E-commerce audit from the Ministry: Fines rain down on 67 companies

The Ministry of Trade has announced that, as a result of audits conducted in the e-commerce sector, a total of 93.7 million liras in administrative fines have been imposed on 67 companies within the last six months.

In the information provided by the Ministry, it was emphasized that consumer habits have changed with technological developments and that interest in online shopping is steadily increasing. The statement noted that, in parallel with this change, relevant legal regulations were put into effect rapidly. It was stated that, especially in distance sales contracts, situations such as the inability of the consumer to physically inspect the product require greater protection for consumers.

The statement continued by recalling that "in order to protect the consumer, who is the weaker party in the contract, it was underlined that issues such as the right of withdrawal—the most fundamental right—as well as pre-order information for consumers and the performance of the contract are guaranteed by legal regulations," and that various arrangements have been made within this framework to prevent grievances.

Pointing out that audit activities are being continued, especially in sectors where complaints are concentrated, the statement reported that the process is being carried out based on both incoming applications and investigations conducted on the Ministry's own initiative.

The following information was included in the statement:

"As a result of our work, regarding the failure to refund payments in the exercise of the right of withdrawal or failure to do so within the legal period, 40.3 million liras in administrative fines were imposed on 18 companies as a result of investigations and audits initiated in October 2024 and completed within the same year. Furthermore, within the scope of investigations and audits conducted regarding distance contracts to which consumers are a party in the electronic commerce sector in the first three months of 2025, a total of 53.4 million liras in administrative fines were imposed on 49 companies, and audits are currently ongoing for 19 companies. Thus, a total of 93.7 million liras in administrative fines have been imposed on 67 companies in e-commerce audits over the last 6 months."