Practice Areas
Consumer Law Advisory
Support for disputes arising from goods and services purchased by consumers under the Consumer Protection Law No. 6502.
Last updated: · Prepared by: Av. Barış Kaymaz
Consumer law aims to protect consumers in their dealings with sellers and providers and contains largely mandatory provisions, primarily under the Consumer Protection Law No. 6502.
Recognizing the imbalance in information and bargaining power between the parties, the law provides various protections in favor of consumers. Correctly applying these rules matters both for consumers exercising their rights and for sellers meeting their obligations.
Defective Goods and Services
Under Article 8 et seq. of Law No. 6502, a good or service that does not conform to the agreed sample or model, or lacks the qualities it should objectively possess, is considered defective performance. A consumer who receives a defective good may choose between free repair, replacement with a defect-free equivalent, a proportionate price reduction, or rescission of the contract, with such claims subject to a two-year limitation period from delivery (at least one year for used goods), except where the seller knowingly concealed the defect.
Distance Sales and Door-to-Door Sales Contracts
A distance-selling contract is formed between a consumer and seller through remote communication tools without them being physically present together. The consumer has an unconditional right to withdraw within fourteen days of delivery, without giving any reason or paying a penalty, provided the seller has properly informed the consumer of this right — otherwise the withdrawal period may extend up to a year. Door-to-door sales carry a similar fourteen-day withdrawal right, while certain goods, such as custom-made or perishable items, are excluded from it by their nature.
Subscription and Credit Agreements
For continuing subscription contracts (electricity, water, gas, telecommunications, digital content, etc.), the consumer may terminate at any time, with the termination notice to be processed within seven days at the latest, while consumer loan agreements include protective provisions on early repayment, interest-rate changes, and default interest. Housing finance (mortgage) agreements must apply the statutory reduction in interest and costs where the consumer makes early repayment.
Consumer Arbitration Committee and Consumer Court
For disputes below the statutory monetary threshold, a consumer can apply to the district or provincial consumer arbitration committee for a fast, low-cost resolution, and committee decisions below a certain amount are final and binding; disputes above the threshold must be brought directly before the consumer court. Arbitration committee decisions can be challenged before the consumer court within fifteen days of notification, and since the thresholds are updated annually, current figures should be verified before applying.
Unfair Commercial Practices
The law defines and prohibits misleading and aggressive commercial practices that significantly affect, or are likely to affect, consumers' economic decisions. Misleading advertising, false discount claims, and high-pressure sales techniques fall within this category, and consumers harmed by such practices may rescind the contract and claim damages.
Services in This Area
- Preparing and pursuing claims related to defective goods and services
- Preparing applications to consumer arbitration committees
- Handling appeals against arbitration committee decisions before consumer courts
- Resolving withdrawal right disputes arising from distance and door-to-door sales
- Advising on disputes arising from subscription and consumer credit agreements
- Protecting consumer rights against unfair commercial practices
- Advising sellers and providers on regulatory compliance