In late 1996, Turkey imposed a temporary ban on cattle and beef imports. Import Licenses Turkey requires import licenses for some agricultural commodities, which are issued based on domestic supplies. The government also requires certification that quality standards are met for importation of human and veterinary drugs and certain foodstuffs. Import certificates are necessary for most products requiring after-sales service, including telecommunications and electronic equipment and vehicles. Importers are also required to establish repair facilities in all seven regions of Turkey.
Some telecommunications equipment related to radio frequencies require type approvals.
The Turkish Government's strict application of phytosanitary standards in late 1996 led to a temporary halt of U.S. grain exports to Turkey. Military procurements generally require an offset provision in tender specifications when the estimated tender value exceeds one million dollars. In the absence of a bilateral tax treaty, U.S. bidders for Turkish Government service contracts are subject to a 20 percent withholding tax. In March 1996, the United States and Turkey signed a tax treaty which will eliminate this withholding tax, although neither side has yet ratified the treaty. The government still provides cash subsidies to a limited number of agricultural exporters.