Ministry of Trade announces: 86 million lira in fines imposed on 58 e-commerce firms in 2023

The Ministry of Trade stated that distance contracts, which eliminate time and location constraints for consumers, have become increasingly preferred due to the rapid development of technology and changing consumer habits.

The statement noted that this field, which has developed in line with these changes, also brings with it problems that harm consumer interests, and pointed out that it is important for companies to correctly apply the provisions of the relevant law and the Regulation on Distance Contracts in this context.

The statement drew attention to the fact that the Ministry is investigating the malicious and unlawful practices of some companies operating in the market through e-commerce, and included the following remarks:

"In this direction, issues such as unfair order cancellations made by companies citing 'lack of stock' due to rapid price fluctuations in the market in an inflationary environment, the exceeding of performance periods committed by companies or legally determined for goods and/or services offered for sale, the impairment of consumers' use of the right of withdrawal, and the failure to refund payments to consumers in accordance with the legislation when the right of withdrawal is exercised by consumers, come to the fore. Any unlawful act that harms the rights of consumers is strictly audited both ex officio by our Ministry and by evaluating consumer applications reaching our Ministry through CİMER, e-Government, written applications, and 'Reach the Minister' channels."

In this regard, it was reported that the Ministry imposed 86 million 274 thousand 994 lira in administrative fines last year on 58 companies due to their acts and actions in violation of the legislation while concluding contracts with consumers using the distance contract method.

NOTIFICATION MADE TO THE CHIEF PUBLIC PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE REGARDING 8 FIRMS

The statement reported that a decision to "block access" was made regarding the internet addresses used by 5 companies to carry out their e-commerce activities, and the following was recorded:

"Notifications were made to the Chief Public Prosecutor's Office regarding 8 firms evaluated to be within the scope of the crime of fraud. On the other hand, the investigation and audit process for 25 firms is currently ongoing. It is aimed that audits regarding distance contracts will continue effectively and extensively in 2024, and that potential consumer grievances will be prevented at the highest level."

News Source: AA