Turkish delight is one of Türkiye's best-known food exports and is generally simple to import. It is shelf-stable and needs no refrigeration, and the export paperwork is routine. You will still save time and money if you get a few points right before the first shipment.
1. Customs classification (HS code)
Lokum is normally classified under HS 1704.90, sugar confectionery not containing cocoa. Varieties that contain chocolate or cocoa may be classified under HS 1806. Ask your customs broker to confirm the national tariff line for each product, because duties can differ.
2. Export documents from Türkiye
- Commercial invoice and packing list
- Transport document: CMR (road), bill of lading (sea) or air waybill
- Proof of origin: an A.TR movement certificate for the EU (customs union), an EUR.1 or origin declaration for countries with a free trade agreement with Türkiye, or a standard certificate of origin. The right document can reduce or remove import duty.
- Health certificate issued by the Turkish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. It is required by many importing countries and is issued per shipment.
- Optional: laboratory analysis report, product specifications, certificates such as halal, depending on your buyers.
3. Destination-specific requirements
- European Union: labels must follow Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011. This means ingredients with allergens emphasised, a nutrition declaration, net quantity, best-before date and the EU importer's name and address. Labels must be in the language(s) of the country of sale.
- United Kingdom: similar rules to the EU, with a UK importer address on the label.
- USA: the producing and packing facilities must be registered with the FDA. A prior notice must be filed before each shipment arrives, and labels must carry a US-format Nutrition Facts panel.
- Gulf countries: Arabic labelling (Arabic alone or bilingual) is required. Production and expiry dates are mandatory, and a halal certificate from a recognised body is usually expected. Some countries also require product registration.
- Eurasian Economic Union (Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus and others): an EAC declaration of conformity and labelling in Russian.
Rules change, so always confirm the current requirements with your customs broker or food authority before ordering.
4. Storage and transport
Store lokum in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, heat and strong odours. Humidity and refrigeration damage the texture and coating. For long sea journeys and hot seasons, discuss ventilated or temperature-controlled transport. Shelf life depends on the variety and the packaging, and it is stated on each product specification.
5. Incoterms and logistics
Common terms are EXW or FCA (you arrange transport), FOB (sea, you pay freight from the Turkish port), and CFR/CIF (the supplier arranges sea freight to your port). Road freight is efficient to Europe, the Balkans, the Caucasus and the Middle East. Containers are better for overseas markets and large volumes. Air freight is best kept for samples.
6. First-order checklist
- Taste samples and choose your varieties and packaging.
- Get a product specification for each item: ingredients, allergens, shelf life, net weight and carton/pallet data.
- Confirm the HS codes and the duty rate with your broker.
- Agree the label content for your market and approve the artwork.
- Agree Incoterms, payment terms and delivery date in a written proforma invoice.
- Check the documents (origin, health certificate) against your customs requirements before the goods leave.
We prepare all export documents for our customers and are happy to go through this list with you. Request a quote or read about our export & packaging options.