Strict oversight for exorbitant prices in e-commerce

The Ministry of Trade has launched an intensive investigation into certain products sold on e-commerce sites, taking into account complaints received following the "e-import" regulation within the scope of the simplified customs system, which will come into effect as of February 1. The Ministry is meticulously evaluating the sudden price increases observed recently.

Officials stated that they have identified significant price discrepancies in products that are the subject of user complaints on e-commerce marketplaces, and that these products are being examined for compliance with the laws on the Regulation of Retail Trade and the Regulation of Electronic Commerce. It was reported that information and documents are being regularly requested from all platforms where these products are offered for sale.

According to the statement, access to the sale of products found to have exorbitant price increases as a result of the investigation will be blocked quickly. Furthermore, based on the audit results to be handled by the Unfair Price Evaluation Board, administrative fines of up to 1 million 806 thousand 177 Turkish Lira will be imposed on businesses acting in violation of the regulations for each violation.

The Ministry emphasized that they aim to protect the health and safety of consumers and ensure that the market operates in a fair and transparent manner, and that businesses that comply with the rules will be protected against unfair competition. The statement also expressed that inspections targeting practices and businesses that obtain unfair profits by exploiting sensitivities in society are being continued without interruption.