New regulation from the Ministry of Trade: Strict inspections for wholesale markets and grocery stores

The new draft regulation prepared by the Ministry of Trade aims to reduce intermediary costs in vegetable and fruit prices. Within this scope, free land will be allocated to producer organizations to establish wholesale markets, and rental rates in these markets will be reduced by 75 percent. Furthermore, no income tax will be collected from these markets.

The draft proposes a 1 million TL fine for wholesale markets that engage in hoarding.

A fine of 200 thousand TL will be imposed on those who destroy spoiled products. Grocery stores, meanwhile, will be required to source at least 20 percent of their vegetables and fruits directly from producers. Grocery stores that fail to meet this requirement will be subject to a 50 million TL fine.

It is planned that the authority to grant permits for the establishment of wholesale markets will be transferred from municipalities to the Ministry of Trade. With this change, the establishment of markets that do not meet modern and minimum standards will be prevented, and the creation of more modern facilities will be ensured.

The draft is also being expanded to include traders. The scope of the collateral used to cover losses arising from non-payment to producers or the spoilage of goods will now include traders operating outside of wholesale markets. In addition to this, it is aimed to facilitate the collection of receivables by allowing deductions from the collateral for creditors other than producers.

This draft regulation will take its final form after public opinion is gathered.

News Source: 12punto