Parliament has passed sweeping tax exemption measures for goods, services, and imports tied to the country's hosting of the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, scheduled to take place in Antalya from November 9–20.
The exemptions were introduced through an amendment added during the General Assembly's deliberations on an omnibus bill primarily covering building regulations. The ruling AKP submitted the COP31-related clause as a last-minute motion during debate on the bill, which was passed.
Under the new provisions, all procurement of goods and services, rental agreements, and tender processes carried out by the Climate Change Presidency — or by contractors it authorizes — in connection with the conference's organization will be exempt from stamp duty.
Items to be imported or temporarily imported for use at the conference will be exempt from customs duties as well as all other taxes, levies, fees, and funds. Importers will also be waived from the requirement to present licenses, permits, or conformity certificates to customs authorities for goods falling within the scope of the exemption.
