Dropshipping Compliance in Turkey

E-Commerce Dropshipping in Turkey - Legal Compliance

As e-commerce continues to grow in Turkey, dropshipping has become an attractive model for entrepreneurs and international sellers. However, while the business model eliminates the need for local inventory, it does not eliminate legal obligations. From tax registration to consumer rights, even low-volume sellers must comply with Turkish e-commerce regulations. A knowledgeable Turkish Law Firm helps online business owners navigate this landscape safely and legally.

At ER&GUN&ER Law Firm, our English Speaking Turkish Lawyers advise Turkish and foreign operators using platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, Amazon, or Trendyol on how to structure compliant dropshipping operations. Whether you sell domestically or cross-border, legal gaps can result in tax penalties, KVKK violations, or blacklisting by payment processors.

What Is Dropshipping Under Turkish Law?

Dropshipping is not explicitly defined in Turkish legislation, but it is considered a form of remote commercial activity. You offer products online, and when a customer places an order, you forward it to a supplier or manufacturer—who fulfills the delivery directly to the customer. Turkish law regulates this under:

  • Distance Sales Regulation (Mesafeli Sözleşmeler Yönetmeliği)
  • Consumer Protection Law No. 6502
  • Turkish Commercial Code
  • Tax Procedure Law and E-Invoice Regulations

This means that even if you don’t hold inventory in Turkey, your online activity can create a taxable and regulated business presence.

Do Dropshipping Businesses Need a Company in Turkey?

If your business targets Turkish consumers—whether you operate locally or internationally—you must typically form a legal entity or register as a taxpayer. Options include:

  • Limited Company (LTD): Fast registration, full tax compliance, suitable for small-to-medium operations
  • Joint Stock Company (A.Ş.): Suitable for larger-scale or investor-backed ventures
  • Foreign Company Branch: Optional if you're already incorporated elsewhere but want to sell to Turkish customers

We help clients choose the right structure, register with the Trade Registry, and set up required e-invoicing and bank accounts.

Tax Obligations for E-Commerce and Dropshipping

Dropshipping sales—even when the product is never physically held—are subject to Turkish tax laws if they involve Turkish customers or originate from Turkish-registered domains. Tax requirements include:

  • Value Added Tax (VAT) on local sales
  • Corporate Income Tax for locally registered companies
  • E-Invoice and E-Archive compliance for all invoices
  • Cross-border tax declarations for foreign suppliers
  • Withholding obligations if payments flow through Turkey

Our Turkish Law Firm structures your dropshipping model to minimize tax exposure and meet all documentation standards.

KVKK and Customer Data Compliance

Like GDPR in the EU, Turkey’s Personal Data Protection Law (KVKK) imposes strict rules on how you collect, store, and process customer data. If you capture emails, phone numbers, or addresses, you must:

  • Register with the Data Controllers Registry (VERBIS)
  • Obtain explicit consent from customers before collecting data
  • Publish a Privacy Policy and Data Processing Notice
  • Notify the authority in case of data breaches

We prepare all KVKK documentation for your e-commerce website in English and Turkish, ensuring compliance even for cross-border platforms.

Consumer Protection and Return Policy Rules

Under Turkish Consumer Protection Law, buyers in distance sales—including dropshipping—have specific legal rights that sellers must honor. These include:

  • Right of Withdrawal: 14-day unconditional return right for most purchases
  • Clear and Accessible Terms of Sale: Must be displayed before checkout
  • Delivery Obligation: Orders must be fulfilled within 30 days unless otherwise stated
  • Refund Timeline: Refunds must be issued within 14 days of product return

Our English Speaking Turkish Lawyers draft bilingual Terms & Conditions, Return Policies, and Privacy Notices that comply with Turkish distance sales regulations and platform requirements.

Payment Provider Risk and Account Freezing

Many dropshipping entrepreneurs use payment processors like PayTR, Iyzico, or Stripe to collect funds. However, these providers perform background and KYC checks. If your business lacks proper legal infrastructure, your account may be frozen or blacklisted. We help:

  • Register your business and tax ID with PSPs
  • Ensure matching invoice, domain, and ownership records
  • Resolve disputes with Turkish payment providers legally

Trademark Infringement and Product Legality

Selling third-party branded items (e.g., electronics, cosmetics, apparel) without authorization may lead to trademark lawsuits, customs seizures, or criminal complaints. We assist clients in:

  • Trademark clearance before listing new products
  • Drafting supplier agreements with IP protection clauses
  • Removing infringing content from platforms and defending claims

Internal Resources for Dropshipping Businesses

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • Do I need a company to do dropshipping in Turkey? Yes, if you target Turkish consumers or process payments locally, you must register a legal entity and tax ID.
  • Are e-invoices mandatory? Yes. All commercial transactions, even online-only, must comply with Turkish e-invoice and e-archive rules.
  • What happens if I don’t comply with KVKK? Administrative fines range from ₺50,000 to ₺2,000,000. Criminal liability may also arise for certain breaches.
  • Can I sell branded goods? Only if you have a distribution or resale license. Selling counterfeit or unlicensed products can trigger customs and legal actions.
  • Are return policies mandatory? Yes. You must offer a 14-day return right unless the product falls under listed exceptions.
  • Can I operate from abroad but sell in Turkey? Yes, but you must appoint a tax representative or register locally, especially for consumer-facing brands.
  • Can payment gateways freeze my funds? Yes. Lack of legal documentation or mismatched account info often leads to account suspension.
  • How can a Turkish Law Firm help? We structure your entire dropshipping business legally, from company setup to e-commerce compliance and dispute defense.

Work with a Turkish Law Firm to Legalize Your Dropshipping Business

Running a dropshipping operation in or with Turkey offers great opportunity—but also carries legal exposure if not structured properly. From tax compliance to consumer rights, KVKK obligations to payment processing risks, each element must be managed with precision.

At ER&GUN&ER Law Firm, our English Speaking Turkish Lawyers guide e-commerce founders, global brands, and micro-entrepreneurs in building fully legal and sustainable online businesses. As a trusted Turkish Law Firm for technology and commerce, we help you avoid fines, build credibility, and scale with confidence.