Turkey has imposed strict limits on the use of recycled plastics in food packaging, particularly in containers and bottles, to ensure safety and compliance with food contact standards.
Turkey Limits Recycled Plastics in Food Packaging
New rules restrict recycled content in containers and bottles touching food.
What changed
Recycled plastics restricted in food containers and bottles.
Mandatory safety standards established for recycled products.
Direct contact materials are the primary target of the regulation.
Who it affects
Importers of food containers (HS 392310) must adhere to new limits.
Bottle manufacturers (HS 392330) must ensure material safety.
Packaging suppliers (HS 392350, 701090, 481910) must follow the technical notification.
Regulation Analysis: Use of Recycled Plastics in Food Packaging in Turkey
Turkey has established strict regulatory controls on the use of recycled plastics in food packaging, particularly for containers and bottles, to ensure compliance with food contact safety standards. The primary regulation governing this area is the Regulation on the Use of Recycled Plastics in Materials and Articles Intended to Come into Contact with Food (hereafter referred to as the Recycled Plastics Regulation), which is currently in draft form and expected to be adopted by 15 April 20261.
Key Requirements
- Scope and Applicability
The Recycled Plastics Regulation applies to all recycled plastic materials and articles intended to come into contact with food, including containers, bottles, and packaging. It sets out procedures for the production, processing, and use of recycled plastics in food contact applications1.
- Safety and Compliance Standards
- Recycled plastics must comply with the safety requirements outlined in Veterinary, Phytosanitary, Food and Feed Law No. 5996, which aims to protect human health1.
- The regulation aligns with principles of good manufacturing practice (GMP) for food contact materials, ensuring that recycled plastics do not transfer harmful substances to food1.
- Authorization and Registration
- Producers of recycled plastics for food contact applications must adhere to specific production processes and may be subject to registration or approval by the General Directorate of Food and Control under the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry1.
- The regulation does not explicitly detail the authorization process, but it is implied that compliance with the outlined procedures is mandatory1.
- Enforcement and Oversight
- The Ministry of Trade (Directorate General of Product Safety and Inspection) and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (General Directorate of Food and Control) are the primary authorities responsible for enforcing the regulation1.
- Businesses must ensure that their recycled plastic materials meet the specified standards before placing them on the market1.
- Timeline and Implementation
Summary Table of Key Requirements
| Regulation | Key Requirement | Deadline/Threshold | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recycled Plastics Regulation1 | Sets procedures for production and use of recycled plastics in food contact materials. Requires compliance with Law No. 59961. | Adoption: 15 April 2026 | Ministry of Trade; Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry |
| Veterinary, Phytosanitary, Food and Feed Law No. 5996 | Establishes safety standards for food contact materials to protect human health1. | In force | Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry |
| Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)1 | Ensures recycled plastics do not transfer harmful substances to food1. | Not specified | Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry |
Summary Answer
Turkey’s Regulation on the Use of Recycled Plastics in Materials and Articles Intended to Come into Contact with Food imposes strict limits on the use of recycled plastics in food packaging to ensure safety and compliance with food contact standards. The regulation, expected to be adopted on 15 April 2026, mandates compliance with Veterinary, Phytosanitary, Food and Feed Law No. 5996 and aligns with good manufacturing practice (GMP) principles1. Enforcement is overseen by the Ministry of Trade and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, with businesses required to adhere to specified production and safety procedures1. Stakeholders were given until 30 September 2025 to provide feedback on the draft regulation1.
Sources
- ↩ Committee on Technical Barriers to Trade – Notification – Türkiye – Recycled plastic materials and articles intended to come into contact with food https://docs.wto.org/dol2fe/Pages/SS/directdoc.aspx?filename=Q:/G/TBTN25/TUR226.pdf&Open=True