Consumer Law
Information on defective goods, consumer arbitration committees, distance sales, housing purchases and bank charges under Turkish consumer law, in Şanlıurfa.
Consumer law (tüketici hukuku) protects individuals who buy goods or services for non-commercial purposes. It is regulated mainly in the Consumer Protection Law No. 6502 (Tüketicinin Korunması Hakkında Kanun). Typical cases involve defective products, online purchases, housing bought off-plan, bank fees and subscription contracts. Foreigners living in Turkey, or buying property and vehicles here, benefit from the same consumer protections.
Scope of services
- Claims for defective goods and services (ayıplı mal ve hizmet)
- Applications to consumer arbitration committees (tüketici hakem heyeti)
- Actions before consumer courts (tüketici mahkemesi)
- Mandatory mediation (zorunlu arabuluculuk) in consumer disputes
- Distance and off-premises contracts and the right of withdrawal (cayma hakkı)
- Disputes arising from off-plan housing sales (ön ödemeli konut satışı)
- Consumer loans, credit cards and bank charges
- Package tours, subscription contracts and warranty claims
How does the process work?
- The invoice, contract, warranty documents and correspondence with the seller are reviewed.
- The consumer's rights and the competent authority are determined.
- A complaint or formal notice is sent to the seller or provider.
- Depending on the amount, an application is made to the consumer arbitration committee, or mediation and a court action are pursued.
- The proceedings are followed until a decision and its enforcement.
Frequently asked questions
What can I ask for if a product is defective?
The consumer can generally choose between withdrawing from the contract, a price reduction, free repair or replacement with a defect-free product. The seller must fulfil the chosen right unless it is disproportionate. Claims are subject to limitation periods, so defects should be reported promptly.
Do I have to go to court for a small claim?
No. Below a monetary threshold that is updated every year, applications must be made to the consumer arbitration committee, which is free of charge. Above this threshold, mediation is generally required before a court action.
Can I cancel an online purchase?
For distance contracts, the consumer generally has a right of withdrawal within fourteen days without giving reasons. Some goods and services are excluded, such as customised products and perishable goods.
For questions about a consumer dispute, please use our contact page.