This update explains why filing a customs recordal for your trademarks in Türkiye is one of the most cost-effective anti-counterfeiting measures available, how the system works in practice, and the minimal materials we need to activate protection on your behalf.
WHY RECORDAL IS CRITICAL
Türkiye combines substantial internal manufacturing capacity with a strategic position at the crossroads of international trade, making it a key hub for transit, import, export, and re-export. This dual role not only amplifies its importance in global commerce but also makes it a major hotspot for trademark counterfeiting and the movement of counterfeit goods. Customs officials conduct risk-based inspections daily; when trademarks are recorded in the national customs database, officers can (and routinely do) identify, detain, and remove counterfeit consignments before they enter the market or move onward. Without a recordal, customs has limited visibility into trademarks and far less ability to contact the trademark owner’s attorneys quickly when suspect goods are found.
WHAT A CUSTOMS RECORDAL DOES
- Places trademarks, product images, suspected transaction details and attorney contacts in the secure system used by customs at all borders and ports.
- Equips officers with “product ID guides” (features, SKUs, genuine vs. counterfeit indicators).
- Enables ex-officio and on-request detentions of suspected counterfeits with fast notification to the attorneys of record.
- Triggers statutory suspension deadlines and simplified destruction procedures when importers do not object.
- Applies nationwide to all customs directorates and is renewable annually.
PROCESS AND TIMING
Without a customs recordal, trademark owners have only 3 days to act when an ex officio detention occurs—an extremely short window that often makes it difficult to react effectively. When a trademark is recorded, however, the response period is extended to 10 working days, giving brand owners a far more practical opportunity to confirm infringement and take the necessary steps toward destruction or court action. We prepare and file recordal applications electronically, and once accepted (typically within just a few days), customs can begin detaining suspect shipments immediately. We then manage all ensuing deadlines end-to-end, ensuring counterfeit goods are not released simply due to procedural time limits. Recordal is valid for one year and is renewable.
EFFECTIVENESS IN PRACTICE
Recordals consistently produce concrete results: early detection, rapid holds, leverage for abandonment or consented destruction, and strong evidence trails for repeat offenders. In many cases, simplified destruction avoids litigation entirely, cutting time and cost while preventing goods from reaching consumers.
COSTS AND MAINTENANCE
Recordals are low-cost relative to seizures or litigation. Ongoing value comes from (i) keeping product sheets up to date, (ii) annual renewal, and (iii) officer trainings. We provide all three.
DOCUMENTS NECESSARY FOR RECORDAL
- Copies of Turkish (or international designating TR) trademark registration certificates.
- Brand/product sheets (key SKUs, authentication features, typical packaging).
- Logos/clear images of genuine goods and, if available, examples of known fakes as well as details of known infringers.
- Apostille legalized Power of Attorney.
CUSTOMS TRAININGS
The General Directorate of Customs organizes annual regional trainings where officers receive direct guidance from IP right holders about product identification, critical customs checkpoints, and effective use of the recordal database. These sessions typically combine short presentations with hands-on examination of both authentic and counterfeit samples, giving officers practical skills that can be applied immediately in the field. Such trainings have proven to be highly effective in raising awareness, strengthening cooperation between customs and brand owners, and ultimately increasing the number of customs seizures. For IP right holders, active participation is therefore a particularly valuable anti-counterfeiting measure.
CONCLUSION
A customs recordal is a straightforward, high-impact step to reduce counterfeit risk at the border. We will be glad to assist you—please contact info@dundar.legal for more information and support.