World Consumer Rights Day is celebrated annually on March 15 by international consumer organizations in commemoration of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Consumer Rights by the United Nations General Assembly in 1985. In Türkiye, this date has been observed since 1985 and aims to raise global awareness for the protection, education, and empowerment of consumers. In Türkiye, this celebration is also integrated with Consumer Protection Week, observed between March 15–21, continuing as an extended period of awareness-raising activities.

Legal Basis of Consumer Rights

The principle of “social justice” in Article 2 of the Constitution of the Republic of Türkiye requires the protection of the weak against the strong, and Article 172 stipulates that the state must take protective and informative measures for consumers and encourage initiatives by consumers to protect themselves. In line with this constitutional framework, the protection of consumer rights in Türkiye has been supported through specific legislation.

Consumer rights in Türkiye were provided with a legal basis in 1995 through Law No. 4077 on the Protection of Consumers, and following substantial amendments made with Law No. 4822 in 2013, Law No. 6502 on the Protection of Consumers came into force. This law introduced regulations ensuring consumers’ rights in areas such as Distance Contracts, Off-Premises Sales, Installment Sales, Warranty Certificates, Turkish-Language User Manuals, After-Sales Services, Defective Goods and Services, Timeshare, Package Tours, Unfair Terms in Contracts, Consumer Credit, Credit Cards, Periodical Publications, Subscription Agreements, Misleading and Deceptive Advertising, and Price Labels. Within the scope of the law, 28 implementing regulations were published in the Official Gazette and came into force.

Definition and Rights of Consumers

A consumer is a person equipped with the necessary knowledge and awareness to meet basic needs, live in a healthy environment, and participate safely in economic activities. Consumers have the authority to demand compensation for possible damages and to appeal individually or through organizations for the protection and development of their rights. The consumer’s right of choice is ensured by the existence of a free competitive environment, allowing consumers to select goods or services according to their own preferences.

Historical and Cultural Foundations

Although the concept of consumer protection has gained importance globally over the last century, Türkiye has a deep-rooted history in this field. The Bursa, Istanbul, and Edirne İhtisab Codes from the reign of Bayezid II in the 16th century are considered the first regulations worldwide protecting consumer rights. In addition, the Ahi organization operating in Anatolia during the 12th century functioned as a system establishing standards for production quality and consumer safety.

Consumer Arbitration Committees and Application Processes

In Türkiye, Consumer Arbitration Committees have been established in every province and district to facilitate consumers’ access to justice. These committees allow consumers to resolve disputes without going to court. Following restructuring, the application and decision-making processes of the arbitration committees have been conducted through a centralized system. A significant portion of applications result in decisions in favor of consumers, with the sectors receiving the highest number of applications identified as retail trade, financial services, and subscription services.

Applications can be submitted to the Consumer Arbitration Committee in the province of residence either in person or via the e-Government portal for disputes below a certain monetary threshold. For higher-value disputes, applications must be made to Consumer Courts. In addition, the Consumer Information System (TÜBİS) allows complaints to be submitted and tracked online.

Inspection and Protection Activities

Under Law No. 6502, the Price Tag Regulation, and Law No. 6585 on the Regulation of Retail Trade, inspections are conducted on products and services offered to consumers. Administrative sanctions are applied to businesses found in violation of the relevant legislation. The Ministry continues inspection and awareness efforts under the principles of “zero tolerance for unsafe products” and “informed consumer, prudent merchant.” Citizens can report complaints regarding unfair price increases and hoarding through the ALO 175 Consumer Consultation Line or via the e-Government platform.

Consumer Awareness and Conscious Consumption

Effective protection of consumer rights is only possible not merely through legal regulations but also by consumers being aware of their rights and acting consciously. Conscious consumption is one of the fundamental elements that improve production quality, support the dynamics of the economy, and enable individuals to protect their rights. In Türkiye, the Ministry and its affiliated units organize brochures, public service announcements, and awareness programs to increase consumer awareness.