Regulatory framework for medicinal leeches in Türkiye
Two ministries, two sets of rules. Understanding the split between production/export and clinical application explains why a facility certificate and a treatment authorisation are different documents, and what an international buyer should ask for.
Not legal advice. Summaries below are for orientation. Primary texts are published in the Official Gazette and on ministry portals; consult them or a Turkish lawyer for binding interpretation.
The two-pillar model
| Production & trade | Clinical application | |
|---|---|---|
| Authority | Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (BSGM, provincial directorates) | Ministry of Health (GETAT department) |
| Core texts | Aquaculture regulation; CITES implementing regulation; annual quota communiqué | GETAT Regulation (RG 33237, 28.04.2026); Leech Application Guideline (2025) |
| Key document | Aquaculture facility certificate (e.g. 46-86); CITES export permit | Unit / centre authorisation; practitioner certificate |
| Who is regulated | Breeders, collectors, exporters | Hospitals, authorised units, certified practitioners |
| Suluk Sepeti’s position | Supplier from a certified facility | Not a participant |
Production and export texts
- Aquaculture licensing. Facilities are certified with a species list and capacity ceiling; the Sabimed facility holds certificate 46-86 with a ceiling of 1,000,000 animals per year.
- CITES implementing regulation. Türkiye is a Party to CITES; Hirudo spp. exports need permits from the management authority. Most Turkish texts name the species as Hirudo verbana.
- Annual BSGM communiqué. Sets the wild-collection export quota (a historical announcement listed 1,500 kg) and its allocation to licensed collectors. Aquaculture output is outside this quota but still needs CITES permits. See CITES and export permits.
Clinical application texts
- GETAT Regulation. Lists leech application among regulated traditional and complementary practices; restricts it to Ministry-authorised units and centres and to practitioners holding the relevant certificate.
- Leech Application Guideline (2025). Sets the supply requirement (approved production facilities), single-use principle, documentation and disposal rules.
Why this matters to an international buyer
- A “certified supplier” claim should be backed by an aquaculture certificate, not a clinic licence — ask for the number and verify it (certificates).
- Clinical eligibility in your own country is a separate question that Turkish documents cannot answer.
- Export paperwork follows the Agriculture/CITES pillar; the Health pillar is irrelevant for the shipment itself but explains the domestic market’s supply standards.
Primary sources
- Resmî Gazete — GETAT Yönetmeliği (28.04.2026, no. 33237)
- Ministry of Health GETAT portal — Sülük Uygulama Kılavuzu (2025)
- Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, BSGM — medicinal leech quota announcements
- CITES Secretariat — Appendices and national contacts
Frequently asked questions
Which regulation governs hirudotherapy in Türkiye?
The Traditional and Complementary Medicine Practices Regulation (GETAT Yönetmeliği), republished on 28 April 2026 in Official Gazette no. 33237, together with the Ministry of Health Leech Application Guideline (2025).
Which regulation governs production and export?
Aquaculture licensing under the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, the Turkish CITES implementing regulation and the annual BSGM communiqué on medicinal leech export quota.
Does the guideline say where leeches must come from?
Yes. It defines leech application as a method using Hirudo medicinalis, Hirudo verbana or Hirudo sulukii obtained from Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry approved medicinal leech production facilities or sourcing operations.
Is Suluk Sepeti a healthcare provider?
No. Suluk Sepeti is a supply and information brand linked to a certified aquaculture facility. It holds no healthcare authorisation and does not perform treatments.
Related pages
- CITES & export permits
- Certificates
- Hirudotherapy overview
- Medicinal leeches in Türkiye
- Export documentation
Informational and commercial-context content only; not medical advice. Suluk Sepeti does not perform hirudotherapy. Product selection and treatment planning belong to authorised practitioners.