Turkey Updates Environmental Pollution Fines for 2026
New administrative fines targeting environmental pollution have officially come into force following the publication of the Communiqué on Administrative Fines to Be Imposed under Environmental Law No. 2872 in the Official Gazette. With the new regulation, penalty amounts applied under Article 20 of the Environmental Law have been increased in line with a 25.49% revaluation rate.
Stricter Penalties for Vehicle Emissions
As of the new year, vehicle owners who fail to carry out mandatory exhaust emission measurements will face a fine of 17,957 Turkish lira. If a vehicle causes emissions that exceed legally defined standards, the penalty will rise to 35,936 lira. The same fine of 17,957 lira will also apply to motor vehicle owners operating their vehicles without an exhaust emission control system.
Facilities holding an Exhaust Emission Authorization Certificate but continuing measurements after losing required conditions, or conducting measurements in violation of technical rules and standards, will be fined 71,879 lira.
Heavy Sanctions for Industrial Air Pollution
Facilities that are required to obtain permits due to their impact on air pollution, but are established or operated without authorization, continue operations despite permit cancellation, or make unauthorized modifications, will be subject to an administrative fine of 839,122 lira. If emission levels exceed regulatory limits, the fine will increase to 1,678,359 lira.
Penalties have also been raised for violations related to the storage, loading, and transportation of gasoline and naphtha. Failure to comply with regulations on controlling volatile organic compound emissions will result in fines of 521,404 lira for terminals and loading platforms, 260,701 lira for fuel stations, and 26,065 lira for tankers.
Fuel Standards, Waste Facilities, and Environmental Commitments
Those importing or selling solid fuels that do not meet required standards, or violating rules on storage and transportation, will face fines of 143,791 lira. If mandatory permits or documents are missing, the penalty will increase to 215,693 lira.
Violations of commitments made during the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process will result in a fine of 394,534 lira per violation. Facilities that fail to establish or operate mandatory waste collection, pre-treatment, treatment, or disposal systems will be fined 2,097,997 lira.
Noise, Waste, and Agricultural Burning Penalties Increased
Fines related to noise and vibration pollution have also been updated. Residential properties causing excessive noise will be fined 13,847 lira, transportation vehicles 41,820 lira, workplaces and workshops 139,746 lira, and factories or construction sites 419,509 lira. The same amount applies to entertainment-related noise pollution.
Illegally discharging waste into soil will result in a fine of 839,122 lira, while violations involving residential buildings will incur 20,842 lira per housing unit. Burning crop stubble will be penalized at 698.62 lira per decare, with fines increased fivefold if the act occurs near forests, wetlands, or residential areas.
Water Protection, Waste Management, and Plastic Bag Violations
Discharging waste into drinking water protection zones, water sources, or irrigation channels will lead to a fine of 1,678,359 lira. Illegal waste collection, transportation, storage, recycling, or disposal may result in penalties ranging from 782,106 lira to 3,128,439 lira.
Retailers providing plastic bags free of charge or in violation of regulations will be fined 143.75 lira per square meter of indoor sales area, while online sellers may face penalties between 26,065 and 260,701 lira. Manufacturers or suppliers producing plastic bags in violation of regulations will be fined 130,348 lira, and failure to comply with recycling contribution requirements will result in a fine of 13,032 lira.
Aiming for Stronger Deterrence
With these updated penalties, authorities aim to significantly increase deterrence against environmental violations and strengthen environmental protection nationwide.
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