27.06.2026 15:47
The Ministry of Trade published in the Official Gazette a new regulation expanding consumer rights in the sale of refurbished technological products. The regulation introduces a 14-day right of withdrawal for products purchased from stores and also includes televisions within the scope of refurbishment.
The Ministry of Trade announced that the 'Regulation on Refurbished Products', which brings new regulations to increase the effectiveness of the refurbished product ecosystem, has been published in the Official Gazette.
In a written statement from the Ministry, it was stated: "New regulations have been implemented to increase the effectiveness of the refurbished product ecosystem, which ensures that technological products frequently traded in the second-hand market are refurbished within certain standards and offered for resale with a guarantee. The 'Regulation on Refurbished Products' prepared by the Ministry of Trade has been published in the Official Gazette, and the regulations will enter into force on August 1, 2026. The regulations aim to make the processes of refurbishing second-hand technological products, from mobile phones to computers, smartwatches to game consoles—which consumers show intense interest in—with a guarantee and reintegrating them into the economy, faster, more transparent, and safer."
"RIGHT OF WITHDRAWAL FROM THE CONTRACT WITHIN 14 DAYS INTRODUCED"
The main innovations introduced within the scope of the new regulation are listed as follows:
"With the new regulation, consumers will have the right to withdraw from the contract without providing any reason within 14 days, not only for online purchases but also for refurbished products purchased physically from stores. Through the Refurbished Product Information System (YÜBİS), a digital registration record is created for each device. Via this system; information on which parts were replaced and which processes were performed, records of lost/stolen product inquiries, details of the relevant refurbishment center and all businesses operating on behalf of these centers, and product certificates accessible through YÜBİS are made available to consumers."
TELEVISIONS ALSO INCLUDED IN THE REFURBISHMENT SCOPE
"In the current regulation, mobile phones, tablets, smartwatches, game consoles, and modems were included in the refurbishment scope. With the new regulation, televisions have also been included, extending consumer protection to a wider range of products. The paid-in capital amount required for the refurbishment authorization certificate has been increased within the framework of current economic conditions to strengthen the sector's financial reliability and institutional capacity. Administrative sanctions will be imposed on businesses that violate the provisions of the regulation. The authorization certificates of centers that harm consumer health, safety, or economic interests may be suspended or revoked by the established Commission. Refurbishment centers whose certificates are revoked will not be granted new certificates for 1 year. Particularly, electronic verification, recording, and control mechanisms have been developed to help prevent potential abuses in practices such as the installment advantage provided for refurbished mobile phones under the BDDK Decision No. 11022 dated December 5, 2024, and the reduction of the VAT rate to 1% for refurbished mobile phones offered for sale by refurbishment centers and their authorized dealers within the scope of the Presidential Decree No. 4517 dated September 30, 2021. Considering that approximately 1.6 million products have been refurbished and reintroduced to the market to date, it is known that this system contributes to the national economy by reducing electronic waste, strengthening the circular economy, and preventing waste and environmental damage. It is assessed that the positive effects of the ecosystem will continue to increase with the new regulations."
The statement also said, "As the Ministry of Trade, with this regulation, we aim to both promote environmentally friendly and sustainable consumption habits and prevent consumers from being victimized in the second-hand market, creating a safe shopping environment."