Türkiye's first “Climate Law Proposal” approved

With the Climate Law Proposal, which was approved and enacted by the General Assembly of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye, the Emissions Trading System (ETS) will be established by the Climate Change Directorate. According to the law, those who fail to submit a verified greenhouse gas emission report on time will be subject to administrative fines ranging from TRY 500 thousand to TRY 5 million.

This law, accepted as Türkiye's first Climate Law, comprehensively regulates the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and climate change adaptation efforts in line with the green growth vision and net zero emission targets. The Law sets out the principles regarding the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, climate change adaptation activities, planning and implementation tools, permitting and inspection mechanisms, and the legal and institutional framework.

Under the Law, a Provincial Climate Change Coordination Board will be established in each province under the chairmanship of the governor. Greenhouse gas emissions will be reduced in line with the National Contribution Declaration and net zero emission targets. The Directorate of Climate Change will prepare national, sectoral and thematic reports, develop incentive mechanisms and create Türkiye's Green Taxonomy.

In addition, a Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism will be established to address the embedded greenhouse gas emissions of imported products. The Carbon Market Board will approve the national allowance plan and decide on the allocation of free allowances in the Emissions Trading System.

Greenhouse gas emission permits from the Directorate of Climate Change will become mandatory for businesses that carry out activities that directly cause greenhouse gas emissions. Those who do not submit a report within the deadline will be fined between TRY 500 thousand and TRY 5 million.

Those who use, import or trade ozone-depleting substances will be fined TRY 2.5 million, those who provide maintenance and repair services related to these substances will be fined TRY 250 thousand, and those who do not comply with the labeling rules of the products will be fined TRY 120 thousand. Those who use or trade fluorinated greenhouse gases improperly will be fined TRY 2.5 million and those who do not have a Hydrofluorocarbon Control Certificate for 3 to 6 months.