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Consumer Protection Law in Istanbul operates under the larger umbrella of Turkey's Consumer Protection Laws. These laws are designed to safeguard consumers from dishonest practices, enforce commercial honesty, and ensure consumers' rights are respected. They cover a wide range of topics including product safety, warranties, advertisements, contracts, pricing, and e-commerce amongst others. The laws are based on the principle of transparency, equality, and honesty. They are enforced mainly by the Ministry of Trade, and also by courts in Istanbul operating under Turkish Judicial System.
Consumer Protection Law encompasses a broad variety of situations that require legal assistance. Among them are unfair or deceptive business practices, frauds, disputes regarding quality and safety of a product or a service, contract issues, identity theft, and issues related to credit reports and debt collection. Lawyers specializing in Consumer Protection can provide detailed advice on how the local laws apply to your particular situation. They can also represent you in court if necessary, and can help negotiate settlements in disputes.
The key aspects of local laws relevant to Consumer Protection in Istanbul include the Law on Protection of the Consumer No.6502 and the Regulation on Distance Contracts. These laws protect consumers by covering product safety and quality, accurate information disclosure, right of cancellation, refunds and warranties, and protection against unfair terms and practices. Consumers also have the right to express their complaints and to be indemnified if they were harmed by the purchased product or service.
As a consumer in Istanbul, you are entitled to safety, accurate information, freedom of choice, the right to be heard, and the right to be compensated for damages.
The main regulatory body for Consumer Protection in Turkey is the Ministry of Trade. You can also address your complaints to local Consumer Tribunals.
A complaint should first be addressed to the supplier of the product or the service provider. If this step doesn’t solve the issue, a formal complaint can be filed with the Ministry of Trade or with Consumer Tribunals.
Yes, you have a right to cancel a distance or off-premises contract within 14 days without giving any reason and without incurring any costs, except for some specified cases.
If a purchased product is defective, you have the right to ask for a repair, replacement, cancellation of the sale, or a price reduction within 30 days.
The Ministry of Trade's official website provides extensive information about Consumer Protection laws in Turkey. The Consumer Problems Application and Information Centre (TÜKMER), an association called Consumers’ Union (Tüketiciler Birliği), and the Istanbul Arbitration Committee for Consumer Problems are also helpful resources regarding consumer rights and obligations.
If you need legal assistance in Consumer Protection, it is advisable to consult a lawyer who is an expert in this field. They can provide you with professional advice based on your specific situation and guide you through the process. You can also contact TÜKMER and other consumer associations for advice and help. If necessary, lodge a formal complaint with the relevant authorities or consider taking the matter to court.
