Turkey’s New E-Commerce Rules: Free Returns & 14-Day Electronics Refunds

Recently, Turkey's Ministry of Trade announced comprehensive reforms to strengthen consumer rights in e-commerce. Starting January 1, 2026, a series of new regulations will take effect, most notably shifting return shipping costs from consumers to sellers and restoring the right to unconditional returns for certain electronics.

Under the revised Regulation on Distance Contracts, sellers or suppliers will be responsible for covering return shipping costs when consumers exercise their right to return online purchases. Consumers returning products through the seller's designated logistics service will no longer bear any return-related fees. In cases where the designated logistics provider does not have a local office in the consumer's area, the seller is required to arrange for product collection at no additional charge to the consumer. This policy reinforces Turkey's longstanding commitment to consumer-friendly practices and ensures greater economic protection for online shoppers.

Another key aspect of the reform is the reinstatement of the right to return popular electronic products. Previously, unless otherwise agreed in advance, consumers purchasing items such as mobile phones, smartwatches, tablets, and laptops online were not entitled to the standard 14-day no-questions-asked return period. This restriction was widely challenged during the 28th Consumer Council meeting held on September 4, 2024. Based on the council's recommendations, the Ministry of Trade has amended the rules to explicitly reinstate the 14-day unconditional return right for these electronics, allowing consumers to return them without providing a reason.

The new regulations also enhance the process for resolving consumer disputes. Moving forward, sellers must clearly disclose dispute resolution procedures as part of their pre-sale information. In particular, for disputes falling within the monetary jurisdiction of consumer courts, consumers will be required to attempt mediation before filing a lawsuit. This requirement aims to promote alternative dispute resolution methods, reduce litigation costs, and improve efficiency in handling consumer complaints.

These reforms stem from a reassessment of the Regulation on Distance Contracts initially published on August 23, 2022, but not fully implemented. The original provisions sought to expand exceptions to return rights and allowed prior agreements on which party would bear return shipping costs—proposals that faced widespread criticism from consumer advocacy groups. After careful consideration of feedback from the Consumer Council, the Ministry opted to revise the regulations to prioritize protecting consumers’ financial interests in line with the core principles of Turkey's Consumer Protection Law.

All provisions of the new rules will officially take effect on January 1, 2026, providing businesses with a transition period to update their policies and systems accordingly. The Ministry of Trade stated that the reforms aim to deliver a safer and more transparent online shopping experience for consumers while ensuring standardized pre-sale information disclosure. The Ministry further emphasized its ongoing commitment to legislative efforts that strengthen the institutional protection of consumer economic interests.