Standard Packaging Era Begins for Rolling Papers

September 17, 2026 · sesgazetesi.com.tr

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has banned flavorings and additives in rolling papers, mandating standardized matte packaging. The sector has been granted a phased transition period to comply with the new regulations.

The new regulation, prepared by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and outlining the procedures and principles for rolling papers, was published in the Official Gazette dated September 16, 2026, and has come into effect. The regulation covers all rolling papers produced in Turkey or imported and offered to the domestic market. While products manufactured solely for export are excluded from the scope, a comprehensive set of technical criteria affecting roll-your-own tobacco consumers and manufacturers has been redefined.

Under the new legislation, very strict limitations have been imposed on the contents of rolling papers. The use of flavorings, sugars, or sweeteners in production is entirely prohibited. No colorants are permitted, except for those used in bleaching. Furthermore, the presence of chemicals listed in the Ministry's prohibited inputs list in adhesives and inks has been prevented. The Ministry will retain the authority to share product inputs with the public, provided commercial secrets are protected.

The regulation introduces a standardized packaging system for rolling papers. The outer surface of the packages must be in Pantone 448 C matte color, with a gloss level below 20%. Logos, embossing, and transparent windows are prohibited on the packaging. Unit packages will feature mandatory health warnings, and group packaging will include messages stating that tobacco smoke contains over 70 carcinogens.

A phased timeline has been announced for producer and importer companies to comply with the new rules. Companies must submit their applications to update their existing documents by October 30, 2026, at the latest. Incomplete applications will be invalidated as of February 20, 2027. Non-compliant products currently in stock can be released to the market until February 20, 2027, and will be strictly prohibited from shelves after August 20, 2027.

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