Environmental legislation in Türkiye is constantly updated. Compliance obligations of companies are increasing.
Important Updates (2024-2026)
- Greenhouse Gas Emission Reporting (for large facilities)
- Zero Waste Certificate (mandatory sectors)
- Sustainability Reporting (large companies)
- Plastic use reduction
- EU CBAM compliance
- Green deal framework
Greenhouse Gas Emission Reporting
- Specific facilities annual emission reporting
- Verification (3rd party)
- Presentation to the Ministry of Environment
- Administrative fine in case of violation
Sustainability Reporting
- Compulsory for BIST 100 companies
- GRI standards
- ESG criteria
- Annual report
EU CBAM Compliance
- Carbon tax for EU exports after 2026
- Turkish producers will report
- Emission certificate will be required
- Sectors: iron and steel, aluminium, fertilizer, cement, hydrogen, electricity
What Companies Must Do
- Environmental compliance audit
- Greenhouse gas inventory
- Sustainability report
- Waste management system
- Employee training
- Internal environmental management system (ISO 14001)
Penalties
- Administrative fines are increasing
- Continuous violation: suspension of activity
- Environmental destruction: criminal liability (TCK) art.181)
- Collective lawsuits (victim public)
Supreme Court/Council of State Approach
Courts evaluate non-compliance with environmental legislation as "continuous violation" and emphasize that the company's responsibility is heavy.
Practical Recommendations
- An annual meeting with an environmental expert audit
- Follow regulatory changes
- Create a sustainability policy
- Improve ESG performance
- Respond to investor/customer expectations
Environmental and sustainability law lawyer recommended.