Türkiye's Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure has extended the deadline for couriers to obtain the mandatory SRC (Professional Competency Certificate) until end-2027. The earlier rule required all motorcycle couriers to complete certification within 2026; the extension provides material operational relief to e-commerce and food-delivery platforms entering peak season.
The SRC certificate signals professional competency for couriers, taxi drivers, bus operators, truck drivers and public-transport drivers in Türkiye. The intensity of training and exam schedules, which sit uncomfortably with the flexible work model preferred by motorcycle couriers, prompted industry pushback. Yemeksepeti, Trendyol Express, Getir and other last-mile operators flagged the risk that strict enforcement would shrink courier supply.
The decision, signed by Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, is estimated to affect about 150,000 motorcycle couriers nationwide who have yet to obtain certification. Theoretical and practical exams are expected to be completed via MEB-accredited training institutions during the extended period; the ministry has also launched a project to broaden digital training modules.
Supply chain takeaway: Türkiye's last-mile economy moves millions of parcels daily through food delivery and quick-commerce networks. A softened SRC timeline avoids a courier-supply crunch ahead of e-commerce peak season (Black Friday, year-end). Mainstreaming digital training modules embedded with safety content could also help reduce sector accident rates.
Key Takeaways:
1. Türkiye's Transport Ministry extends the SRC courier certificate deadline to end-2027.
2. The decision affects roughly 150,000 motorcycle couriers and major last-mile operators.
3. Yemeksepeti, Trendyol Express, Getir and others had flagged the risk that strict enforcement would shrink courier supply.
4. Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu's decision offers operational relief ahead of e-commerce peak season.
5. Digital training modules are being prioritised during the extended period to also help reduce sector accident rates.
