Prohibited and Restricted Products in Türkiye for 2025: A Guide for International Entrepreneurs

Doing business in Türkiye requires a clear understanding of the local regulations, particularly when it comes to importing or exporting goods. In 2025, Türkiye has implemented several updated restrictions and prohibitions, ranging from agricultural exports to substances regulated in pharmaceuticals and sports. This guide consolidates the most current and relevant information for entrepreneurs and companies planning operations or trade within Türkiye.

Agricultural Export Restrictions

Türkiye has established specific agricultural restrictions due to environmental and biodiversity concerns, as well as climatic events.

• Lemon Export Ban: As of April 8, 2025, lemon exports from Türkiye are temporarily suspended due to severe frost damage in citrus-producing regions such as Adana, Mersin, and Hatay. This measure aims to stabilize domestic supply and prices.
• Prohibited Natural Flower Bulbs: Over 40 species of wild flower bulbs are now under export restrictions. These include:
  • Snowdrops (Galanthus)
  • Cyclamen
  • Reverse tulip (Fritillariae Imperialis)
  • Taurus snowdrop and other native lilies

  The restrictions, including export quotas, took effect on January 1, 2025.

Banned Substances in Health and Sports

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and Türkiye’s health authorities have updated their guidance for 2025. These bans are especially critical for businesses involved in sports nutrition, pharmaceuticals, and athlete management.

Substances on the 2025 Prohibited List

• Narcotics: heroin, fentanyl, morphine, and tramadol. Note: tramadol concentrations exceeding 150 µg/ml in urine are prohibited.
• Cannabinoids: all cannabis-derived products and synthetic THC compounds (excluding cannabidiol) are banned.
• Stimulants: pseudoephedrine is banned when urine levels exceed 150 µg/ml; ephedrine is restricted above 10 µg/ml.
• Glucocorticoids: all oral, rectal, or injectable forms are under prohibition.

Regulations on Dietary Supplements

Türkiye’s Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has defined certain fatty acids as restricted ingredients in dietary supplements due to potential health concerns. International companies producing or distributing supplements should ensure compliance.

• n-Butyric acid (Butanoic acid)
• Valeric acid (Pentanoic acid)
• Caproic acid (Hexanoic acid)

The use of these compounds in food and supplements is subject to limitation or restriction from 2025 onward. These regulations are officially published by the Ministry.

Pharmaceuticals and Controlled Substances

Banned Pharmaceutical Ingredients

Certain substances are strictly prohibited in pharmaceutical and medical usage within Türkiye:

• Unapproved pharmacological compounds still in preclinical trial stages
• Veterinary medicines not approved for human use
• Designer drugs not authorized or regulated in Türkiye

Substances Under Monitoring Programs

These compounds are not outright banned but are closely monitored due to potential misuse or health risks:

• Bupropion
• Caffeine
• Nicotine

Entrepreneurs involved in pharmaceutical imports or manufacturing must take note: while these substances remain legal for use, their presence in certain products is carefully tracked by authorities.

Compliance Next Steps for Entrepreneurs

For international businesses entering the Turkish market or exporting goods from Türkiye, staying informed about such restrictions is essential. Failure to comply may lead to penalties, shipment rejections, or product recalls. Entrepreneurs are advised to:

• Check the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry for updates on agricultural and food-related restrictions
• Refer to WADA’s official list when dealing with sports or health-related products
• Consult with local legal and compliance experts for a product-specific regulatory review

By aligning your operations with Turkish regulations in 2025, you can reduce legal risk, protect your brand, and access one of the most dynamic and strategic markets in the region.