Authorized Representative in Turkey: Navigating New E-Commerce Regulations for Product Compliance

As Turkey strengthens its regulatory framework, businesses selling products online must adapt to new compliance requirements. The upcoming Regulation on Market Surveillance and Inspection of Products Offered to the Market Through Remote Communication Tools, effective April 1, 2025, and the existing Law No. 7223 on Product Safety and Technical Regulations bring significant changes for manufacturers, importers, and e-commerce platforms. Ensuring compliance with these regulations is essential for businesses looking to operate smoothly in Turkey’s growing digital marketplace.   ### Law No. 7223: Ensuring Product Safety in Turkey Enacted in 2020, Law No. 7223 sets the foundation for product safety and technical regulations in Turkey. It defines the responsibilities of economic operators, including manufacturers, importers, distributors, and authorized representatives, to ensure product safety and compliance with technical standards. The law also establishes guidelines for market surveillance and the enforcement mechanisms of regulatory authorities. ### Key Changes Affecting E-Commerce Businesses The new regulation, targeting products sold through remote communication tools (e-commerce platforms, TV shopping, radio, and other digital channels), introduces critical compliance obligations:   ✅ Mandatory Product Compliance:   All products offered online must meet Turkey’s safety and technical regulations. Products that fail to comply will be subject to removal and potential penalties.   ✅ Targeting Turkish Consumers: If an online product listing uses the Turkish language, displays prices in Turkish Lira, or offers delivery within Turkey, it is considered to be targeting Turkish consumers and must comply with Turkish regulations.   ✅ Local Authorized Representative Requirement: Certain product categories must have a local economic operator, such as an authorized representative in Turkey. This ensures that a responsible party is available for compliance checks and regulatory inquiries.   ✅ Clear and Transparent Product Information: Online listings must display essential product details, including manufacturer name, brand, contact information, safety warnings, and compliance certificates in Turkish. This enhances transparency and consumer trust.   ✅ Fast Removal of Non-Compliant Products: If a product is found to be non-compliant, the seller must remove it within 24 hours of notification. Failure to do so may result in website access restrictions.   ### Why an Authorized Representative in Turkey is Essential For foreign manufacturers and businesses without a legal presence in Turkey, appointing an Authorized Representative is crucial. Their key responsibilities include:   🔹 Acting as the Official Contact Point – Liaising between manufacturers and Turkish regulatory authorities.   🔹 Managing Compliance Documentation – Ensuring all necessary safety and technical documents are available upon request.   🔹 Supporting Market Surveillance – Assisting with inspections and regulatory checks.   ### How to Prepare for the New Regulations To ensure a smooth transition and continued market access in Turkey, businesses should:   📌 Review All Product Listings – Verify compliance with Turkish regulations before April 1, 2025.   📌 Appoint an Authorized Representative – If required, designate a local representative to handle regulatory matters. Reach us for further information. 📌 Update Online Sales Platforms – Display all mandatory product information in Turkish.   📌 Implement Compliance Monitoring Systems – Regularly review product listings and respond swiftly to regulatory requests.   ### Stay Compliant & Build Consumer Trust in Turkey By proactively adapting to these regulatory changes, businesses can avoid penalties, enhance consumer trust, and maintain seamless access to Turkey’s booming e-commerce market. Partnering with an Authorized Representative in Turkey is a key step in ensuring compliance and long-term success.   🚀 Need an Authorized Representative in Turkey? Contact us today to ensure smooth regulatory compliance and hassle-free business operations.