The Turkish Ministry of Trade has announced that uncertified products sold on e-commerce platforms like TEMU will no longer be allowed to enter Turkey. This regulation aims to enhance product safety and reliability for consumers, particularly as TEMU, a Chinese platform, has been rapidly expanding its market presence in Turkey since its launch in June 2024, shipping around 200,000 products daily.
These products, which range from clothing and footwear to toys and accessories, captures the interest of consumers in Türkiye, particularly because of its competitive pricing. These products previously entered the Turkish market without undergoing any inspections, raising concerns about potential health risks. The Ministry’s new directive mandates that e-commerce platforms must display necessary certifications and documents to ensure product compliance with local regulations. Failure to do so will result in restrictions on the sale of their products within Turkey.
Deputy Trade Minister Mahmut Gürcan highlighted that while TEMU has significantly increased its daily shipments—from about 50,000 last year to around 200,000 now—this growth must be balanced with consumer safety. He mentioned that products could come from the manufacturer directly, leading to unregulated items potentially containing hazardous materials being sold to Turkish consumers.
The regulation requires compliance with the “Regulation on Market Surveillance and Inspection of Products Placed on the Market through Remote Communication Tools,” effective since April 1. This new oversight is crucial in mitigating risks associated with imported goods that may not meet Turkish safety standards, addressing both consumer health and market integrity concerns.
With this initiative, the Turkish government aims to safeguard public health while ensuring that the growing e-commerce sector adheres to established safety norms and fosters consumer confidence in online shopping platforms.
