Turkey Increases Fines for Consumer Law Violations in 2018

Recent Development

Effective 1 January 2018, higher fines will be imposed for certain violations of Law No. 6502 on Protection of Consumers (the “Consumer Protection Law“). Fines will increase by 14.47% compared to 2017.

In particular, companies that are found to have:

• Used unfair terms unlawfully or failed to use 12-point bold type with clear language in consumer agreements, failed to provide a guarantee certificate, or failed to provide explicit and legible safety information to consumers for goods deemed potentially harmful to consumers or the environment will be subject to a fine in the amount of TRY 274 (approximately USD 73) per violation;

• Failed to comply with the obligations on consumer loan and housing finance agreements and agreements concluded outside the workplace will be subject to a fine in the amount of TRY 1,380 (approximately USD 368) per agreement or transaction;

• Made deceptive or misleading representation through mass media advertising will be subject to a fine in the amount of TRY 6,907 to 276,345 (approximately USD 1,844 to 73,772) per violation.

Conclusion

Companies should take note of these changes in fines and their effects on their operations in Turkey, and take steps to ensure compliance with the Consumer Protection Law.