Turkey Strengthens Phytosanitary Controls on Wheat Imports

The Turkish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has announced stricter phytosanitary controls over plant imports, including Ukrainian wheat. This change is set to take effect on August 4, 2026, as part of a new Plant Quarantine Regulation.

The regulation focuses on controlling harmful organisms in cereal crops, particularly in wheat from Ukraine. According to the Ministry, wheat imported into Turkey may be a host plant for several types of harmful organisms, including Tilletia barclayana and Tilletia indica.

Laboratory analysis will now be a mandatory procedure for each batch of Ukrainian wheat heading to Turkey. If these pests are detected during phytosanitary inspection, the exporter will not receive a phytosanitary certificate, and the cargo may not be permitted for import into Turkey.