Turkey tightens military-transit rules to stop illicit arms trade

The Turkish government has tightened controls on the transit and re-export of military equipment and defence-related items to third countries through Turkey under a new regulation introduced on Monday.

The regulation, published in the Official Gazette, establishes a new framework for inspecting defence industry goods and components transported via Turkey or re-exported by Turkish companies under transit trade arrangements.

Under the new rules, it is now mandatory to obtain a letter of conformity from the Ministry of Trade for the transit passage through Turkey or the re-export via Turkey of products included on Ankara’s list of controlled items.

Upon an application by the individual or entity carrying out the shipment, the ministry will assess the request after obtaining the opinions of relevant institutions and organisations.

Shipments not accompanied by a letter of conformity will not be allowed to transit through Turkey.

The regulation also states that some products not typically regarded as military components or systems may still be subject to inspection, even if they are not included on the list of controlled items.

“The Ministry of Trade may initiate the conformity procedure where there is suspicion that the product could be used for military purposes, where risks are identified that could jeopardise national or international security, where there is a possibility of human rights violations, or where findings emerge that could lead to adverse consequences for international relations,” the regulation said.

The timing of the decision sparked some controversy on social media, as the US and Israeli war on Iran escalates further across the region. Turkey shares a long border with Iran.

Some commentators questioned whether the regulation could be used to facilitate Nato or US weaponry through Turkey, while others asked whether it might allow Iran to import more equipment.

'Because these supplier countries are unable to send weapons directly to Libya or Sudan, they have been trying to use Turkish ports and borders'

- Turkish industry expert

However, Turkish sources familiar with the issue, as well as a defence industry expert, told Middle East Eye that the decision was intended to tighten controls over the re-export of such equipment through Turkey, rather than make it easier.

One Turkish official familiar with the matter said Ankara had decided to more closely monitor transit exports of these products because Turkey does not want to become a hub for illicit arms trading.

The official added that the government would now be better informed about the origins, contents, and final destinations of the goods, enabling it to inspect the cargo more effectively.

A Turkish defence industry expert, speaking anonymously to MEE, said certain arms dealers had been trying to use Turkey as a route for importing and exporting weapons from Eastern Europe and the Balkans into the region, and that Ankara was seeking to clamp down on such attempts through the new regulation.

He said arms destined for Libya may be procured from Serbia and then shipped onward to the North African country. Similarly, weapons sourced from Eastern Europe, including the Czech Republic, may be sent to Sudan.

“Because these supplier countries are unable to send weapons directly to Libya or Sudan, they have been trying to use Turkish ports and borders,” he said. 

The expert said the new regulation is aimed precisely at preventing such practices.