Consumer Rights in Turkey: A Guide for Foreigners with Defective Goods


Bought a Defective Product in Turkey? A Foreigner's Guide to Your Consumer Rights

Whether you've just moved to Turkey or are a long-term resident, you will inevitably purchase goods—a new smartphone, furniture for your apartment, or even a car. But what happens when that brand-new product turns out to be defective? Many foreigners feel powerless in this situation, unsure of their rights and intimidated by the language barrier. The great news is that Turkey has a robust and consumer-friendly law, the Law on the Protection of the Consumer (Law No. 6502), and its protections apply equally to everyone, including foreign nationals.

You do not have to accept a faulty product. This article will explain your fundamental rights when you purchase defective goods and the clear, step-by-step process for seeking a resolution. In these disputes, the guidance of a knowledgeable lawyer can be invaluable, ensuring your rights are asserted effectively. An expert Alanya law office can represent you at every stage of this process.

Your Four Fundamental Rights for Defective Goods (`Seçimlik Haklar`)

When you purchase a product that is defective (`ayıplı mal`), Turkish law grants you, the consumer, four powerful elective rights. You get to choose which one you want to exercise. The seller cannot force you to accept a specific option, such as only offering a repair.

Your four options are:

  1. Right to a Full Refund (Return from the Contract): You have the right to return the defective product and demand a full refund of the price you paid.
  2. Right to a Replacement: You can return the defective product and demand a brand-new, identical, and non-defective replacement.
  3. Right to a Free Repair: You can request that the seller repair the product free of charge, covering all costs, including labor and parts.
  4. Right to a Price Reduction: You can choose to keep the defective product but demand a reduction in the price proportional to the defect.

These rights are valid for a period of two years from the date of purchase for most goods (longer for housing and subject to different rules for secondhand cars).

The Dispute Resolution Process: How to Enforce Your Rights

If the seller is uncooperative and refuses to honor your chosen right, the law provides a clear, low-cost, and efficient path to justice.

Step 1: The Consumer Arbitration Committee (`Tüketici Hakem Heyeti`)
This is the most important and effective tool for most consumer disputes. The Consumer Arbitration Committee is a quasi-judicial body established in every district to resolve consumer complaints quickly and, most importantly, **free of charge**. You do not need to pay court fees to apply.

  • Monetary Limits: The Committee handles disputes up to a certain monetary value, which is updated annually. For 2025, for example, let's assume this limit is 100,000 TRY. If your product's value is below this limit, you **must** apply to this committee first.
  • Legally Binding Decisions: The decisions of the Consumer Arbitration Committee are legally binding, just like a court order. If the committee rules in your favor, the seller is legally obligated to comply.
  • The Process: Your Alanya Lawyer will draft a detailed petition, attach all evidence (invoice, photos/videos of the defect, communication with the seller), and file it with the committee.

Step 2: The Consumer Court (`Tüketici Mahkemesi`)
If the value of your defective product is **above** the annual monetary limit for the Arbitration Committee, your case must be filed directly at the Consumer Court. A lawsuit in court is a more formal process involving hearings and requires legal representation from a professional law firm. You can also appeal a decision from the Arbitration Committee to the Consumer Court if you believe it was incorrect.

Value of Dispute (Example for 2025) Competent Authority
Below 100,000 TRY Consumer Arbitration Committee (Mandatory)
Above 100,000 TRY Consumer Court (Direct Lawsuit)

Why a Lawyer is Your Best Ally in a Consumer Dispute

While the Arbitration Committee process is designed to be accessible, a lawyer's expertise significantly increases your chances of success:

  • Properly Documenting the Defect: A lawyer will guide you on how to properly document the issue, perhaps even obtaining a technical report, to build a strong case.
  • Drafting a Persuasive Petition: An experienced Alanya Lawyer knows how to draft a legal petition that is clear, compelling, and cites the correct articles of the law.
  • Navigating the System: They handle all the filing, deadlines, and communication with the committee or court, a process that can be confusing for a foreigner.
  • Enforcing the Decision: If the seller refuses to comply with a favorable decision from the committee, your lawyer can immediately take that decision to an Enforcement Office (`İcra Dairesi`) to forcibly collect your money or secure your replacement product.

Conclusion

As a consumer in Turkey, you are well-protected by law. A defective product is not your problem to bear. By understanding your four fundamental rights and knowing the accessible dispute resolution process through the Consumer Arbitration Committee, you can confidently stand up for your rights. For the most effective and stress-free resolution, seeking the support of a qualified Alanya law office is a wise investment that ensures the law works for you.

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