Customs and Trade Minister Bülent Tüfenkci said a risk-based inspection system for imports would be put into effect on May 2. The system reduces the waiting time for imports and helps follow risky products and companies.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency (AA), Tüfenkci said the system electronically carries out the safety inspection of import goods on the basis of risk analyses, with an understanding of modern public services. The system allows instant notification of applications and inspections, processing of applications through an e-signature system, and making undocumented transactions in customs.

Tüfenkci said: "Instead of appealing to various institutions during the import stage, our officials carry out controls and inspections after the necessary documents are electronically uploaded onto the system. Importers put an electronic signature on the system. If goods are healthy, their imports are allowed. Thus, the loss of time is prevented." The system also offers an opportunity to electronically compare documents at relevant points to prevent fraud and accelerate import transactions. Processing time will be even shorter when the system is integrated into the single window system.

Tüfenkci said that the system also helps analyze risky companies, adding: "Thanks to the risk-based inspection system in imports, we consider companies that are found to have brought false or imitation goods to Turkey carry risks in their other imports as well. So we have an opportunity to more closely inspect these companies."