Are You an E-commerce Company Selling Products to Turkey? Then This Regulation Concerns You
Are You an E-commerce Company Selling Products to Turkey? Then This Regulation Concerns You
Are You an E-commerce Company Selling Products to Turkey? Then This Regulation Concerns You
In today’s global marketplace, regulatory compliance is more critical than ever—especially for e-commerce companies selling products to Turkey. A newly enacted regulation, coming into effect on April 1, 2025, is set to transform the way products are offered and sold via remote communication channels such as the internet, telephone, and email. This blog post explains what the regulation entails, why it matters to your business, and the steps you need to take to ensure compliance.
What’s Changing?
Enhanced Consumer Protection
The regulation aims to bolster consumer safety by ensuring that any product marketed to Turkish consumers complies with local product safety and technical standards. Whether you’re listing products online or promoting them through remote channels, the products must adhere to Turkey’s established safety laws.
Detailed Sales Advertisement Requirements
If you’re selling to Turkey, your online listings must provide:
Clear Business Information: Your registered company name, trade title, postal and email addresses.
Manufacturer/Importer Details: For products manufactured in Turkey, include the manufacturer’s information; if not, the importer’s details must be provided.
Authorized Representation: In cases where there isn’t a local manufacturer or importer, a Turkish-based authorized representative must be designated.
Safety and Compliance Information: Listings must include Turkish language warnings, safety instructions, and necessary technical details.
Accurate Product Descriptions: High-quality images and detailed descriptions that allow consumers to understand the product fully.
Who Is Impacted?
Domestic and International Sellers
The regulation is not limited to businesses operating within Turkey. Any international e-commerce company targeting Turkish consumers must comply with these rules. If your business sells products to Turkey—even indirectly—you are required to align with these new standards to avoid potential administrative penalties.
Responsibilities of Various Service Providers
The regulation also extends to service providers who facilitate online sales. This includes:
Performance Service Providers: If they rebrand or modify the product, they might be held responsible as if they were the manufacturer.
Intermediary Platforms: Online marketplaces must enable the display of all mandatory product information and ensure quick action to remove non-compliant listings.
What Do You Need to Do?
Review Your Product Listings
Ensure Clarity: Confirm that all product descriptions include mandatory information such as the company’s details, manufacturer/importer information, and safety instructions.
Local Adaptation: Adapt your online platform to include Turkish language options, display prices in Turkish Lira, and offer shipping to Turkish addresses.
Appoint a Local Representative
If your company does not have a Turkish-based manufacturer or importer, appointing a local authorized representative is mandatory. This representative will serve as your official point of contact in Turkey, ensuring that your products meet local requirements.
Update Your Operational Procedures
Documentation: Keep detailed records of all product information and maintain conformity declarations as required by Turkish authorities.
Platform Adjustments: Make necessary changes to your online sales platform to ensure that consumer information is clearly accessible and that non-compliant listings can be quickly removed if required.
Conclusion
The new regulation is a game changer for any e-commerce company selling products to Turkey. It not only heightens consumer protection but also streamlines the responsibilities of all parties involved in the product supply chain—from manufacturers and importers to service providers. If you are an e-commerce business targeting Turkish consumers, now is the time to review your practices and update your operations to ensure full compliance by April 1, 2025.
By taking these proactive steps, you not only avoid potential fines and sanctions but also enhance your brand’s credibility and trust with Turkish consumers. Stay informed, stay compliant, and position your business for success in Turkey’s evolving digital marketplace.
For more information you can reach us
info@ozmconsultancy.com
