Utilities & Infrastructure Setup

  1. Application for Utilities
    Electricity and Water:
    • Service Provider: In the Mersin Free Zone, MESBAŞ (Mersin Free Zone Operator Inc.) is responsible for supplying essential utilities, including electricity and fresh water, to both investment and trading entities.
    • Application Process:
      • Initial Contact: Reach out to MESBAŞ to express your intent to establish utility connections.
      • Documentation: Prepare necessary documents, which may include your company's registration details, facility location within the Free Zone, and specific utility requirements.
      • Submission: Submit the application along with the required documents to MESBAŞ.
      • Site Assessment: MESBAŞ may conduct a site visit to assess the infrastructure needs and feasibility.
      • Approval and Installation: Upon approval, MESBAŞ will facilitate the installation and activation of the requested utility services.

    Telecommunications:

    • Service Providers: Telecommunication services in Turkey are provided by various operators such as Türk Telekom, Vodafone, and Turkcell.
    • Application Process:
      • Provider Selection: Choose a service provider that best meets your business needs in terms of coverage, service quality, and pricing.
      • Contact and Inquiry: Reach out to the selected provider to inquire about available services within the Mersin Free Zone.
      • Documentation: Prepare necessary documents, including company registration details and the specific services required.
      • Submission: Submit your application to the chosen provider.
      • Installation: Coordinate with the provider for the installation of necessary infrastructure and activation of services.
  2. Compliance with Zoning and Safety Regulations

    Zoning Regulations:

    • Regulatory Framework: The Mersin Free Zone operates under specific zoning regulations that dictate the types of permissible activities and the designated areas for industrial, commercial, and other uses.
    • Action Steps:
      • Consultation: Engage with MESBAŞ to understand the zoning regulations applicable to your intended operations.
      • Site Selection: Choose a location within the Free Zone that aligns with the zoning requirements for your industry.
      • Compliance Assurance: Ensure that your facility's design and intended use comply with the established zoning laws.

    Safety Regulations:

    • Regulatory Framework: Compliance with Turkey's Occupational Health and Safety Law No. 6331 is mandatory. This law outlines the requirements for workplace safety, risk assessments, and employee training.
    • Action Steps:
      • Risk Assessment: Conduct comprehensive risk assessments to identify potential hazards associated with your operations.
      • Safety Planning: Develop and implement safety protocols to mitigate identified risks.
      • Training Programs: Provide regular training sessions for employees on safety practices and emergency procedures.
      • Equipment and Signage: Ensure that all necessary safety equipment is available and that appropriate signage is displayed throughout the facility.
  3. Implementation of Waste Management and Sustainability Policies

    Waste Management:

    • Regulatory Framework: Waste management in Turkey is governed by the Environmental Law No. 2872, which mandates proper handling, storage, and disposal of waste to protect environmental and public health.
    • Action Steps:
      • Waste Management Plan: Develop a comprehensive plan detailing procedures for waste collection, segregation, storage, and disposal.
      • Coordination with MESBAŞ: Collaborate with MESBAŞ to align your waste management practices with the Free Zone's protocols.
      • Licensed Contractors: Engage authorized waste management companies for the transportation and disposal of waste materials.
      • Documentation: Maintain accurate records of waste types, quantities, and disposal methods as required by law.

    Sustainability Policies:

    • Initiative: Turkey has launched a national 'Zero Waste' program aiming to minimize waste generation and promote recycling and reuse.
    • Action Steps:
      • Resource Efficiency: Implement practices to reduce resource consumption, such as energy-efficient machinery and water-saving technologies.
      • Renewable Energy: Explore the integration of renewable energy sources, like solar panels, to power your operations.
      • Employee Engagement: Foster a culture of sustainability by involving employees in initiatives like recycling programs and energy conservation efforts.
      • Continuous Improvement: Regularly assess and enhance your sustainability practices to align with evolving standards and technologies.

By meticulously following these guidelines, you can ensure a seamless setup of utilities and infrastructure for your factory in the Mersin Free Zone, while adhering to all relevant regulations and promoting environmental sustainability.