New regulation for online shopping: Enters into force tomorrow

The "Regulation on Market Surveillance and Inspection of Products Offered to the Market via Remote Communication Tools," published in the Official Gazette on October 30, 2024, will enter into force on April 1, 2025. The new regulations, which will be implemented after a five-month transition period, introduce new obligations for e-commerce platforms and sellers.

WHAT IS COVERED BY THE REGULATION?

The regulation prepared by the Ministry of Trade governs the procedures and principles regarding the market surveillance and inspection of products offered to consumers through remote sales methods. The regulation, published on October 30, 2024, will begin to be implemented on April 1, 2025.

MANDATORY INCLUSION OF ALL PRODUCT INFORMATION

According to the new regulation, sellers will be obligated to present safety information regarding products to consumers in a clear and understandable manner. Product listings will be required to include information about the manufacturer or importer, contact address, and necessary information regarding product safety. A requirement to appoint a local representative in Turkey is being introduced for companies sending certain products from abroad to Turkey.

24-HOUR RULE INTRODUCED

E-commerce platforms will be obligated to maintain safety information regarding products on their systems. In the event that non-compliant products are identified, platforms will remove the listings for these products within 24 hours. Furthermore, they will be required to establish a point of contact where consumers can submit inquiries regarding product safety.

WHAT ARE THE SANCTIONS TO BE APPLIED?

In the event of non-compliance with the provisions of the regulation, the sanctions specified in the Product Safety and Technical Regulations Law No. 7223 will be applied. In this context, measures such as blocking access to products that do not meet safety requirements may be taken.