Regulation to delight consumers in online shopping! Shipping fees, returns, and the right of withdrawal...
The Ministry of Trade has made significant changes to the Distance Contracts Regulation to protect consumers. With these comprehensive regulations, new practices will be implemented on many issues, from return shipping fees to the right of withdrawal.
12punto
The Ministry of Trade has signed off on new regulations that strengthen consumer rights regarding distance sales contracts. With these changes, which will come into effect on January 1, 2026, the aim is to prevent some of the grievances consumers face during the return process.
RETURN SHIPPING WILL NO LONGER BURDEN THE CONSUMER
In previous practices, consumers exercising their right of withdrawal were required to cover the shipping costs during product returns. However, this situation was changed in line with intense complaints from consumers and recommendations made at the 28th Consumer Council held on September 4, 2024. With the new regulation, "the return shipping fee for consumers exercising their right of withdrawal will be covered by the seller or provider."
STEP BACK ON TECHNOLOGICAL PRODUCTS: RIGHT OF WITHDRAWAL CONTINUES
According to NTV's report, there were plans to remove the right of withdrawal for high-priced electronic products such as mobile phones, tablets, smartwatches, and computers. However, this plan was shelved following intense backlash from consumers. Thus, "consumers will be able to exercise their right of withdrawal for these products as well within 14 days after purchase without providing any justification."
MEDIATION INFORMATION WILL NOW BE PROVIDED BEFORE THE CONTRACT
With the new regulation, the mediation process for consumer disputes is also becoming more prominent. Starting from January 1, 2026, "information that a mediator must be consulted before applying to court for disputes within monetary limits will be included in the preliminary information form presented to the consumer before the distance sales contract is made."
These regulations aim to both strengthen consumer rights and make e-commerce processes more transparent and fair. These steps, which provide solutions to problems experienced especially in the purchase of electronic products, are considered a significant gain in favor of consumers.