The Climate Law Published in the Official Gazette
The Climate Law No. 7552 (Law) was published in the Official Gazette dated 09.07.2025 and numbered 32951 and has entered into force. With this Law, various principles prioritizing and supporting efforts to address climate change have been implemented in line with Türkiye’s green growth vision and net zero emission target.
The principles introduced under the Law can be summarized as follows:
- The Law regulates (i) the planning and implementation tools related to the key components of combating climate change, namely the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and adaptation efforts, (ii) the revenue, permitting, and monitoring processes of the relevant activities, and (iii) the procedures and principles of the legal and institutional framework relating thereto.
- The fundamental principles and main elements of climate change mitigation were outlined.
- Public institutions and organizations were assigned obligations for planning, implementing and monitoring greenhouse gas emission reduction.
- Institutions and organizations were obliged to implement and monitor a wide range of mitigation measures such as improving energy efficiency as well as water and raw material efficiency, preventing pollution at its source, using renewable energy, reducing carbon footprint and promoting clean technologies in line with the net zero emission target and the circular economy approach.
- In line with the National Contribution Declaration, it was mandated to carry out adaptation activities aimed at preventing current and potential climate-related damages, reducing risks or seizing opportunities.
- It was regulated that local climate change action plans shall be prepared under the coordination of provincial governorships with the participation of all relevant public institutions and submitted to the Provincial Climate Change Coordination Board.
- It was envisaged that the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change (Ministry) shall prepare national, sectoral and thematic reports, develop climate incentive mechanisms, and establish and operate Türkiye’s Green Taxonomy.
- It was regulated that a Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) may be established, taking into account the embedded greenhouse gas emissions of goods imported into Türkiye’s customs territory.
- The establishment of an Emissions Trading System (ETS), the requirement to conduct greenhouse gas emission activities under a permit and the obligation to deliver annual allowances based on verified emissions were introduced.
- Integration with voluntary carbon markets was enabled by allowing ETS obligations to be fulfilled through carbon credits. A national carbon crediting and offsetting system is to be established by the Directorate of Climate Change.
- Special revenue and revolving fund arrangements were introduced to support climate change mitigation. Revenues generated under the Law, including a share of administrative fines and contributions from international carbon markets, are to be recorded as special revenue in the general budget.
- Support mechanisms are to be established for green transformation and climate-friendly investments, including R&D, technological transformation and sustainable finance instruments.
- Administrative fines and, in some cases, operational restrictions are contemplated for violations related to the monitoring of greenhouse gas emissions, prohibited or restricted substances such as ozone-depleting materials and fluorinated greenhouse gases, depending on the type and scope of the violation.
- Further sanctions were provided for entities that fail to comply with ETS obligations, including suspension of allowance delivery, permit revocation and additional penalties. In cases of repeated non-compliance, penalties may be increased progressively.
- Prior to the full implementation of the ETS, a pilot phase shall be applied, during which administrative fines shall be reduced by 80%. Entities within the scope of the ETS shall be required to obtain a greenhouse gas emission permit within three years.
- All public institutions and organizations are required to align their strategies and action plans by 31 December 2027 and local climate action plans must also be finalized by this deadline.
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