KOSGEB Support for Type Approval – 2024 Update

The article explains how KOSGEB support was applied to type-approval testing for O-, M- and N-category vehicles and illustrates the process with an example.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: KOSGEB SUSPENDED NEW APPLICATIONS TO THE BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT PROGRAMME AS OF 15 APRIL. BUSINESSES ALREADY REGISTERED IN THE PROGRAMME COULD CONTINUE TO USE SUPPORT, SUBJECT TO THE APPLICABLE LIMITS AND THE REMAINING PROGRAMME PERIOD.

Type Approval and Testing – KOSGEB Support

Under its Business Development Support Programme, KOSGEB provided support for certain testing and analysis costs incurred for type approval. For work performed by accredited organisations, the stated support rate could reach 80%.

The requirements are detailed and each step must be checked carefully. Applicants should be prepared for a demanding administrative process. The points that require particular attention are explained below.

Programme Approval Before Testing

First, you must operate as a sole trader or limited-liability company and meet the company-size criteria for KOSGEB registration; larger companies may not be eligible. Exporters’ association support schemes may provide an alternative; we will address those separately.

The first step is to register the company with KOSGEB. This requires access to e-Devlet, an electronic signature, a PTT UETS password and a KEP registered electronic-mail address.

Once these steps are complete, log in to the official KOSGEB website using your e-Devlet credentials. In the e-Services menu, select Business Development Support Programme Application. The application link appears around the middle of the list.

Complete the programme registration and monitor it under “Business Status Enquiry”. The status must show “Approved”. The programme status must show “Approved” before testing begins.

Testing and Analysis Criteria

KOSGEB applies defined eligibility criteria, including requirements for the organisation performing the tests or analyses. The organisation performing the tests must be accredited. In Türkiye, organisations other than TSE must hold TÜRKAK accreditation. Where tests are performed outside Türkiye, the testing organisation must hold appropriate accreditation.

You may need written confirmation from TSE that a particular test is not available in Türkiye. If neither TSE nor another domestic provider can perform it, the test may be commissioned abroad. The overseas provider must be accredited for the relevant test by an internationally recognised accreditation body.

Tests performed in Türkiye by accredited laboratories and technical services may also fall within scope, although support rates vary. The applicable rates are discussed later in the article.

Invoice and Payment Requirements

If the accredited organisation invoices in Turkish lira, payment must also be made in Turkish lira. If another currency is used, payment must be made in that same currency. The invoice must be paid in full before a support application can be submitted.

The invoice must clearly identify each test performed and state the number of tests and reports. Each item must be shown separately. If a type-approval certificate is included, its approval fee must be itemised; travel and similar expenses must also be separated.

Assume one type-approval certificate involves three tests and the invoice totals TRY 5,000 plus VAT. It should be itemised as follows:

Approval fee – 1 item – TRY 1,000

Travel and specialist fee – 1 day – TRY 1,000

UN/ECE R10 testing and report – 1 item, TRY 1,000 (state the applicable regulation here)

UN/ECE R107 testing and report – 1 item, TRY 1,000 (state the applicable regulation here)

UN/ECE R14 testing and report – 1 item, TRY 1,000 (state the applicable regulation here)

Only testing and reporting charges are eligible in this example; VAT is excluded. The eligible base is therefore TRY 3,000, to which the applicable support rate is applied. At 60%, the reimbursement would be TRY 1,800. The applicable rates are set out below.

Application and Supporting Documents

Once testing is complete, reports have been issued and the invoice paid, return to the e-Services menu and select  “Submission of Support Payment Applications”. This screen first requests basic payment information, including the test date and invoice details.

Certain supporting documents must be uploaded when applying for KOSGEB support for type-approval testing.

The required documents are:

• Invoice
• Proof of Payment
• Test Reports
• Current SGK no-debt certificate
• For a laboratory outside Türkiye, upload its accreditation certificate together with the relevant scope.

After submission, a KOSGEB specialist reviews the application and may request clarification. If no further questions arise, the application is likely to be approved and payment is generally transferred shortly afterwards. Status can be followed through the official KOSGEB website.

KOSGEB Support Rates for Type Approval

KOSGEB stated the following rates in March 2024:

TSE type-approval test reports were eligible for %80 of eligible costs. TR Test services for testing and analysis were eligible for %70 of eligible costs. Services obtained from other accredited organisations were eligible for %60 of eligible costs.

The upper support ceiling is TRY 300,000 (March 2024). This means that invoices totalling TRY 500,000 could generate TRY 300,000 in support at a 60% rate. If invoices total TRY 1 million, the support would still be capped at TRY 300,000.

For TSE and TR Test services, calculate support using the respective rates stated above.

Examples of KOSGEB Support for Type Approval

Example: KOSGEB Support for O1/O2 Trailer and Caravan Type Approval

An application for O1 or O2 category towed-caravan type approval was submitted and a European type approval obtained. Support could be available, provided that the invoicing organisation holds TÜRKAK accreditation. You can verify the invoicing organisation’s accreditation scope on the official TÜRKAK website.

Towed-caravan type approval typically requires around 12 tests. The approval is issued on the basis of those results, and invoicing should follow the itemised structure illustrated above. The invoicing organisation must hold accreditation for each individual item claimed. If the organisation is accredited for all 12 tests and each is clearly itemised, all may be eligible. If its scope covers only nine tests, the specialist assesses payment on those nine items. VAT, travel expenses and approval fees are excluded from the support amount.

If the certificate and test reports are issued by TSE, the stated rate increases to 80%; for other technical services, the stated rate is 60%.

Comparable conditions also apply to O3 and O4 category vehicles.

Example: KOSGEB Support for Series-Conversion Type Approval

Under the TSE AİTM framework, school buses, minibuses, buses, motor caravans and panel vans may be covered by series-conversion type-approval applications. These applications could also qualify for support.

Applications for these approvals are supported by test reports issued by accredited technical services. Each eligible report may qualify for support as in the example above. Certificates issued by TSE may also be eligible under the certification-support component.

Example: KOSGEB Support for Bodywork and Multi-Stage Type Approval

Vehicle type approvals may be issued through multi-stage type approval. For example, a second-stage approval for a Sprinter is obtained through a multi-stage approval application.

These forms of support may also be available when all the conditions above are met. Certification may be carried out by a European approval authority or by TSE; in either case, reports from accredited organisations are central to eligibility for test and analysis support.

Support for Type-Approval Testing Under KOSGEB Rules

KOSGEB’s support-programme legislation explicitly described this support under “Testing and Analysis Support”. Article 13 of KOSGEB’s Implementation Principles for the Business Development Support Programmesets out the formal conditions. Other points discussed here may vary according to internal procedures and the specialist handling the file; they reflect questions raised by manufacturers and our practical experience.

KOSGEB Type-Approval Support: Summary

According to the 2024 programme described here, qualifying type-approval tests could receive public support when all stated conditions were met. Accredited providers were available for most tests performed in Türkiye, making the scheme potentially relevant to many investments. Current eligibility must nevertheless be confirmed with KOSGEB before any commitment is made. In our view, the current support ceiling is low. We expect this figure to be revised in future.

Our company does not provide KOSGEB consultancy services. This article is intended only to make manufacturers aware of potential support. We do not submit applications or manage KOSGEB procedures. Before taking action, consult your KOSGEB specialist to confirm current rules and follow the process under their guidance.

If you have questions, contact us.