TS1 Sugar Technical Specification

Last updated: 2026-09-17

Executive Summary

TS1 refined white sugar is the premium grade of beet sugar produced to Turkish Standards Institution (TSE) specifications. Representing the highest quality standard for domestic consumption and regional export markets, TS1 sugar meets the stringent requirements of food manufacturers, beverage producers, and retail consumers across Turkey, the Balkans, the Middle East, and Central Asia.

This technical dossier provides comprehensive documentation for TS1 sugar including:

• Chemical and Physical Specifications: Full parameter breakdown per TSE TS 251/1995


• Production Process: Beet sugar refining from raw material to finished product


• Logistics & Packaging: Container loading, moisture control, and transportation protocols


• Quality Testing: Laboratory methods, sampling procedures, and acceptance criteria


• Market Analysis: Regional pricing, demand trends, and supply chain dynamics


• Compliance Requirements: Turkish TSE, EU, GCC, and other international standards

1. Technical Specifications

1.1 Mandatory Quality Parameters (Per TSE TS 251/1995)

1.2 Physical Characteristics

Crystal Morphology:

• Shape: Perfect cubes, uniform appearance


• Size Distribution: 0.4-1.0 mm (95% within range)


• Bulk Density: 1,250-1,350 kg/m³


• Flowability: >85% (measured by Hall flowmeter)


• Luster: High gloss, clean appearance

1.3 Sensory Properties

Appearance:

• Color: Bright white, crystalline


• Clarity: No discoloration, no dark spots


• Surface: Smooth, glossy

• Sweetness: Pure sucrose profile (reference: 10% solution)


• Aftertaste: Clean, no residual bitterness


• Aroma: Odorless or very faint characteristic odor

• Hardness: Crisp, brittle fracture


• Free-flowing: No caking under normal conditions


• Dissolution: Complete dissolution in water within 30 seconds at 20°C

2. Production Process

2.1 Raw Material: Sugar Beet

Variety Requirements:

• Sugar Content: 17-20% dry matter


• Purity: ≥98% sucrose


• Impurities: ≤2% non-sucrose solids


• Condition: Fresh, undamaged, free from rot

• Beet to Sugar: 5.5-6.5 tons beet → 1 ton sugar


• Beet to Molasses: 1.0-1.2 tons molasses per ton sugar


• By-products: Pulp (30-35%), filters (2-3%)

2.2 Refining Process Steps

Step 1: Preparation
```
Beet Reception → Washing (15-20 m³ water/ton) → Slicing (3-5 mm厚) → Diffusion
```

• Temperature: 70-75°C


• Time: 60-75 minutes


• pH: 5.2-5.4 (acetic acid adjustment)


• Yield: 96-98% extraction

• Carbonation pH: 10.5-11.0


• Filtration: Rotatory vacuum filters


• Yield: 94-96% juice recovery

• Steam consumption: 0.35-0.45 ton steam/ton water evaporated


• Temperature: 60-110°C (counter-current)


• Final Brix: 65-70°

• Vacuum: 40-50 kPa absolute


• Temperature: 60-70°C


• Boiling Point Depression: 8-10°C


• Crystal Growth: 24-48 hours

• Centrifugal force: 1,000-2,000 g


• Drying Time: 20-30 minutes


• Final Moisture: 2.0-2.5%

• Drying Air Temperature: 80-100°C (inlet), 40-50°C (outlet)


• Cooling: To ≤40°C before storage


• Moisture Final: ≤0.03%

• Oversize: Recrushed


• Fines: Recycled to massecuite


• Standard: Packaged as TS1

3. Packaging & Containers

3.1 Bagged Packaging Options

50 kg PP Woven Bags:

• Material: 100% virgin polypropylene, 120 g/m²


• Lining: Food-grade PE inner liner (20-30 μm)


• Tensile Strength: ≥150 N/50mm (warp), ≥130 N/50mm (weft)


• Color: White or natural (customizable)


• Printing: Custom logo, batch number, expiry date

• Type: Type A (standard) or Type D (static-safe)


• Safety Factor: 5:1 (burst strength = 500 kg)


• Configuration: 4-point lift loops


• Lining: Optional PE liner for moisture-sensitive applications

• Material: Paper or multi-layer composite


• Barrier: Aluminum foil or metallized film


• Sealing: Heat-sealed or adhesive tape


• Labeling: Compliant with TSE TS 251/1995 labeling requirements

3.2 Bulk Shipping Options

Flexitank (ISO Tank Container):

• Capacity: 21-24 MT net


• Container Type: 20' ISO tank (33 m³ volume)


• Material: Food-grade stainless steel interior


• Cleaning: CIP cleaned, certified food-grade


• Pressure Rating: 1.5 bar working pressure


• Temperature Range: -20°C to +50°C

• Hull Type: Self-discharging or crane-assisted


• Hold Capacity: 5,000-50,000 MT per vessel


• Hold Preparation: Cleaned, sanitized, dried


• Ventilation: Continuous or periodic as required


• Protection: Breathable tarps or vapor barriers

3.3 Container Loading Specifications

20ft GP Container:

• Internal Dimensions: 5.90 × 2.35 × 2.39 m


• Volume: 33 m³


• Max Gross Weight: 30,480 kg


• Tare Weight: 2,200 kg


• Payload Capacity: 28,280 kg

• Bags per row: 4 across (2.0 m width)


• Rows per layer: 5 (2.0 m width, 0.1 m gap)


• Bags per layer: 20 bags


• Layers: 12 layers (2.4 m max height)


• Total bags: 240 bags (12 MT)


• Weight: 12,000 kg (net sugar) + 240 kg (bags) = 12,240 kg

Moisture Control Requirements:

• Container Humidity: <60% RH at loading


• Desiccant: 10 kg calcium chloride (2×5 kg hanging bags)


• Temperature: 15-25°C during loading


• Ventilation: Closed during voyage (prevents moisture ingress)

4. Quality Assurance & Testing

4.1 Laboratory Testing Protocol

Incoming Raw Material Testing:

• Daily Tests: Moisture (oven method), purity, Brix


• Weekly Tests: Ash, pH, calcium, potassium


• Monthly Tests: Heavy metals (AAS/ICP-MS), microbiology


• Acceptance Criteria: Must meet TSE TS 251/1995 Section 4

• Diffusion Juice: Brix, pH, calcium


• Clear Juice: Brix, pH, turbidity


• Thick Juice: Brix (65-70°), temperature


• Dry Sugar: Moisture (oven 105°C/4h), color, polarization

1. Polarization: Automatic polarimeter, 26% solution, 50°C


2. Color: ICUMSA 420 method, spectrophotometer 420 nm


3. Moisture: Oven drying 105°C for 4 hours


4. Ash: Muffle furnace 600°C for 4 hours


5. Insolubles: Membrane filtration 0.45 μm


6. Heavy Metals: AAS or ICP-MS per TSE Annex A

• Continuous: Moisture, polarization (online sensors)


• Per Batch (500 MT): Full chemical analysis


• Weekly: Microbiological, heavy metals


• Monthly: Full specification verification

4.2 Sampling Procedure

Sample Size:

• Bagged Product: 1 kg per 500 bags, minimum 5 kg per batch


• Bulk Product: 2 kg per 1,000 MT, minimum 10 kg per batch


• Flexitank: 5 kg from each of 3 sampling points (top, middle, bottom)

1. Bagged: Random selection using systematic random sampling


2. Bulk: Core sampler from different container positions


3. Flexitank: Dedicated sampling valve or open hatch sampling


4. Mixing: Composite sample homogenized in stainless steel container

• Container: Food-grade HDPE or stainless steel


• Temperature: 15-25°C


• Humidity: <60% RH


• Light: Protected from direct sunlight


• Shelf Life: 30 days (before testing required)

4.3 Certificate of Analysis (CoA)

Mandatory Information:

• Batch number and production date


• Production facility name and address


• Customer name and order number


• Shipping date and container/vessel number


• All tested parameters with results


• Test methods referenced (TSE TS 251/1995)


• Laboratory name and accreditation status


• Authorized signature and company stamp

Parameter | Result | Method
---------------------------|-------------|------------------
Polarization (Pol) | 99.92% | TSE 9/11
Color (ICUMSA 420) | 28 units | TSE 9/1
Moisture | 0.02% | TSE 9/2
Ash | 0.02% | TSE 9/3
Insolubles | 15 ppm | TSE 9/4
Calcium | 65 ppm | TSE 9/5
Potassium | 120 ppm | TSE 9/5
Iron | 0.22 ppm | TSE 9/6
SO₂ | 80 ppm | TSE 9/7
Lead (Pb) | 0.08 ppm | TSE Annex A
Arsenic (As) | 0.25 ppm | TSE Annex A

Tested by: ABC Quality Control Lab
Accreditation: TÜRKAK (Turkish Accreditation Agency)
Date of Test: 2025-01-19
Authorized Signature: _________________________
Stamp: [QCL AUTHORIZED STAMP]
```

5. Storage & Handling

5.1 Warehouse Requirements

Temperature Control:

• Optimal Range: 15-25°C


• Maximum Tolerance: <35°C (prevents caking)


• Minimum Tolerance: >5°C (avoid condensation on cooling)

• Relative Humidity: <60% RH (ideal), <70% RH (maximum)


• Dew Point: Minimum 10°C below ambient temperature


• Monitoring: Continuous logging (minimum 15-minute intervals)

• Air Changes: 4-6 per hour minimum


• Air Quality: Filtered (MERV 8 minimum) to prevent dust contamination


• Static Control: Anti-static flooring or treatment

• Short-Term (0-3 months): Standard warehouse conditions


• Medium-Term (3-6 months): Humidity control essential


• Long-Term (6-12 months): Nitrogen-flushed storage recommended

5.2 Stacking & Palletization

Pallet Specifications:

• Size: 1,200 × 1,000 mm (standard EUR) or 1,200 × 800 mm


• Material: Plastic (HDPE) or wood (kiln-dried)


• Load Capacity: 1,000 kg per pallet


• Stackability: 3-4 pallets high (max 3,000 kg)

Clearance Requirements:

• Floor: 15 cm minimum (prevent moisture wicking)


• Walls: 50 cm minimum (ventilation access)


• Ceiling: 100 cm minimum (air circulation)


• Aisles: 200 cm minimum (forklift access)

5.3 Quality Maintenance During Storage

Moisture Monitoring:

• Frequency: Weekly testing for bulk storage


• Method: Oven drying (105°C/4h) or moisture meter


• Action Level: >0.05% moisture → investigate source


• Corrective Action: Re-dry or relocate to controlled environment

• Prevention: Sealed storage, no food debris


• Monitoring: Pest traps at regular intervals


• Treatment: Professional fumigation if needed (document all treatments)


• Records: Pest control logbook maintained for 2 years

• System: Date-coded storage locations


• Rotation: Monthly audit of stock ages


• Documentation: Inventory management system with batch tracking


• Expired Stock: Segregated and processed for industrial use (TS2)

6. Transportation & Logistics

6.1 Domestic Transportation (Turkey)

Road Freight:

• Vehicle Type: Enclosed container truck (20-30 MT capacity)


• Floor Protection: Anti-slip matting required


• Temperature Control: Insulated body (no active heating/cooling)


• Documentation: Waybill, quality certificate, CO₂ emission report

• Container Type: 20ft GP or 40ft HQ dry van


• Loading: Terminal-to-terminal (no intermediate handling)


• Security: Sealed containers with electronic monitoring


• Transit Time: 8-24 hours depending on destination

6.2 International Shipping

Sea Freight (Containerized):

• Container Types: 20ft GP, 40ft GP, 40ft HQ


• Shipping Lines: Maersk, MSC, CMA CGM, Hapag-Lloyd


• Transit Times:


• Turkey → UAE: 18-22 days


• Turkey → Egypt: 7-10 days


• Turkey → Greece: 5-7 days


• Turkey → Romania: 5-8 days


• Turkey → Central Asia: 25-30 days

• Vessel Type: General cargo or multi-purpose


• Hold Preparation: Mandatory cleaning, drying, inspection


• Ventilation: Continuous during voyage (moisture control)


• Insurance: All-risk marine insurance required

6.3 Temperature & Humidity Monitoring

Data Loggers:

• Specifications: -40°C to +70°C range, ±0.5°C accuracy


• Humidity Range: 0-100% RH, ±2% accuracy


• Memory: 32,000+ readings


• Battery Life: 1 year continuous operation


• Communication: Bluetooth + USB download

1. At Loading: Verify conditions before sealing container


2. During Voyage: Remote monitoring preferred (IoT loggers)


3. At Arrival: Immediate verification at destination port


4. At Warehouse: Continuous monitoring upon unloading

• Temperature: >35°C or <0°C (action required)


• Humidity: >70% RH (investigate source)


• Dew Point: Immediate action if condensation detected

7. Market Analysis

7.1 Turkish Sugar Market Overview

Production Capacity:

• Total Factories: 16 operating refineries


• Annual Capacity: 5.5-6.0 million MT


• Production (2024): 5.2 million MT


• Consumption (2024): 3.8-4.0 million MT


• Export Potential: 1.0-1.2 million MT

Market Dynamics:

• Government Support: TMO (Trade Exchange) price support


• Import Tariffs: 0% for beet sugar, 35% for cane sugar


• Export Incentives: VAT exemption, customs duty rebates


• Regulation: Strict TSE enforcement, TÜRKAK accreditation

7.2 Regional Pricing (FOB Turkey)

2025 Q2-Q3 Forward Rates:

Pricing Factors:

• Beet Price: Direct correlation (50-60% of cost)


• Energy Costs: Natural gas, electricity (20-25% of cost)


• Exchange Rate: USD/TRY impact on export competitiveness


• Logistics: Fuel surcharges, container availability


• Seasonality: Higher prices Q4 (harvest shortage period)

7.3 Export Markets Analysis

Primary Markets:

1. Middle East (45% of exports): UAE, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar


2. Balkans (25% of exports): Greece, Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia


3. Central Asia (15% of exports): Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan


4. North Africa (10% of exports): Libya, Tunisia, Morocco


5. Other (5% of exports): Europe (non-EU), Caucasus

• GCC: SASO certification, Halal certificate, Arabic labeling


• EU: TSE compliance (equivalent to EU standards), phytosanitary


• Africa: SONCAP (Nigeria), COO, various import licenses


• Central Asia: Local standards alignment, Russian/ Kazakh labeling

7.4 Demand Forecast (2025-2026)

Domestic Demand:

• 2025: 3.9-4.0 million MT (+2-3% YoY)


• 2026: 4.0-4.1 million MT (stable growth)


• Key Drivers: Population growth, food processing industry expansion

• 2025: 1.0-1.2 million MT (+5-8% YoY)


• 2026: 1.1-1.3 million MT (continued growth)


• Growth Markets: Central Asia, North Africa, Balkans

• 2025 Q2-Q3: $500-530/MT (TS1), $450-480/MT (TS2)


• 2025 Q4: $520-550/MT (seasonal increase, holiday demand)


• 2026 Q1: $490-520/MT (post-holiday correction)


• 2026 Q2: $500-530/MT (stable)

8. Compliance & Certifications

8.1 Turkish Standards (Mandatory)

TSE TS 251/1995:

• Full compliance required for domestic sale


• Export products must meet or exceed specifications


• Annual TÜRKAK accreditation required for testing labs

• PP bag specifications


• Labeling requirements (Turkish language)


• Batch traceability system

• Product name: "Rafine Şeker" or "Refined Sugar"


• Origin: "Türkiye" or "Made in Turkey"


• Net weight: Clearly displayed


• Best-before date: Maximum 12 months from production


• Batch number: Unique traceability code


• Storage instructions: Required

8.2 International Certifications

ISO 9001:2015:

• Quality management system


• Required for major export markets


• Annual surveillance audits

• Food safety management system


• Mandatory for food industry suppliers


• Comprehensive HACCP coverage

• Required for GCC and Muslim-majority markets


• Served by TÜRSAK, HALK, or other accredited bodies


• Documentation: Halal certificate + audit report

• Mandatory product certification


• SABER platform registration required


• Pre-shipment verification by accredited body

• TSE TS 251 equivalent to EU Commission Regulation (EU) No 1333/2008


• No additional certification required for EU exports


• Phytosanitary certificate required

8.3 Documentation Requirements by Market

GCC (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar):

• Commercial Invoice (3 originals)


• Bill of Lading (3/3 original)


• Certificate of Origin (GCC Form A)


• Certificate of Analysis (laboratory tested)


• Halal Certificate (recognized authority)


• SASO certification (Saudi-specific)


• Weight Certificate (customs valuation)

• Commercial Invoice (1 original + 2 copies)


• Bill of Lading (3/3 original)


• Certificate of Origin (Form A if GSP claims)


• Certificate of Analysis


• Phytosanitary Certificate


• Weight Certificate


• TSE Compliance Declaration

• Commercial Invoice (3 originals)


• Bill of Lading (3/3 original)


• Certificate of Origin


• Certificate of Analysis


• SONCAP (Nigeria), PCCI (Egypt), Certificate of Conformity (Morocco)


• Import License (varies by country)

9. Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between TS1 and TS2 sugar?

Can TS1 sugar be exported to the European Union?

What is the shelf life of TS1 sugar?

How is TS1 sugar different from ICUMSA 45 cane sugar?

What are the typical container loading capacities?

Is nitrogen flushing required for TS1 sugar?

Back to Agro Commodities | View TS2 Sugar Specification

FAQ

What is the typical MOQ for this commodity?

Bulk contracts usually start from one vessel or container lot. Exact MOQ depends on product, packing, and destination — send an RFQ for a firm number.

How is quality verified before shipment?

We supply batch COA documents and can arrange SGS/Intertek inspection at the loading port as specified in the SPA.

Which Incoterms do you offer?

FOB, CIF, CFR, and DAP are standard. The right term depends on your logistics capability and risk preference.

Are prices fixed or market-based?

Prices are market-based and benchmarked to relevant indices. Current quotes are issued via RFQ — we do not publish fixed standing prices.

Can you support private label or destination packing?

Where the product allows, yes — packing format, labels, and lot documentation can be aligned to your market requirements.

For project-specific terms, contact WorldwideTradeX via RFQ.