How to Import Turkish Food to the USA — FDA, Halal and Customs Guide
Turkey exports food to 160+ countries. A complete guide to FDA registration, Halal certification, and US customs for Turkish food imports.
Turkey exports food to over 160 countries. The United States is one of its most important and fastest-growing markets. Turkish food products offer a combination of quality, diversity, natural production methods, and competitive pricing that few other sourcing countries can match across such a wide range of categories.
But importing food to the USA from Turkey requires navigating a regulatory framework that catches unprepared buyers off guard. FDA registration, Prior Notice requirements, the Foreign Supplier Verification Programme, and Halal certification — understanding what each of these requires, and how Turkish manufacturers are positioned to meet them, is the foundation of a successful US food import operation.
What Turkey Exports to the USA
Nuts and dried fruits — Hazelnuts, pistachios, walnuts, dried apricots, dried figs, and raisins. Turkey controls over 70% of global hazelnut supply.
Olive oil — Extra virgin cold-pressed, virgin, and blended grades from Turkey's Aegean and Hatay regions.
Confectionery — Turkish delight, baklava, halva, chocolate-covered nuts, wafer products, and biscuits.
Pasta and grains — Durum wheat pasta, bulgur, couscous, and specialty grains. Turkish pasta is exported to over 60 countries.
Canned and preserved foods — Canned tuna, tomato paste, sun-dried tomatoes, pickled vegetables, and olive products.
Spices and herbs — Oregano, thyme, sumac, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Wild-harvested and organic certified options available.
Halal meat and processed foods — Turkey is a major Halal certified food producer serving the American Muslim consumer market.
FDA Requirements — What Every Turkish Food Importer Needs
FDA Registration — Every food facility exporting to the USA must be registered with the FDA under the Bioterrorism Act. Importers must verify that the specific facility producing their order is registered.
Prior Notice — The FDA requires advance notification of every food shipment entering the USA before it arrives. Prior Notice must be submitted electronically a minimum of 2 hours before arrival by land, 4 hours by air, and 8 hours by sea. This is the importer's responsibility.
Foreign Supplier Verification Programme (FSVP) — US importers are required under FSVP to verify that their foreign food suppliers produce food that meets US food safety standards. For US importers sourcing Turkish food for the first time, establishing FSVP documentation for each supplier is a mandatory step before commercial shipments begin.
Labelling compliance — Food labels for the US market must meet FDA labelling requirements. Turkish manufacturers producing for the US market can supply products with US-compliant labelling — this must be specified at the order stage.
Halal Certification — Two Separate Requirements
Turkish food manufacturers hold Halal certification from Turkish certification bodies — primarily GIMDES and TSE. For products entering the US Halal food market, the certification chain requires attention. The US Halal food market does not have a single federal Halal standard. Specific US retail buyers may require certification from specific bodies — this should be confirmed with the US buyer before placing a production order.
Customs Classification and Duties
Food products entering the USA are classified under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule. Turkey does not currently benefit from a preferential trade agreement with the USA. Duty rates: dried fruits and nuts 0–4.5%, olive oil 3.4–5%, confectionery 2–10%, spices generally 0–2%.
Certifications: Halal GIMDES and TSE · FDA registered · HACCP · ISO 22000 · BRC · EU Organic · USDA Organic · Kosher options.
Logistics: USA sea freight 20–25 days from Istanbul. USA air freight 2 days for perishables. MOQ from 1 pallet dry goods, 1×20ft container bulk. Lead time 7–21 days.
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Oleksandr Peters
"Every manufacturer in our network has been personally vetted by me. I guarantee the quality of each partnership and stand behind every sourcing decision."