Turkey's Ministry of Agriculture Revamps Import Controls

Turkey's Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has overhauled import control criteria, reshaping regulations for the food and feed sectors.

Core Provisions of the Official Decree

Published in the Official Gazette on July 28, 2026, the Trade Ministry – Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry Controlled Products Import Inspection Decree introduces new procedures and standards aimed at safeguarding human health, as well as animal and plant health.

Sectoral Implications and Anticipated Outcomes

■Newly added product categories: "Others" (additives, flavorings, processing aids, gum yeast, etc., used exclusively in food manufacturing) and "containers" are now included in the list of regulated items.

■Removed item: Polypropylene copolymer compounds have been excluded from the regulated roster.

■Tighter import procedures: Anticipate heightened customs inspections and longer pre‑approval timelines.

■Opportunities for domestic producers: Restrictions on imports could boost the competitiveness of local food and feed manufacturers.

Global Trade Context

The amendment aligns Turkey with EU and US food‑safety standards while navigating external pressures such as supply‑chain disruptions and the ongoing chip crisis. It signals a strategic push toward greater food self‑sufficiency.

Expert Analysis (Hakan Çelik): In the short term, the tighter regime may raise import costs and add inflationary pressure; however, the long‑run structural gain—through expanded domestic production capacity and fortified food security—will help offset fiscal deficits. By curbing low‑value imports, the policy encourages the development of local alternatives and steers the trade balance toward a more sustainable trajectory.