Many current and strategic topics were evaluated, ranging from the new logistics dynamics shaped by digitalization and AI-supported solutions to the responsibilities imposed on the sector by environmental regulations such as the European Green Deal, Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), and EUDR, and the transition to carbon-emission-sensitive transportation.
Our General Manager Arkın Obdan was featured in an interview titled “Sustainability criteria have become the new standard for import controls” in Harvard Business Review Turkey magazine.
The interview covered a wide range of current and strategic topics, including the new logistics dynamics shaped by digitalization and AI-driven solutions; the responsibilities imposed on the sector by environmental regulations such as the European Green Deal, Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), and EUDR; and the transition to carbon-emission-sensitive transportation.
Obdan Systems General Manager Arkın Obdan states that customs processes are now evaluated not only in terms of documentation and tariffs, but also in terms of the environmental impact of the entire supply chain, from production to transportation. He emphasizes that companies should focus not only on price-performance but also on carbon emissions when making logistics decisions. One of the most pressing issues in the business world recently has been Trump's tariff policies.
What effects do you expect tariffs to have on customs practices around the world and in Turkey?
The tariff policies implemented during the Trump administration and brought back to the agenda for the second time are increasing protectionist tendencies in global trade. This means more control, more documentation, and more costs in customs processes. For export-oriented countries like Turkey, such policies can challenge both market access and competitiveness. The reshaping of bilateral agreements between countries can also lead to sudden changes in customs tariffs. Therefore, companies engaged in foreign trade need to be much more agile and forward-thinking.
What measures has Obdan Sistem taken against the risks that tariff wars may pose?
At Obdan Sistem, we closely monitor foreign trade policies and inform our business partners in advance of any possible tariff changes. Our customs and foreign trade automation systems enable scenario-based risk assessments. We also support our customers in creating alternative supply chain scenarios and diversifying their routes. When risk becomes manageable through data, both cost control and sustainability can be achieved.
As in every area of life, the customs sector is also undergoing a comprehensive digitalization process. As a company, what initiatives have you implemented in this direction?
Digitalization is transforming all processes, from declaration preparation, permit processes, transportation planning, and inventory tracking to final delivery. Going into a little more detail, artificial intelligence and blockchain technologies stand out as two key elements that will shape the future of the logistics sector. Artificial intelligence provides significant increases in efficiency in demand forecasting, route optimization, and resource management, while blockchain technology increases transparency and reliability throughout the supply chain.
At Obdan Systems, we view digitalization not just as a technology investment but as a cultural transformation. By implementing AI-powered logistics planning tools, we are achieving significant speed and cost advantages in our processes. At the same time, we are working on blockchain-based customs clearance and data security solutions. We believe that these technologies will make both our operations and our customers' business processes safer and more efficient.
While digitalization creates great opportunities and conveniences, it can also pose serious security threats. Could you discuss the risks faced in the customs sector and the measures you have taken in this regard?
Yes, digitalization also brings cyber security risks. Especially the financial, operational, and strategic information contained in customs data requires serious security measures. At Obdan Systems, we operate with an infrastructure certified under the ISO 27001 Information Security Management System. We regularly subject our systems to penetration tests and store critical data in encrypted private data centers rather than in the cloud. We protect our customers' data at the highest level through user-based access control, two-factor authentication, and real-time threat monitoring systems.
How does the European Green Deal affect customs processes?
The European Green Deal is both an environmental vision and an economic transformation manifesto. Customs processes are now evaluated not only in terms of documents and tariffs, but also in terms of the environmental impact of the entire supply chain, from production to transportation. Sustainability criteria are becoming the new standard for import controls. We are entering a period where products with a high carbon footprint may face significant barriers to entry into the EU. On the other hand, the European Union has taken important steps in terms of environmental sustainability in its fight against deforestation. The Deforestation-Free Products Regulation (EUDR), adopted in 2023, was designed to prevent certain products linked to deforestation and forest degradation from entering the European Union market. Finally, the European Parliament accepted the European Commission's proposal to postpone the implementation of the EUDR by one year. Accordingly, the implementation of the EUDR has been postponed to December 30, 2025, for large companies and June 30, 2026, for small and micro enterprises. This regulation is particularly important for products such as car tires and rubber. The supply chain must also be transparent. We anticipate that Turkey will be classified as a “low-risk” group in this process. Our country is in a good position in terms of environmental compliance efforts. The regulation presents important opportunities for companies in Turkey, both in terms of trade and environmental responsibility. As Obdan Sistem, we guide organizations on deforestation and environmental impacts and raise awareness about legal regulations in this area.
How will the transition to carbon-free transportation transform customs processes?
What steps has Obdan Sistem taken in relation to this transformation? Carbon-free transportation is reshaping the type of transportation, routes, and documentation. As we mentioned earlier, Turkey is increasingly aligning with policies such as green logistics practices, the European Green Deal, and border carbon adjustments. Companies are now required to make logistics decisions based not only on cost-effectiveness but also on carbon emissions. This means new data fields in customs declarations and new certification requirements. Topics such as carbon footprint reporting in customs processes and the promotion of recyclable packaging are also on the agenda. At Obdan Sistem, we do not limit our role in the sector to our operations alone; we also adopt an approach that inspires our customers, stakeholders, and the public. As we develop our infrastructure, we are taking steps to ensure that our use of resources is environmentally sustainable. In this regard, we have prioritized sustainability at our warehouse and warehouse in Gebze Akviran. Our new investment features an environmentally friendly design that generates its own electricity and stores its own water. This enables us to achieve energy efficiency and contribute to our sustainability goals. Additionally, we view raising sectoral awareness and conducting educational initiatives as part of our core responsibilities in line with our zero-carbon goal. We regularly inform our customers about critical topics such as border carbon adjustments. This helps companies stay closely aligned with current trends and prepare for potential changes.
What effects do you expect the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) to have on the logistics and customs sectors?
The European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which is scheduled to come into full effect in 2026, has so far been associated mainly with production-oriented sectors. However, the draft report dated May 26, 2025, revealed that the indirect effects of CBAM will not be limited to energy-intensive sectors, but will lead to a new equation in the entire logistics chain, particularly in transportation and storage. To elaborate further, CBAM is not a mechanism that directly covers transportation and storage activities. However, every step of the process—from production to customs clearance, transportation, and storage—is being redefined by new carbon rules at the point where carbon-intensive products enter the European border. In the latest proposal submitted to the European Parliament, it has been suggested that logistics actors managing these processes should also be partially included in carbon monitoring and reporting obligations. In this context, data sharing systems that will contribute to emission transparency are planned to be established in cases where transportation and storage processes come into direct contact with products covered by CBAM. In particular, it is proposed that transportation companies be required to provide “carbon accompanying data” for the distribution of carbon-intensive goods from third countries within Europe. From the perspective of Turkey's logistics sector, our country is an important regional distribution center for the European market due to its geographical proximity to the EU, Customs Union relations, and strong land-sea-air logistics infrastructure. A significant portion of CBAM-covered products (steel, aluminum, cement, etc.) are shipped to Europe via Turkey. Therefore, it has become inevitable for logistics companies to establish a tracking and reporting infrastructure capable of carrying carbon data for these products in accordance with EU standards. Storage facilities are also expected to integrate systems capable of product-based carbon tracking, particularly in temporary customs areas. Companies engaged in customs-regulated transportation may be required to digitally prepare “carbon information forms” that contribute to carbon content declaration processes. While these obligations will increase operational costs in the sector, they will also provide a competitive advantage to companies with data-driven and environmentally friendly logistics infrastructure. Logistics actors investing in digital tracking, fleet carbon footprint tracking, and intermodal transportation systems will see their compatibility with the EU strengthened. Of course, there are also critical steps that logistics and storage companies in Turkey must take in light of the responsibilities under CBAM. These steps include implementing digital systems for carbon footprint tracking, establishing integrated data sharing infrastructures with customer companies, including carbon content data in customs and logistics documents compliant with EU regulations, and developing transportation and storage service packages specific to CBAM products. In the new trade order centered on carbon management, the role of carriers and storage providers is growing. Especially in countries like Turkey, which have high trade volumes with the EU, companies need to develop competition strategies based on environmental compliance. This new proposal submitted to the European Parliament clearly demonstrates that the carbon footprint is not limited to production alone, but has evolved into a demand for transparency across the entire supply chain. For the logistics and storage sector, this situation represents both a risk and an opportunity. As Obdan Systems, we closely monitor developments related to the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism and keep our customers informed about current regulations and sector implications.