Ticaret Bakanlığı, E-Ticaretteki Sorunları İnceliyor

Trade Ministry has announced that during inspections in the e-commerce market over the last 6 months, 67 companies were fined a total of 93.7 million Turkish Liras.

In a statement from the ministry, it was highlighted that consumer habits have changed with technological advancements, leading to an increase in consumers’ tendency to shop from online stores. The statement emphasized that regulations related to this matter have been swiftly implemented, noting the lack of opportunities for consumers to try, see, or examine products ordered under distance contracts, which makes consumers even more in need of protection.

The statement stressed that in order to protect the weaker party in the contract, not only is the fundamental right of withdrawal secured, but also consumers’ right to be informed before placing an order and the enforcement of the contract are guaranteed by legal regulations. It was reminded that legal provisions have been established to protect consumers against grievances.

To ensure sectoral compliance regarding the application, it was mentioned in the statement that inspections and oversight activities are ongoing based on consumer complaints in areas where complaints are concentrated, under the provisions of the Consumer Protection Law and the Distance Contracts Regulation.

“As a result of our efforts, due to the non-refund of amounts or failure to make refunds within the legal time frame regarding the use of the right of withdrawal, a total of 40.3 million Turkish Liras in administrative fines was imposed on 18 firms following the inspections and audits started in October 2024 and completed within the same year. Additionally, in the first three months of 2025, within the scope of inspections and audits conducted on distance contracts related to e-commerce, a total of 53.4 million Turkish Liras in administrative fines was imposed on 49 firms, and inspections are currently ongoing for 19 firms. Thus, in the last 6 months, a total of 93.7 million Turkish Liras in administrative fines has been imposed on 67 companies during e-commerce inspections.”