KKDIK Implementation Procedures and Principles Published!

The Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change has formalized the “Implementation Procedures and Principles” for the enforcement of the Regulation on the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals (KKDİK). This regulation, aligned with the EU REACH framework yet adapted to Turkey’s industrial and regulatory landscape, introduces a national phased registration mechanism designed to streamline compliance without disrupting domestic manufacturing or import operations.

Key Technical Provisions:

1. Phased Data Submission (Preliminary Registration)

   • Registrants must initially submit a core dataset containing physicochemical properties, intended uses, exposure scenarios, and safe handling instructions.

   • Toxicological and ecotoxicological endpoints, if unavailable at the initial stage, may be submitted later following a justified extension request.

   • This interim measure—termed geçici kayıt kolaylığı—is intended to prevent supply chain disruptions while ensuring regulatory oversight from day one.

2. Risk and Hazard Data Integration

   • All registered substances will be recorded in the Ministry’s Chemical Registration System, including life-cycle hazard information from production to disposal.

   • The dataset structure is consistent with OECD harmonized templates, ensuring interoperability with international chemical safety databases.

3. Institutional Support Structures

   • Chemicals Science Group (Kimyasallar Bilim Grubu): Comprised of academic experts specializing in environmental chemistry, toxicology, and human health risk assessment. This group will provide peer-reviewed scientific evaluations to support regulatory decision-making.

   • Chemicals Advisory Group (Kimyasallar Danışma Grubu): Composed of ministry officials, institutional stakeholders, and industry representatives. The group will formulate and monitor national chemicals management strategies, policy frameworks, and action plans.

4. Decision-Making in Data Gaps

   • If, after extension periods, critical hazard data remain unavailable, the Advisory Group—drawing on inputs from the Science Group—will recommend a course of action. The Ministry will then determine whether to accept, reject, or conditionally register the substance.

Strategic and Economic Relevance:

• The Turkish chemical industry ranks as the country’s second-largest export sector ($30.8B) and top import sector ($45.3B).

• The regulation enhances regulatory convergence with EU markets, reducing non-tariff trade barriers, and reinforces Turkey’s commitment to safe, sustainable, and competitive chemicals management.

• The approach balances industrial continuity with progressive hazard data acquisition, minimizing compliance bottlenecks while maintaining high environmental and public health protection standards.

This structured, EU-aligned yet locally adapted framework positions Turkey to not only improve domestic chemical safety but also strengthen its international trade competitiveness in compliance-driven markets.