Free Zones Legislation
Free zone practice is carried out under the responsibility of the Ministry of Trade, primarily within the framework of Free Zones Law No. 3218.
Free zone practice, which is given particular importance in order to direct investment and production in a way that makes the greatest contribution to our country's economic development, is carried out under the responsibility of our Ministry primarily within the framework of Free Zones Law No. 3218. The Law and the related legislation can be accessed through the links below.
Free Zones Law No. 3218
The basic framework for the establishment and operation of free zones and for the activities to be carried out in the zones is set out in Free Zones Law No. 3218. The Law sets out the purpose for which the zones are established, the concepts of user and operator, the operating licence regime and the general framework of the exceptions and exemptions applicable in the zones.
Secondary Regulations
The details of how the Law is applied are governed by the implementation regulation, circulars and communiques. These regulations cover matters such as licence applications, the entry and exit of goods to and from the zone, customs procedures, record-keeping and documentation, personnel and employment practices, and inspection. Reading the legislation as a whole produces far safer outcomes than decisions based on a single provision.
Why Is It Important to Follow the Legislation?
For companies operating in free zones, the legislation defines the framework of day-to-day operations. An activity that falls outside the scope of the licence, a procedure carried out with incomplete documentation, or an overlooked notification obligation can lead to consequences that are costly to put right later. For this reason it is recommended that updates to the regulations be monitored regularly and that internal processes be updated accordingly.
Where Can Current Texts Be Accessed?
The texts of the Law and the secondary regulations in force can be accessed through the official sources of the Ministry of Trade and through the Official Gazette. Companies operating in our zone may also contact our zone management with questions about implementation.
Note: This page has been prepared for information purposes only; it does not constitute a legal assessment. In practice, the legislation in force applies.
About ISBI and the Istanbul Specialized Free Zone
The Istanbul Specialized Free Zone brings together infrastructure, logistics and operational conveniences for companies engaged in software, information technologies and advanced technology manufacturing. For how the zone works and the opportunities it offers, see our Free Zone page; for the steps of the investment process, our Investment page; and for the support we provide, our Services page. Information about our corporate structure can be found on the About Us page.
For your questions you can reach us through the channels on our Contact page, follow current announcements in the Blog section, and find answers to commonly asked topics on our Frequently Asked Questions page.
