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Türkiye food labeling: Turkish Food Codex label rules and Turkish stickers

Food sold in Türkiye follows the Turkish Food Codex Regulation on Food Labeling and Provision of Information to Consumers, published in the Official Gazette on 26 January 2017 and amended on 6 April 2024. Imported food may reach customs in its original package, but a permanent Turkish sticker must be attached before official import controls start, and the importer answers for the label information.

Checked against official sources: 2026-10

At a glance

LawTurkish Food Codex Regulation on Food Labeling and Provision of Information to Consumers, Official Gazette 26 January 2017 (No. 29960)
Amendment6 April 2024 (Official Gazette No. 32512), with revised guidelines against misleading images, names and expressions
ScopePrepackaged food for final consumers and for catering establishments, including nutrition labeling
ResponsibilityImporters answer for the label information of imported products
LanguagePermanent Turkish sticker attached before official import controls start; the original package may arrive at customs
Import approvalControl certificate (Kontrol Belgesi): pre-import permission for animals, animal products and certain plant products
Label draftThe original label and the Turkish sticker are uploaded to the Food Safety Information System when the product is notified
AuthorityMinistry of Agriculture and Forestry (MinAF)

The Turkish food labeling regulation

Türkiye's general labeling rules for food are set by the Turkish Food Codex Regulation on Food Labeling and Provision of Information to Consumers, published in Official Gazette No. 29960 on 26 January 2017. It covers prepackaged food for final consumers and for catering establishments, nutrition labeling, and the presentation and advertising of food.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry amended the regulation on 6 April 2024 and revised its guidelines to stop misleading images, names and expressions on food products. For imported products, the importer is responsible for the food information on the label.

Türkiye food label checklist for exporters

At the border: control certificate and Turkish stickers

For animals, animal products and certain plant products, the importer needs a control certificate (Kontrol Belgesi) before import: a pre-import permission applied for through the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry's online system and handled by authorised provincial directorates. For certain animal products, the application includes supporting documents such as a proforma invoice and a sample veterinary health certificate.

Imported food may reach customs in its original packaging, but a permanent Turkish sticker must be attached before official import controls start. The original label and the Turkish sticker are uploaded to the Food Safety Information System when the product is notified, so agree the Turkish text with the importer early.

Step by step

  1. Agree with the Turkish importer who prepares the Turkish label or sticker.
  2. Give the importer the original label and the information for the Turkish sticker.
  3. Check the label for images, names or expressions that could mislead.
  4. If the product needs a control certificate, make sure the importer has it before the goods ship.
  5. Attach the permanent Turkish sticker before official import controls start.

Documents you usually need

Common problems and how to avoid them

Goods that need a control certificate arrive before the importer has it.

What to do: For animals, animal products and certain plant products, ship only after the control certificate is issued.

No Turkish sticker is ready when import controls start.

What to do: Prepare the permanent Turkish sticker with the importer before the goods arrive.

The pack shows an image or name that suggests an ingredient it does not contain.

What to do: Remove misleading images, names and expressions, as the 2024 amendment and guidelines require.

The importer cannot notify the product without the labels.

What to do: Send the original label and the Turkish sticker text for upload to the Food Safety Information System.

Sources

  1. Türk Gıda Kodeksi Gıda Etiketleme ve Tüketicileri Bilgilendirme Yönetmeliği (Resmî Gazete No. 29960, 26 January 2017) Official Gazette of the Republic of Türkiye
  2. Amending regulation (Resmî Gazete No. 32512, 6 April 2024) Official Gazette of the Republic of Türkiye
  3. Türkiye: FAIRS Country Report Annual (TU2025-0030, 20 June 2025) USDA Foreign Agricultural Service
  4. Türkiye: FAIRS Export Certificate Report Annual (TU2025-0028) USDA Foreign Agricultural Service

Rules change often. This note is practical guidance based on the sources above, not legal advice. Confirm current requirements with the authority, your importer or a licensed customs broker before you ship.

Port codes by country

Türkiye port codes (UN/LOCODE)

Food label requirements by country →

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Trade notes

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Common questions

Which regulation sets food labeling in Türkiye?

The Turkish Food Codex Regulation on Food Labeling and Provision of Information to Consumers, published on 26 January 2017 and amended on 6 April 2024.

Must imported food in Türkiye have a Turkish label?

Yes. It may arrive in its original package, but a permanent Turkish sticker must be attached before official import controls start.

Who is responsible for the label of imported food in Türkiye?

The importer is responsible for the food information on imported products.

What is a Kontrol Belgesi?

A pre-import permission (control certificate) for animals, animal products and certain plant products, applied for through the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry's online system.

What changed in 2024?

The regulation was amended on 6 April 2024 and its guidelines revised to stop misleading images, names and expressions on food.

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