24.05.2025 09:32
The Distance Contracts Regulation, which also governs returns in online shopping, has introduced some provisions directly affecting consumers. With the amendments published in the Official Gazette, shipping fees cannot be charged to consumers who exercise their right of withdrawal, and the exceptions to the right of withdrawal for certain electronic products will be removed.
The Ministry of Trade has signed important regulations concerning consumers in e-commerce and distance shopping. With the changes made in the Regulation on Distance Contracts published in the Official Gazette, new rules regarding the return process have been introduced. By preventing consumers from being victimized while paying return costs, e-commerce platforms will also have to take on more responsibility.
SHIPPING COST WILL BE THE SELLER'S RESPONSIBILITY
In the regulation that will come into effect on January 1, 2026, consumers will not be held responsible for shipping costs when returning products in distance shopping. Accordingly, the return shipping cost for consumers exercising their right of withdrawal will be covered by the seller or provider.
RIGHT OF WITHDRAWAL FOR ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS HAS RETURNED
It was previously anticipated that the right of withdrawal would be abolished for products such as mobile phones, smartwatches, tablets, and computers.
However, considering the requests from consumers, this regulation was abandoned. Thus, consumers will also be able to exercise their right of withdrawal without providing any justification within 14 days after the purchase for these products.
According to the new regulation:
- If the carrier specified by the seller is used for returns, the consumer will not pay any return costs.
- In cases where the seller does not provide carrier information, no fees can be charged to the consumer.
- If the specified carrier does not have a branch in the consumer's location, the seller will be obliged to organize the return process free of charge.
- In cases where the contract is established through an e-commerce platform, if the carrier information is incomplete or if the carrier cannot be reached in the consumer's area, this responsibility will belong to the intermediary service provider.
NEW ERA WILL START IN 2026
All changes will come into effect on January 1, 2026.