Ministry of Trade Issues Warning on Year-End Sales in Türkiye: Legal Obligations for Sellers and Tips for Consumers
Introduction
As we approach the end of 2025, campaigns such as “New Year Sales” and “Year-End Deals” are dominating the retail landscape. However, this peak shopping season often brings a rise in consumer grievances. On December 16, 2025, the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Trade published a critical announcement warning consumers about potential fraud and reminding sellers of their strict legal obligations.
Whether you are an e-commerce business operating in Türkiye or an expat consumer, here is what you need to know about the latest regulations and warnings.
Legal Obligations for Sellers and Providers
The Ministry has announced that inspections regarding discounted sales advertisements have been intensified. To avoid administrative sanctions and penalties from the Board of Advertising, sellers must strictly adhere to the following:
- Clarity on Dates: The start and end dates of discounted sales, as well as the scope of the campaign, must be clearly stated.
- No Misleading Pricing: Sellers must avoid expressions that cause confusion or create a perception of a discount greater than what is actually offered.
- Stock Limitations: If a discounted product is limited by stock or time, this must be explicitly stated in the advertisements.
- Algorithmic Transparency: For algorithm-based advertisements offering “Personalized Prices” or “Advantageous Offers,” the consumer must be clearly informed about the parameters of these offers.
- Conditional Sales: For campaigns requiring conditions (e.g., “Buy 3 Pay for 2”), the validity conditions must be explained to the consumer without omission.
Critical Warnings for Consumers
To ensure a safe shopping experience during the New Year period, the Ministry advises consumers to pay attention to the following:
- Conduct Price Research: Do not blindly trust labels like “Star Product,” “Opportunity Product,” or “Best Price.” Compare the price with similar products on different platforms.
- Verify Discounts: Question whether the advertised discount amount or rate reflects market reality.
- Check Website Security: Ensure the website has SSL certificates and uses 3D Secure payment options. Be wary of links directed from social media; ensure they lead to the brand’s official website to avoid phishing/cloned sites.
- Read the Fine Print: Carefully read the details of conditional campaigns (e.g., “Buy 1 Get 1 Free”) to understand which products are included and under what terms.
Conclusion
The Ministry has emphasized that necessary administrative sanctions will be resolutely applied to misleading advertisements that violate legislation. If you are a seller, ensuring your marketing strategies are legally compliant is essential to avoid heavy fines. If you are a consumer who believes they have been misled, you can apply to the Ministry of Trade Board of Advertising.
For legal consultancy regarding Turkish Consumer Law or E-commerce regulations, please contact our law firm.
Legal Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice, professional counsel, or a binding legal opinion. While we strive to ensure the accuracy of the content based on the this article, laws and regulations are subject to change and interpretation. Accessing this article does not establish an attorney-client relationship between the reader and Karacabey Legal. We recommend consulting with a qualified attorney regarding your specific legal situation or compliance obligations before taking any action based on this content.
