25.05.2025 10:50
The Ministry of Trade has made changes to the Regulation on Distance Contracts. According to the regulation published in the Official Gazette, the return shipping fee for online purchases will be charged to the seller, not the consumer.
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The Ministry of Trade has made a regulation regarding e-Commerce. With the amendment in the Distance Contracts Regulation published in the Official Gazette, the shipping cost for product returns in online shopping will be charged to the seller, not the consumer.
CONSUMERS CANNOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR EXPENSES
If the product is returned via the carrier specified by the seller, the consumer cannot be held responsible for the return-related expenses.
SELLER WILL ENSURE THE PRODUCT IS COLLECTED FROM THE CONSUMER
If the carrier specified in the pre-information for the return does not have a branch in the consumer's location, the seller will be obliged to ensure that the product intended for return is collected from the consumer without requesting any additional costs.
NEW ERA IN MOBILE PHONES AND SMART WATCHES
Moreover, under the current regulation, in online shopping for certain electronic products such as mobile phones, smart watches, tablets, and computers, unless otherwise agreed by the parties, the consumer could not exercise the right of withdrawal. With the amendment, consumers will also be able to exercise the right of withdrawal for electronic products such as mobile phones, tablets, and smart watches.
WILL COME INTO EFFECT ON JANUARY 1, 2026
Additionally, information stating that mediation must be sought before going to court for disputes within monetary limits will be clearly included in the pre-information form provided before the sale. Thus, consumers will be informed in advance about the steps they need to take in case of a dispute. The provisions in the new regulation will come into effect on January 1, 2026.
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