Key takeaways
- Turkey supplies over 80% of the world's dried figs, roughly 90% of dried apricots, and about 25% of global raisin production — making it the single most important origin for dried fruit buyers.
- A typical first import from Turkey takes 8 to 14 weeks from initial supplier contact to goods arriving at your warehouse, depending on product seasonality and shipping route.
- FOB Izmir and FOB Mersin are the most common Incoterms for Turkish dried fruit exports; most suppliers accept Letters of Credit or a 30/70 T/T split for new buyers.
- Every shipment requires a phytosanitary certificate, certificate of origin, and Certificate of Analysis (CoA) at minimum — EU buyers also need a EUR.1 movement certificate and TRACES entry notification.
- Pre-shipment inspection by an independent third party (SGS, Bureau Veritas, or Intertek) is the single most effective way to prevent quality disputes on your first orders.
Introduction: Why Turkey dominates the global dried fruit market
If you are sourcing dried fruits at scale, Turkey is almost certainly your primary origin country. The numbers explain why. Turkey produces more than 300,000 tonnes of dried figs annually, accounting for over 80% of global trade. Its Malatya region alone produces around 90% of the world's dried apricots. The country is also the third-largest raisin exporter, with roughly 250,000 tonnes shipped each year.
Beyond volume, Turkey offers a mature export infrastructure. The Aegean Exporters' Association coordinates standards and trade facilitation. Ports in Izmir and Mersin handle thousands of reefer and dry containers weekly with direct services to Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, the Gulf, and the US East Coast. Hundreds of processors hold IFS, BRC, FSSC 22000, or organic certifications.
For a first-time importer or a procurement manager expanding into Turkish-origin products, the process can seem complex. This guide breaks it into ten actionable steps — from defining your specifications to receiving goods at your warehouse.
For a broader look at sourcing multiple product categories, see our wholesale dried fruit Turkey sourcing guide.
Step 1: Define your product requirements
Before contacting any supplier, document your specifications in writing. This prevents wasted time on both sides and ensures you receive relevant quotes.
Product type and variety: Specify the exact product. For dried figs, clarify whether you need Sarilop (golden) or Bursa Black varieties, and whether natural or lerida (pulled-open) style. For apricots, distinguish between sulphured (bright orange) and unsulphured (dark brown, organic market). For raisins, specify sultanas, Thompson seedless, or Izmir-type. Our dried fruit quality grades guide covers classification systems in detail.
Grade and size: Turkish dried figs are graded by count per kilogram (e.g., AAA = 36-44 pieces/kg, AA = 45-55 pieces/kg). Apricots use size numbers (No.1 through No.5). Know your target market's preference before requesting samples.
Organic vs. conventional: Organic product requires EU/NOP/JAS certification from the supplier. Expect 20-40% price premiums and longer lead times. Conventional product offers broader supplier choice and faster availability.
Packaging format: Bulk (10-12.5 kg cartons), retail-ready (consumer packs from 150g to 1kg), or private label. Each format affects MOQ, lead time, and unit cost.
Volume and frequency: Estimate your annual requirement. Most Turkish exporters have MOQs between one full container load (FCL) of 18-20 tonnes and a quarter container (5 tonnes via LCL groupage).
Step 2: Find and evaluate suppliers
Turkey has over 600 registered dried fruit exporters. Narrowing this field requires a structured approach.
Trade directories: The Aegean Exporters' Association (EIB) maintains a searchable database of certified exporters. The Turkish Exporters Assembly (TIM) provides verified company profiles. Alibaba and similar platforms list Turkish suppliers but require more due diligence.
Trade fairs: Anuga (Cologne, October), SIAL (Paris, October), Biofach (Nuremberg, February for organic), and Gulfood (Dubai, February) are the key events where Turkish exporters exhibit. WorldFood Istanbul (September) gives access to the entire Turkish supply base in one location.
Direct outreach: Contact 5-8 suppliers initially. Evaluate responses based on reply speed, willingness to share certifications, transparency about production capacity, and clarity of pricing. A professional exporter will provide IFS/BRC certificates, company profile, export references, and a preliminary price list within 48 hours.
What to verify:
- Active food safety certification (IFS, BRC, or FSSC 22000)
- Export experience to your target market specifically
- Annual production capacity vs. your volume needs
- Willingness to undergo factory audits
- Financial stability (check Turkish trade registry, request bank references)
For Turkish dried figs specifically, our wholesale dried figs quality guide explains what distinguishes premium suppliers.
Step 3: Request and evaluate samples
Never commit to a purchase order without evaluating physical samples. Request 1-2 kg samples from your shortlisted suppliers (typically 3-4 finalists).
What to assess visually:
- Colour uniformity and naturalness
- Size consistency within the stated grade
- Absence of insect damage, mould, or foreign matter
- Moisture level (touch test — not too dry, not sticky)
- Packaging condition after transit
Laboratory analysis: Send samples to an accredited lab for critical parameters. At minimum, test for moisture content, water activity (aw), aflatoxin levels (B1, B2, G1, G2 and total), ochratoxin A, sulphur dioxide residues (if sulphured product), and pesticide residues. Our guide on reading a Certificate of Analysis for dried fruit explains what each parameter means and acceptable limits.
For a comprehensive checklist covering sensory, physical, and chemical evaluation, see our dried fruit sample evaluation guide.
Aflatoxin attention: This is the single largest compliance risk for dried fruit imports. EU limits are 4 ppb for aflatoxin B1 and 10 ppb for total aflatoxins. A single non-compliant shipment can result in border rejection, RASFF notification, and increased inspection rates on all your future imports. Our aflatoxin and mycotoxin limits guide covers regulatory thresholds by market.
Step 4: Negotiate terms
Once you have approved samples, move to commercial negotiations.
Incoterms: FOB Izmir is the standard for Aegean-origin products (figs, sultanas). FOB Mersin is common for Malatya apricots shipped via the southern corridor. CIF/CFR terms are available but give you less control over shipping costs and carrier selection. Our Incoterms guide for natural products B2B trade explains each option and when to use it.
Payment terms for first orders:
- Letter of Credit (L/C) at sight: Safest for both parties. Most Turkish exporters accept confirmed, irrevocable L/C for first transactions.
- T/T 30/70 split: 30% advance upon order confirmation, 70% against copy of Bill of Lading. Common after initial trust is established.
- D/P (Documents against Payment): Less common for new relationships but used in some markets.
MOQ and pricing structure: A standard 20ft container holds approximately 18-20 tonnes of dried fruit in cartons. Pricing typically steps down at 1 FCL, 5 FCL, and annual contract volumes. Expect prices quoted in USD per kg FOB, with validity of 3-7 days during volatile harvest periods.
Contract duration: For commodity products with price volatility (especially sultanas and raisins), consider annual framework agreements with quarterly pricing adjustment mechanisms tied to published indices.
Step 5: Place your order and arrange documentation
A professional Turkish exporter will provide the following documents at the order stage:
Proforma invoice: Details product specification, quantity, unit price, total value, Incoterm, payment terms, shipping timeline, and validity period. Review every line — this becomes the basis of your purchase contract.
Purchase contract: Formalizes the agreement. Should include product specification (referencing approved sample lot number), delivery schedule, quality standards (with rejection/claim procedure), force majeure clause, and governing law (typically English law or ICC arbitration).
Specifications agreement: A separate technical document defining acceptable ranges for moisture, size, colour, defect tolerances, and contaminant limits. This document is referenced during pre-shipment inspection.
Step 6: Production and quality control
Timing: Turkish dried fruit has strong seasonality. Figs harvest in August-September, apricots in July-August, and grapes (for raisins) in August-September. New-crop product is typically available for export from October onwards. See our Turkish dried fruit harvest and export calendar for detailed timing by product.
Factory audit: For first orders above 40 tonnes or ongoing supply relationships, conduct a factory audit. This can be done in person or through third-party audit firms operating in Turkey. Key areas: HACCP implementation, pest control, metal detection, traceability systems, allergen management, and worker hygiene.
Pre-shipment inspection (PSI): Engage SGS, Bureau Veritas, Intertek, or a Turkish-based inspection company to verify goods against your specification before loading. A typical PSI covers visual inspection (10% of cartons), weight verification, packaging/labelling check, and sampling for lab analysis. Cost is typically USD 400-800 per inspection depending on scope.
Third-party laboratory testing: Independent lab analysis before shipment is essential, particularly for aflatoxin and ochratoxin A. Budget USD 150-300 per sample for a comprehensive mycotoxin and pesticide panel. The lab report becomes part of your shipment documentation.
Step 7: Export documentation
Turkish exporters must provide the following documents for a compliant shipment:
| Document | Purpose | Issued by | |----------|---------|-----------| | Phytosanitary certificate | Confirms product is free from pests/diseases | Turkish Ministry of Agriculture | | Certificate of Origin | Proves goods originate in Turkey | Chamber of Commerce | | EUR.1 Movement Certificate | Enables preferential tariff rate in EU | Customs authority | | Health certificate | Confirms product is fit for human consumption | Ministry of Agriculture | | Certificate of Analysis (CoA) | Lab results for contaminants, moisture, etc. | Accredited laboratory | | Fumigation certificate | Confirms treatment against stored-product pests | Licensed fumigation company | | Commercial invoice | Transaction details and value | Exporter | | Packing list | Carton count, weights, dimensions | Exporter | | Bill of Lading | Shipping contract and title document | Carrier/freight forwarder |
Important: For Malatya dried apricot exports, an additional radiation test certificate may be requested by some EU member states, although this is no longer a blanket requirement.
Step 8: Shipping and logistics
Container types: Most dried fruits ship in standard 20ft or 40ft dry containers. Temperature-sensitive products (unsulphured organic apricots, high-moisture figs) may require reefer containers set to 5-10 degrees Celsius.
Loading configurations:
- 20ft container: 18-20 tonnes (approximately 1,500-1,800 cartons of 10-12.5 kg)
- 40ft container: 22-24 tonnes (limited by weight rather than volume for dried fruit)
- 40ft High Cube: 24-26 tonnes with optimized palletization
Transit times from Turkish ports:
| Route | Transit time | |-------|-------------| | Izmir to Rotterdam | 12-14 days | | Izmir to Hamburg | 14-16 days | | Mersin to Felixstowe | 14-16 days | | Izmir to New York | 18-22 days | | Mersin to Jebel Ali (Dubai) | 7-9 days | | Mersin to Jeddah | 5-7 days | | Izmir to Shanghai | 28-32 days |
Temperature and humidity: Dried fruits should be transported at 5-15 degrees Celsius with relative humidity below 65%. Silica gel desiccants inside containers help prevent condensation (container rain). Kraft paper liners on container walls provide additional protection.
Shipping costs (indicative 2026): Ocean freight from Izmir to Northern Europe ranges from USD 1,800-2,500 for a 20ft container and USD 2,800-4,000 for a 40ft container, depending on season and carrier.
Step 9: Customs clearance at destination
Clearance procedures differ significantly by market. Prepare documentation well in advance.
European Union:
- Pre-notification via TRACES-NT (Trade Control and Expert System) at least 24 hours before arrival
- Increased inspection rates for certain products through RASFF (Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed) — dried figs from Turkey currently face 20% documentary checks and 20% identity/physical checks for aflatoxin
- Import health certificate requirements per Regulation (EU) 2019/1793
- EUR.1 certificate for preferential duty rate (0% for most dried fruits under EU-Turkey Customs Union)
United States:
- FDA Prior Notice filed electronically via PACA at least 15 days before arrival
- Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP) compliance — you must document that your Turkish supplier meets FDA food safety standards
- Fumigation certificate reviewed by USDA APHIS
- FDA may conduct sampling at port (2-5% examination rate for Turkish dried fruit)
GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council):
- GSO (Gulf Standards Organization) conformity for labelling
- Halal certificate (most Turkish exporters provide this by default)
- SFDA registration for Saudi Arabia
- Municipality health certificate for UAE (Dubai Municipality or Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority)
Step 10: Receiving and warehousing
Incoming quality check: Upon arrival, conduct your own inspection before signing for the goods. Open at least 5% of cartons randomly. Check for transport damage, temperature abuse indicators, pest activity, and conformity to specification.
Proper storage conditions:
- Temperature: 10-15 degrees Celsius (never above 20 degrees for extended storage)
- Relative humidity: 55-65%
- Away from direct sunlight and strong odours
- FIFO (First In, First Out) stock rotation
- Pest monitoring with pheromone traps
- Maximum recommended storage: 12 months for most dried fruits at proper conditions; 6 months for unsulphured organic products
Claim procedure: If goods do not meet specification, document the issue with photographs and independent laboratory analysis within 7 days of delivery. Notify your supplier and freight forwarder in writing. A well-drafted contract (Step 5) determines the claim resolution mechanism.
Common mistakes to avoid
Skipping pre-shipment inspection to save USD 500-800. This small cost prevents disputes worth tens of thousands of dollars. Never skip PSI on first orders from a new supplier.
Ordering during peak harvest without confirming capacity. September through November is the busiest period for Turkish dried fruit exporters. Place orders and confirm production slots by July at the latest for new-crop product.
Ignoring aflatoxin risk on dried figs. Figs are the highest-risk commodity for aflatoxin in the Turkish dried fruit portfolio. Always require lot-specific CoA results taken within 7 days of shipment, not generic annual certificates.
Choosing suppliers on price alone. The cheapest quote often means lower grade, higher defect tolerance, or less reliable quality control. A reliable mid-market supplier who delivers consistent quality costs less in the long run than a cheap supplier who causes border rejections.
Not verifying Incoterm understanding. Confirm in writing exactly where risk transfers. FOB Izmir means the seller's responsibility ends once goods pass the ship's rail at Izmir port. Any damage during ocean transit is your risk.
Neglecting to register as a food business operator in your country. EU importers must be registered and comply with Regulation (EC) 178/2002. US importers need FDA facility registration and FSVP documentation. Complete these administrative steps before your first shipment arrives.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum order quantity for importing dried fruits from Turkey?
Most Turkish dried fruit exporters have a minimum order quantity of one full container load (FCL), which equals approximately 18-20 tonnes for a 20ft container. Some exporters accept LCL (Less than Container Load) shipments starting at 5 tonnes, though per-kilogram costs will be 5-15% higher due to groupage and handling surcharges. For a first trial order, many suppliers will accommodate a half-container (9-10 tonnes) to establish the business relationship.
How long does it take to import dried fruits from Turkey to Europe?
The total process from first supplier contact to goods in your warehouse typically takes 8-14 weeks. This breaks down as: supplier identification and sampling (2-4 weeks), negotiation and order placement (1-2 weeks), production and quality control (2-3 weeks), shipping from Izmir or Mersin to a Northern European port (2 weeks), and customs clearance and delivery (3-5 business days). Established relationships with framework contracts can reduce this to 4-6 weeks for repeat orders.
Do I need special licenses to import dried fruits?
In the EU, you must be registered as a food business operator under Regulation (EC) 178/2002 and maintain an HACCP-based food safety management system. No specific import license is required for dried fruits, but you must submit TRACES notifications for each shipment. In the US, you need an FDA facility registration and must comply with the Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP). GCC countries generally require an import license from the relevant municipality or food authority.
What are the main risks when importing dried fruits from Turkey?
The primary risks are aflatoxin contamination (especially in dried figs), quality inconsistency between sample and bulk shipment, shipping delays during peak season (September-November), currency fluctuation on long-term contracts priced in USD, and regulatory non-compliance leading to border rejection. Mitigate these through pre-shipment inspection, independent lab testing, early order placement, and thorough documentation review.
Can I import organic dried fruits from Turkey?
Yes, Turkey is one of the world's largest producers of organic dried fruits, particularly apricots and figs. Organic exporters must hold valid certification from an EU-recognized control body (for EU imports) or USDA NOP certification (for US imports). Expect 20-40% price premiums over conventional product, longer lead times, and stricter MOQs. The organic market is growing at 15-20% annually, and Turkish suppliers are expanding organic capacity in response.
What payment method is safest for a first-time buyer?
A confirmed, irrevocable Letter of Credit (L/C) at sight offers the strongest protection for first-time buyers. The bank guarantees payment only when the exporter presents compliant documents (Bill of Lading, CoA, phytosanitary certificate, etc.), protecting you from non-shipment or document discrepancies. After 2-3 successful transactions, you can transition to T/T (telegraphic transfer) terms with a 30% advance and 70% against copy of Bill of Lading, which reduces banking fees for both parties.
Ready to start sourcing dried fruits from Turkey with an experienced export partner? Arovela provides end-to-end support for B2B buyers — from product specification and sampling through documentation and logistics coordination. Contact our export team to discuss your requirements and receive a detailed quotation within 48 hours.