Turkey is one of the world's largest sesame seed importers, bringing in approximately 150,000-180,000 metric tons annually. The sesame is primarily used for tahini (tahin) production, halva, simit (sesame bread rings), and confectionery. Turkey's domestic sesame production covers only about 20% of demand, creating a large and consistent import market. Nigeria, India, Sudan, and Tanzania are the primary supply origins. Nigerian sesame (particularly the white Humera-type variety) is valued by Turkish tahini producers for its light color and high oil content.

Step-by-Step Import Process

Step 1: Find a Reliable Sesame Supplier

Nigeria is one of the world's top sesame-producing countries, with major growing regions in Nasarawa, Benue, Jigawa, Taraba, and Niger states. The harvest season runs from October through December. Turkish buyers prefer white or whitish sesame seeds with high oil content for tahini production. Indian sesame (Gujarat and Rajasthan varieties) is also used, particularly for hulled sesame applications. Origin Direct sources sesame from both Nigerian aggregators and Indian exporters, providing quality-controlled product that meets Turkish tahini industry specifications.

Step 2: Request Samples and Verify Quality

Turkish tahini and halva producers have specific quality requirements:

Oil content - Minimum 48-52%. Higher oil content = more tahini yield = more valuable.
FFA (Free Fatty Acid) - Max 2%. Lower is better; high FFA indicates old or poorly stored seed.
Color - White to off-white for tahini-grade. Dark seeds are discounted.
Purity - Min 99%. Maximum 1% foreign matter (stones, stems, other seeds).
Moisture - Max 6%. Ideally 5-5.5% for safe storage.
Salmonella - Absent in 25g. Sesame has been the subject of global Salmonella recalls; Turkish authorities test rigorously.
Aflatoxin - Max 10 ppb total (Turkish Food Codex).
Ethylene oxide - Not detectable. Turkey follows EU limits (0.02 mg/kg).
Pesticide residues - Must comply with Turkish Food Codex MRLs (aligned with EU MRLs).

Step 3: Agree on Commercial Terms

Pricing is per metric ton, typically FOB origin port or CIF Turkish port. Turkish buyers are sophisticated and follow global sesame price indices. Payment: L/C at sight for first orders, CAD (cash against documents) or D/P for established relationships. Contracts specify: variety (white/natural), origin, crop year, oil content, purity, moisture, packaging (50 kg or 25 kg PP bags), and delivery window. Volume: Turkish processors buy in large quantities; single orders of 100-500 MT are common.

Step 4: Supplier Prepares Documentation

Phytosanitary Certificate - From the origin country's plant protection authority.
Fumigation Certificate - Required for sesame seed imports. Typically phosphine fumigation.
Certificate of Analysis - Accredited lab report covering oil content, FFA, moisture, purity, aflatoxin, Salmonella, pesticide residues, and ethylene oxide.
Certificate of Origin - Standard certificate.
Commercial Invoice and Packing List
Bill of Lading
Weight Certificate - From an independent surveyor at loading port.

Step 5: Arrange Shipping

Sesame ships in 20ft containers, approximately 20-22 MT per container in PP bags on pallets or in bulk (with container liners). Loading ports: Apapa/Tin Can (Lagos, Nigeria), Kandla or Mundra (Gujarat, India). Turkish destination ports: Port of Mersin (southeastern Turkey, closest to tahini producers in Osmaniye and Gaziantep), Port of Istanbul (Ambarli), Port of Izmir (Alsancak). Transit: Lagos to Mersin 14-18 days (via Mediterranean), Lagos to Istanbul 16-20 days. India (Kandla) to Mersin 10-14 days. Mersin is the preferred port for sesame as it is closest to Turkey's tahini production heartland in the south.

Step 6: Clear Turkish Customs

Beyanname (Customs Declaration) - Filed electronically through the Turkish Customs system (BILGE) by a licensed customs broker (gumruk musaviri).
KKGM (Ministry of Agriculture) Inspection - The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (Tarim ve Orman Bakanligi) inspects agricultural imports. Sesame is subject to food safety and phytosanitary controls at the border.
Conformity Certificate - A conformity assessment may be required for food products. TSE (Turkish Standards Institute) or accredited bodies may be involved.
Import Duty - Sesame seeds (HS 1207.40.90): Turkish MFN duty rate is approximately 19.7% (ad valorem). However, Turkey periodically reduces or suspends the duty on sesame imports when domestic supply is insufficient. Check current rates with your customs broker.
KDV (VAT) - 1% on raw agricultural products (reduced rate for basic foodstuffs).
Additional Customs Duties - Turkey may apply additional duties or quota restrictions depending on trade policy. Monitor Resmi Gazete (Official Gazette) announcements.

Step 7: Deliver to Processor

After customs clearance, transport to the tahini/halva factory (typically in Osmaniye, Gaziantep, Mersin, or Istanbul). The processor conducts incoming quality checks: visual inspection, oil content measurement, moisture check, and lab analysis for Salmonella and aflatoxin. Claims for quality shortfalls are typically filed within 7-10 days of delivery.

Key Documents Required

Beyanname (Customs Declaration)
Phytosanitary Certificate
Fumigation Certificate
Certificate of Analysis
Certificate of Origin
Commercial Invoice and Packing List
Bill of Lading
Weight Certificate

HS Codes and Duty Rates

1207.40.90 - Sesame seeds, whether or not broken. Turkish MFN: 19.7% (subject to periodic reductions).
1208.90.00 - Sesame seed flour/meal. Turkish MFN: varies.

Turkey frequently adjusts sesame import duties. Check the current rate before shipping. For the full HS code reference, see our HS Code Directory.

Common Pitfalls to Watch Out For

Salmonella contamination - Multiple global recalls of tahini and halva due to Salmonella in sesame seeds have made Turkish authorities extremely vigilant. Test every batch. Some Turkish processors require pathogen-step kill treatment (roasting/pasteurization) before use.
Ethylene oxide - The EU and Turkey have zero tolerance for ethylene oxide in food. Never treat sesame with ethylene oxide. Test for it specifically.
Duty rate changes - Turkish import duties on sesame fluctuate. A sudden duty increase can make your shipment unprofitable. Use a current beyanname (declaration) rate and consider duty-hedging strategies.
Low oil content - Turkish tahini producers buy on oil content. Sesame with oil below 48% is heavily discounted. Verify oil content at origin before shipping.
Mixed seed varieties - Mixing white and brown sesame, or mixing crop years, leads to rejection. Ensure homogeneous lots.
Port congestion at Mersin - During peak import season (December-March), Mersin port can be congested. Demurrage charges accumulate quickly. Coordinate with your Turkish buyer for prompt clearance.

How Origin Direct Makes This Easy

Origin Direct sources tahini-grade sesame seeds from Nigeria and India, tested and verified to meet Turkish Food Codex requirements. We manage quality control at origin, ensuring consistent oil content, color, and purity. Our team handles phytosanitary and fumigation documentation, coordinates shipping to Mersin, Istanbul, and Izmir, and works with experienced Turkish customs brokers. For Nigerian sesame, we provide farm-to-container traceability. For Indian sesame, we work with established exporters in Gujarat and Rajasthan.

How to Import Sesame Seeds to Turkey