Certification process for food and agricultural products in Türkiye

Certification Process for Food and Agricultural Products in Türkiye in 2025

In 2025, the certification process for food and agricultural products in Türkiye follows updated regulations that align with both national laws and European Union (EU) standards. For entrepreneurs and exporters aiming to access EU markets, understanding these changes is essential. Below is a structured overview of key updates and requirements.

EU Certification: Additional Controls for Specific Products

The European Union has introduced additional control measures for certain Turkish agricultural products in 2025:

• Mandatory inspections now apply to exports of pomegranate (CN: ex0810 90 75, ex0811 90 95, ex2009 89 99) and sultana grapes (CN: 0806 20 30).
• Proof of compliance with EU safety and traceability standards is required at all stages: production, storage, and export.
• These measures will remain in effect until 31 December 2025, and inspections will be carried out by certified bodies.

Organic Certification Application Process

Entrepreneurs seeking organic certification must prepare specific documentation. The required information varies depending on the applicant’s role:

• Producers: land deed or lease agreement, production plan, farm registration certificate
• Exporters: customs declaration, EU-compliant organic certificate, laboratory analysis reports

In the event of violations or non-compliance, administrative fines range between 15,000 TL and 200,000 TL for the year 2025. These penalties are applied in line with the organic farming regulation updates provided by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.

Subsidy Policies and Relationship to Certification

Obtaining certification is closely linked to eligibility for government support programs. In 2025, the following incentives are available:

• Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) Support: certified farmers will receive area-based financial support during the 2025–2027 period.
• Organic Fertilizer Subsidy: producers using ministry-approved organic fertilizers will receive a grant of 240 TL per hectare.

These subsidies not only help offset production costs but also make certified products more competitive in international markets.

Training and Certificate Renewal

Training and accreditation processes for controllers and inspection agents are coordinated by the Turkish Standards Institution (TSE) and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. The 2025 training calendar includes:

• Controller training sessions: held four times a year (January, April, July, October), available both online and in classrooms.
• Certificate renewals: must be submitted annually via the TSE’s PBM (Portal for Certification Management) system.

International businesses working with Turkish partners are encouraged to verify that control agents assigned to their products are officially trained and certified.

Policy and Oversight Developments

Established in March 2025, the Agricultural and Food Policy Council plays a strategic role in shaping the regulatory environment for food safety and certification. Its key objectives include:

• Protecting local genetic resources,
• Promoting sustainable water use in agriculture,
• Updating food quality criteria in line with international benchmarks.

While the council’s decisions may not directly change certification criteria, its policy directions will likely influence future regulatory frameworks. Entrepreneurs are advised to monitor its announcements regularly.

Export Requirements: 2025 Product List and CN Codes

Exporters intending to ship agricultural products from Türkiye to the EU must comply with strict requirements linked to the EU’s CN (Combined Nomenclature) codes. Here are examples of products subject to certification and additional controls:

This classification, based on EU customs and phytosanitary rules, is critical for accessing European markets. Exporters should make sure that product documentation matches the corresponding CN codes, and conduct necessary testing through accredited laboratories.

Conclusion

The 2025 certification landscape in Türkiye combines regulatory compliance, government incentives, and international standards—particularly for exporters targeting the EU market. Entrepreneurs seeking to invest or expand in Türkiye’s agriculture and food sectors should proactively align with these requirements and work with authorized certification bodies for seamless market entry.

For full regulatory documentation and application forms, visit the official website of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. Additionally, monitoring updates issued by the Agricultural and Food Policy Council and coordinating with the TSE will ensure long-term compliance and success in global trade.