How to Exercise the Right of Withdrawal in Distance Sales in Turkey

Since distance sales contracts are transactions in which the consumer purchases goods without being able to physically examine them, the law grants the consumer a right of withdrawal from the contract without giving any reason.

The Withdrawal Period

Under the Distance Contracts Regulation and Article 48 of Law No. 6502, the consumer has the right to withdraw from the contract within 14 days from the date the goods are delivered to them or to a third party they have designated, without giving any reason and without paying a penalty. For service contracts, this period begins to run from the date the contract was concluded.

How to Exercise the Right of Withdrawal

The right of withdrawal is exercised through a clear notice to the seller or provider within the period, which can be made in writing or through a durable data medium (including email). The seller is required to provide the consumer with a withdrawal notification form.

When the Right of Withdrawal Cannot Be Used

The law provides that the right of withdrawal cannot be exercised for exceptional categories such as goods that by their nature cannot be returned, goods that perish quickly or whose expiry date may pass, audio/video recordings and software whose packaging has been opened by the consumer, services performed instantly in electronic form, and goods prepared specifically according to the consumer's requests.

How the Return Process Works

The consumer must return the goods within ten days of the withdrawal notice reaching the seller, while the seller must refund all payments collected (including any delivery costs) to the consumer within fourteen days at the latest from the date they learn of the withdrawal notice. The consumer is not held responsible for a decrease in value resulting from ordinary use of the goods.

Practical Recommendations

Exercise your right of withdrawal in writing within the period and keep proof that the notice reached the seller (email, shipping tracking number). Take care to return the product undamaged, together with its packaging and all accessories.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please contact our team regarding your specific situation.