Turkey's elevator maintenance and service sector has converged with EU standards following the adaptation of Directive 95/16/EC in 2004 and the subsequent transition to Directive 2014/33/EU. This transition created significant compliance obligations for companies operating in the sector.
This guide summarizes the legal framework for elevator service companies in Turkey — including maintenance frequency, required documents, the periodic inspection process, and applicable sanctions.
Core Legal Framework
Elevator Regulation (Aligned with 2014/33/EU)
The primary source of elevator legislation in Turkey is the Elevator Regulation, prepared in alignment with EU Directive 2014/33/EU. This regulation covers:
- Conformity assessment procedures for placing elevators on the market,
- CE marking requirements,
- Provisions relating to notified bodies.
In addition to governing elevator manufacturing and installation, the regulation indirectly frames maintenance services through the authorized service certificate requirement.
TS EN 13015: Elevator Maintenance Standard
The standard that directly governs the content, frequency, and documentation of elevator maintenance is TS EN 13015. This standard:
- Sets minimum maintenance frequency at monthly (more frequent maintenance may be required based on elevator type and usage intensity),
- Defines the inspection checklist to be completed during each maintenance visit,
- Mandates the keeping of a maintenance logbook,
- Classifies faults and defines response time requirements.
TS EN 13015 is a technical standard, not a statute — but it is the reference document cited in service contracts, relied upon by courts in disputes, and used to shape inspection practices.
Ministry of Industry and Technology Authorization
To provide elevator maintenance and repair services in Turkey, companies must hold an authorized service certificate from the Ministry of Industry and Technology. This certificate:
- Must be renewed every 5 years,
- Is tied to the qualifications of technicians employed by the firm,
- Is verified in inspections conducted at the provincial level.
Operating maintenance services without this certificate exposes both the service company and building manager to administrative sanctions.
Maintenance Frequency Requirements
Monthly Mandatory Maintenance
Under TS EN 13015, monthly maintenance is mandatory for every elevator. Typical scope includes:
- Visual inspection of mechanical and electrical components
- Emergency stop, door locking, and overspeed governor tests
- Lubrication and cleaning
- Door opening and closing time measurement
- Control panel and safety circuit checks
Maintenance results must be recorded in the maintenance logbook and signed by the technician who performed the service.
Annual Periodic Inspection
Beyond monthly maintenance, every elevator must undergo periodic inspection by a Type-A inspection body at least once a year.
The periodic inspection is conducted by an accredited organization independent of the maintenance company. The inspection yields either a "compliant" or "non-compliant" result; non-compliant elevators may be taken out of service until deficiencies are corrected.
TÜRKAK-accredited Type-A inspection bodies operating in Turkey include:
- TÜV Rheinland Turkey
- Bureau Veritas Turkey
- SGS Turkey
- DEKRA Turkey
- TÜVTURK (selected regions)
This list is provided for informational purposes. For currently valid bodies in your region, consult the Ministry of Industry and Technology's official list.
Fault Reporting and Emergency Response
Under TS EN 13015:
- Safety-critical faults (blocked cabin exit, door locking failure, overspeed fault) must be reported immediately and the elevator taken out of service.
- Response times are defined by fault category; these should be expressed as SLAs in service contract documentation.
Required Documents
1. Maintenance Logbook
Must be kept separately for each elevator. Required contents:
- Maintenance date and time
- Name and signature of the technician who performed the maintenance
- Work performed and observations
- Faults identified and corrective actions taken
The logbook may be kept in physical format or in a digital system; digital systems are expected to provide protection against unauthorized modification.
2. Periodic Inspection Report
The official document received from the Type-A inspection body. It contains:
- Inspection date and body details
- Technical identity of the elevator (serial number, brand, installation year)
- Assessment result (compliant / non-compliant)
- Identified deficiencies and timeframe for corrective action
3. Authorized Service Certificate
The 5-year certificate issued by the Ministry of Industry and Technology to the company providing maintenance services.
4. Insurance Certificate
The professional liability insurance policy covering elevator accidents.
Penalties and Sanctions
Sanctions applicable for regulatory non-compliance:
Administrative Fines Municipal authorities and Ministry of Industry and Technology inspectors can impose administrative fines on companies that fail to maintain maintenance records, have expired certificates, or employ unlicensed technicians.
Removal from Service Elevators that receive a "non-compliant" result on periodic inspection or where maintenance deficiencies are identified are taken out of service until deficiencies are corrected. This creates direct operational disruption for building residents and management.
Sealing When an acute safety risk is identified, an elevator can be sealed by the municipality. Removing the seal requires a formal application and a repeat inspection.
Legal Liability In the event of an accident, unauthorized maintenance or missing documentation significantly worsens the legal position of both the maintenance company and the building owner.
Digital Maintenance Record Management
Risks of Paper Logbooks
Paper-based maintenance logbooks become unmanageable as portfolio scale grows:
- Logbooks are vulnerable to loss; inability to produce them during an inspection constitutes a violation.
- Technician handwriting creates illegibility and date error problems.
- Tracking which elevator was serviced when becomes difficult across a large multi-elevator portfolio.
- Tracking certificates approaching renewal requires a separate system.
Managing Compliance with Software
A maintenance management platform like LiftGrid addresses these problems:
- Automatic maintenance schedule: Define the monthly maintenance cycle per TS EN 13015; the system automatically notifies technicians and customers.
- Digital logbook: Technicians complete maintenance records on a tablet in the field; the system archives them with timestamps, signatures, and tamper protection.
- Document expiry tracking: Periodic inspection, authorized service certificate, and insurance expiry dates are tracked; automatic alerts are sent for approaching deadlines.
- Fast inspection readiness: When an inspector arrives, all maintenance records and documents can be displayed instantly on screen.
City-Level Enforcement Differences
While the legal framework is uniform at the national level, inspection frequency and enforcement vary from city to city.
Istanbul: Inspection units within the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality are active; regular checks are carried out especially in shopping centers, hospitals, and mass housing developments.
Ankara: Inspection sensitivity is high in public buildings and embassy complexes. Proximity to Ministry headquarters means regulatory enforcement is comparatively strict.
Izmir: Inspections in tourism facilities and shopping centers may intensify during the summer season.
For local enforcement differences, consult the relevant municipality's building control or municipal police unit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can maintenance records be kept electronically? Yes. Regulations do not require paper; digital formats are accepted. However, a system that ensures record integrity and tamper-resistance is recommended.
How long does it take to obtain an elevator certificate? The time from applying to a Type-A inspection body to the inspection date can range from a few days to several weeks depending on body workload. Advance planning before expiry is critical.
Can the same company service elevators in multiple buildings? Yes. The authorized service certificate is valid at the provincial level; service can be provided across multiple buildings within the same province. Confirm with the Ministry whether additional authorization is required for different provinces.
Compliance with Turkey's elevator regulations is not just legal risk management — it is a signal of customer trust and portfolio quality. Companies that understand the regulations and manage their documentation digitally reduce inspection pressure and build credibility with their clients.
How to Prepare an Elevator Maintenance Contract →