Turkey (TR)
Turkey is a transcontinental nation straddling Europe and Asia across the Bosphorus Strait, uniting 85 million people under a rich civilisational heritage stretching from the ancient Hittites and Romans to the Byzantine Empire and Ottoman Empire.
Consumer Rights
Right of withdrawal, contracts and debt collection in Turkey.
Turkish consumer rights are governed by Tüketicinin Korunması Hakkında Kanun (Consumer Protection Law No. 6502), revised in 2013/2014 and progressively updated. The Tüketici Hakem Heyeti (Consumer Arbitration Committee — THH) is the primary dispute resolution body for consumer complaints; for 2026, disputes below TRY 186,000 must be filed with THH (updated annually by the Ministry of Commerce, Official Gazette 23 Dec 2025). Disputes at or above TRY 186,000 go to Tüketici Mahkemesi (Consumer Court). TÜMER (Tüketici Mahkemesi) and Tüketici Hakları Derneği (Consumer Rights Association) provide advocacy. Turkey's consumer rights framework is broadly aligned with EU standards following harmonisation efforts, though enforcement can be less rigorous. Note: with Turkey's high inflation, always check prices carefully — price discrepancy at checkout is a recurring issue.
Right of withdrawal (Widerrufsrecht)
Cayma hakkı (right of withdrawal): 14 days for online purchases (mesafeli satış sözleşmesi — distance sales contract) and door-to-door sales. During this period, consumer can return product without giving any reason and receive a full refund. Seller must refund within 14 days of receiving the returned goods. Exceptions: digital content downloaded/used immediately; personalised items; perishables; hygiene products unsealed. For physical goods: return shipping costs typically borne by consumer unless seller agrees otherwise. Online retailers (Trendyol, Hepsiburada, Amazon Turkey) generally have smoother return processes than small independent online sellers.
Contract cancellation
Abonelik sözleşmeleri (subscription contracts): consumers can cancel at any time with appropriate notice — minimum notice periods cannot exceed 30 days for most services. Mobile phone contracts with subsidised handsets: early cancellation fees apply (typically remaining handset value). Internet contracts: early cancellation fees if within minimum contract period (usually 12–24 months). Gym memberships: health club specific rules — if facility closes, consumer entitled to refund. Electricity/gas: can cancel anytime with 1 month notice.
Otomatik yenileme (auto-renewal): contracts that auto-renew must notify the consumer 30 days before renewal. Consumer can opt out. Streaming services and software subscriptions: same rules. If a subscription auto-renews without proper notification, consumer can dispute the charge. Check subscription terms carefully — Turkish law requires explicit opt-in for some auto-renewals.
Debt collection — response deadlines
Informal reminders: Ödeme hatırlatması: creditors typically send 2–3 SMS/letter reminders before formal action. First contact is usually by phone or SMS. Turkish debt collection culture is more direct and persistent than Northern Europe — expect multiple contacts.
Court order: For debts above certain thresholds: creditor must apply to İcra Müdürlüğü (Enforcement Directorate) for İcra Takibi (enforcement proceedings). The debtor receives an ödeme emri (payment order). If disputed, debtor has 7 days to contest (itiraz). If not contested or itiraz rejected: enforcement proceeds including bank account garnishment, wage garnishment, or property seizure.
Response deadline: 7 days from receipt of ödeme emri (payment order) to contest. Contesting formally (itiraz) requires filing at İcra Müdürlüğü. Missing this deadline is serious — it allows enforcement to proceed without further hearing.
Consumer protection authority
Tüketici Hakem Heyeti (THH — Consumer Arbitration Committee) at İlçe ve İl Müdürlükleri (district and provincial directorates). For complaints: Tüketici Bilgi Sistemi (TÜBİS) at tuketicisikayetleri.gtb.gov.tr (online). Gümrük ve Ticaret Bakanlığı (Ministry of Customs and Trade) oversees consumer protection.
File complaint at: tuketicisikayetleri.gtb.gov.tr (online) or visit local Tüketici Hakem Heyeti (at İlçe/İl Müdürlüğü). Price gouging/unfair trading: contact Rekabet Kurumu (Competition Authority — rekabet.gov.tr). Food safety: Tarım ve Orman Bakanlığı. Online marketplace frauds: Tüketici Hakem Heyeti and Emniyet Siber Suçlar Birimi (police cybercrime unit). Banking complaints: Bankacılık Düzenleme ve Denetleme Kurumu (BDDK — bddk.org.tr). Telecom complaints: BTK (Bilgi Teknolojileri ve İletişim Kurumu — btk.gov.tr).