent and mutually beneficial trade relationship. [Source](https://ticaret.gov.tr/haberler/ortak-basin-aciklamasi-3-turkiye-ab-yuksek-duzeyli-ticaret-diyalogu-bruksel-13-ekim-2026)
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