Turkey strengthens phytosanitary control of grain

Turkey will implement updated phytosanitary control regulations for wheat imports from August 5, 2026. According to the new requirements, a number of fungal pathogens will be classified as prohibited for import.

According to the new regulation, Tilletia indica, Tilletia controversa, Tilletia caries and Tilletia laevis can be considered as prohibited pathogens in imported wheat. Their presence or absence will be determined by laboratory analysis.

The key change concerns the assessment methodology. Tilletia indica was previously assessed on a “present/absent” basis, while other pathogens were assessed on a percentage of infection basis. Once the new regulations enter into force, all four pathogens will be assessed solely on a “present” or “absent” basis.

This means that Turkey is making it more difficult to import wheat by switching to a new procedure. About two-thirds of the shiploads could see adverse test results, prompting buyers to be more cautious about importing cargoes.

According to the USDA, Turkey’s wheat production in the 2026/27 MY will be 22.5 million tonnes, compared to 16.8 million tonnes a year earlier. Imports are forecast at 5.5 million tonnes, down 1 million tonnes year-on-year. At the same time, lower carrying stocks, estimated at 2.9 million tonnes compared to 4.3 million tonnes a year earlier, will prevent a larger reduction in imports.

Tags: Turkey, wheat