Consumer rights expanded in refurbished product sales

The Ministry of Trade is planning new steps to strengthen consumer rights within the scope of the "Regulation on the Sale of Refurbished Products," which is expected to enter into force shortly.

In a statement made by the Ministry, it was stated that additional measures for consumer protection would be put into effect with the regulation in question.

The statement included the following: "In this context, refurbished devices will be offered to consumers as products that have undergone stricter inspection processes, possess a digital identity, have transparent history information, and are presented with an unconditional return guarantee. With this transformation, Turkey is transitioning to a model that will set an example for the world in the field of second-hand technologies."

14-DAY UNCONDITIONAL RETURN AND DIGITAL TRACKING

With the new regulation, the right to return refurbished products within 14 days without showing any justification will be granted not only for e-commerce transactions but also for purchases made in stores.

It was stated that all processes of the devices would be recorded through the Refurbished Product Information System (YÜBİS), and a digital record would be created for each product.

Thanks to this system, the parts replaced in the device, the tests applied, and all details of the refurbishment process will be accessible to consumers.

On the other hand, a structure will be established where refurbishment centers will be the direct interlocutors for payments, and credit card transactions will be carried out through the virtual POS systems of these centers.

SCOPE EXPANDING: TELEVISIONS ARE ALSO ON THE LIST

The scope of refurbished products is also being expanded with the regulation. In addition to mobile phones, tablets, smartwatches, game consoles, and modems included in the current practice, televisions will also be included in the scope.

The statement evaluated the situation as follows: "While mobile phones, tablets, smartwatches, game consoles, and modems are subject to refurbishment in the current regulation, televisions are being added to the list, expanding the scope of refurbished products. The inclusion of televisions in the scope is considered a critical development that could increase market volume in the high-value product segment. With this regulation, the concern of 'What happens if it breaks?' that may arise with high-cost products is eliminated."

CAPITAL REQUIREMENT INCREASED

Financial criteria for refurbishment centers are also being reorganized. Accordingly, the minimum capital requirement will be increased from 30 million liras to 100 million liras.

Within the scope of the regulation, the responsibility of refurbishment centers and their affiliated branches will be taken as the basis in case consumers experience grievances.

The statement also included the following: "The new regulation not only protects the consumer but also ensures the reduction of electronic waste, strengthens the circular economy, allows millions of devices to be brought back into the economy, enables consumers to access technology at more affordable prices, and contributes to the national economy. In addition to existing rights, a stronger and more transparent consumer protection system is offered to consumers with access to device history via YÜBİS, a 14-day unconditional return, centralized security in payments, and an expanded product range."

News Source: 12punto