12.02.2025 11:32
The Advertising Board, affiliated with the Ministry of Trade, imposed an administrative fine on Adidas for the 'Samba OG' model. The board determined that the product did not indicate the use of pigskin in its content and ruled that the company failed to fulfill its obligation to inform consumers. While Adidas did not respond to the notification, it was also decided to halt the advertisements on the grounds of misleading promotion.
The Advertising Board, affiliated with the Ministry of Trade, continues its inspections regarding product safety in addition to price controls. In this context, an administrative fine was imposed on Adidas, a globally operating shoe manufacturer, due to misleading information regarding the 'Samba OG' model sold in Turkey.
PIGSKIN USED INSTEAD OF NATURAL LEATHER
It was stated that the process began with the determination that the mentioned shoes contained pigskin. It was found that the product descriptions on Adidas's sales platform in Turkey only included the term 'natural leather,' but there was no information regarding the use of pigskin. In the Board's assessment, it was emphasized that according to the Regulation on Commercial Advertising and Unfair Commercial Practices, if a product contains components that are contrary to the general religious sensitivities of society, this must be clearly stated in advertisements.
THEY DID NOT RESPOND TO THE OFFICIAL DEFENSE REQUEST
According to a report by Türkiye Gazetesi; the Advertising Board requested information from Adidas about the product content. However, the customer service unit stated that "it cannot be informed whether the product contains pigskin." Following this, an official defense was requested from the company, but no response was given to the notification made on November 14, 2024.
THEY WILL PAY A FINE OF 550 THOUSAND LIRA
Determining that the company did not fulfill its burden of proof, the Advertising Board stated that Adidas engaged in advertising that was contrary to the relevant regulations and consumer protection laws. Therefore, the company was fined 550,059 lira, and it was also decided to halt the related advertisements.