The Ministry of Commerce has tightened its controls in order to protect the rights of consumers in online shopping, which has increased with the development of technology. In the statement made by the Ministry, it was stated that distance contracts have gained importance as consumers turn to fast and easily accessible online stores, and it was emphasized that the fact that the consumer does not have the opportunity to try the product in these contracts creates an additional need for protection. In this context, it was reminded that issues such as the right of withdrawal, pre-order notification and performance of the contract are secured by legal regulations.
Severe Penalties for Violations of the Right of Withdrawal
The Ministry announced that legal arrangements have been made and inspections have been intensified against consumer grievances such as failure to exercise the right of withdrawal or failure to make refunds within the legal period, failure to make deliveries at all or delays in purchases made during the campaign period, unilateral cancellation of orders due to reasons such as out of stock, and failure to make refunds on time. As a result of these efforts, a total of 2024 million TL in administrative fines were imposed on 18 companies in the inspections initiated and completed in October 40,3. In the first three months of 2025 (January-March), a total of 49 million TL in administrative fines were imposed on 53,4 companies, while it was announced that inspections were still ongoing for 19 companies.
The Ministry of Trade announced to the public that effective, intensive and widespread inspections will continue to be carried out within the framework of the Law No. 6502 on the Protection of Consumers and the Distance Contracts Regulation in order to protect the rights of consumers and ensure fair competition conditions along with changing shopping habits.
