E-commerce in Turkey is rapidly evolving, supported by strong digital infrastructure and increasing consumer demand. However, it is also governed by a complex and dynamic set of legal obligations. Istanbul Law Firm, a leading Turkish Law Firm, provides expert legal guidance for online retailers, marketplaces, fintech startups, and international e-commerce platforms operating in Turkey. Our experienced Turkish Lawyers assist clients with licensing, consumer compliance, data protection, electronic contracts, and regulatory filings. Recognized as the best lawyer firm in Turkey for technology and e-commerce law, we ensure your online business remains legally compliant while maximizing growth. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey offers bilingual support to digital entrepreneurs and global legal teams navigating the Turkish e-commerce ecosystem.
1. Overview of E-Commerce Law in Turkey
E-commerce law in Turkey is primarily governed by the Law on the Regulation of Electronic Commerce (Law No. 6563), the Consumer Protection Law (Law No. 6502), and various communiqués issued by the Ministry of Trade. Istanbul Law Firm helps clients understand the core legal obligations applicable to online business activities, including information disclosures, transaction transparency, digital contract execution, and user data processing. Our Turkish Lawyers explain the distinction between intermediary service providers and e-commerce service providers, each subject to separate rules. As a regulatory-focused Turkish Law Firm, we interpret e-commerce regulations in a commercial, tech-forward context. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey ensures foreign platforms entering Turkey understand how their model aligns with local definitions and licensing schemes.
Key compliance areas include pre-sale information obligations, secure payment infrastructure, cancellation rights, and data processing consents. Istanbul Law Firm reviews websites, mobile apps, and checkout systems to verify that your online business fulfills Turkish legal standards. Our Turkish Lawyers prepare compliance reports, draft standard terms and conditions, and update privacy policies to reflect new regulations. As the best lawyer firm in Turkey for e-commerce advisory, we deliver customized legal documents that convert compliance into user confidence. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey assists with compliance audits and onboarding checklists for global platforms localizing in Turkey.
E-commerce platforms must also monitor updates from the Ministry of Trade, Revenue Administration, and BTK (Information and Communication Technologies Authority). Istanbul Law Firm tracks new communiqués, penalty guidelines, and technological standards affecting your digital business. Our Turkish Lawyers help clients prepare for inspections, licensing reviews, or consumer complaints. We ensure every e-commerce venture is aligned with the law, not just online. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey translates legal notices and prepares risk summaries for international counsel and internal compliance officers.
2. Distance Sales Contracts and Consumer Protection Rules
Online sales in Turkey are subject to the Regulation on Distance Contracts, which defines seller obligations, buyer rights, cancellation periods, and refund mechanisms. Istanbul Law Firm assists e-commerce businesses in drafting compliant distance sales agreements that meet both legal and UX standards. Our Turkish Lawyers review ordering processes, confirmation emails, and T&C links to ensure enforceability and transparency. We also help design cancellation forms, warranty disclosures, and pre-sale information modules required under Article 5 of the Distance Sales Regulation. As a consumer-protective Turkish Law Firm, we reduce the risk of disputes, fines, or reversals. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey provides ready-to-use English/Turkish distance contract templates for multinational sellers operating in Turkey.
Buyers have the right to withdraw from online contracts within 14 days without justification, unless exempted by regulation (e.g., digital content, perishables). Istanbul Law Firm ensures clients comply with withdrawal processes, refund procedures, and customer notification timelines. Our Turkish Lawyers advise on legal handling of defective goods, late delivery, and product misrepresentation. We also defend e-commerce platforms against unfair refund demands or fraudulent claims. As the best lawyer firm in Turkey for consumer litigation, we balance customer satisfaction with business integrity. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey supports foreign platforms in building durable refund and cancellation infrastructure.
Non-compliance with distance sales rules may result in fines, license revocation, or bans from operating in Turkey. Istanbul Law Firm prepares clients for Ministry audits, consumer board complaints, and e-Devlet integration obligations. Our Turkish Lawyers help resolve disputes via mediation or court, while maintaining your e-commerce reputation. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey ensures cross-border clients meet Turkish consumer law without sacrificing brand identity or operational fluidity.
3. E-Commerce Licensing, Trade Registry and Tax Obligations
Operating a legal e-commerce business in Turkey requires trade registry compliance, tax registration, and adherence to Ministry of Trade e-commerce platform regulations. Istanbul Law Firm assists local and foreign entrepreneurs in establishing e-commerce companies under proper NACE codes and digital service categories. Our Turkish Lawyers help clients register with MERSIS, obtain electronic tax numbers, and complete ETBIS (Electronic Commerce Information System) declarations. As a regulatory-compliant Turkish Law Firm, we prevent administrative fines for late or missing registration. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey ensures international sellers understand the full setup procedure, including VAT, electronic invoicing, and product labeling obligations.
All e-commerce businesses in Turkey must register their commercial activities and fulfill specific accounting standards. Istanbul Law Firm works with accountants and notaries to ensure your business has the correct trade title, shareholding structure, and address registration. Our Turkish Lawyers also assist with tax office notifications, SGK (social security) account opening, and e-signature procedures. We structure sole proprietorships, limited companies, and joint stock companies for digital operations. As the best lawyer firm in Turkey for business incorporation, we offer turnkey e-commerce legal setup. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey explains every document and requirement in both Turkish and English.
E-commerce platforms must also issue compliant e-invoices, maintain e-ledgers, and use e-archive systems as required by Turkish tax regulations. Istanbul Law Firm helps clients integrate with authorized e-invoicing service providers, obtain digital stamps, and maintain transaction logs. Our Turkish Lawyers review platform architecture to ensure real-time data transmission to the Revenue Administration. We also advise on cross-border VAT obligations and EU distance selling thresholds. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey liaises with your international finance team to ensure tax alignment across countries.
4. KVKK and Data Protection in E-Commerce
Data protection is a top compliance issue in Turkish e-commerce, especially under KVKK (Law No. 6698) which regulates the processing of personal data. Istanbul Law Firm helps online businesses structure privacy policies, cookie consents, and data storage procedures that comply with Turkish and EU standards. Our Turkish Lawyers prepare VERBIS registration, data controller declarations, and cross-border transfer authorizations. We ensure your customer data collection—from newsletter subscriptions to payment processing—is fully legal. As a privacy-first Turkish Law Firm, we mitigate the risk of investigation and administrative sanctions. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey translates all KVKK requirements into clear tasks for international compliance teams.
KVKK applies to all e-commerce platforms operating in Turkey, even if hosted abroad or based in another jurisdiction. Istanbul Law Firm reviews your technical and organizational measures for protecting customer data, such as encryption, limited access, and deletion protocols. Our Turkish Lawyers draft breach notification policies, subject access response procedures, and data processor contracts. We also advise on GDPR-KVKK harmonization for platforms active in both Turkey and Europe. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey bridges local requirements with global privacy expectations.
In case of a breach, failure to notify the Data Protection Authority can lead to fines up to hundreds of thousands of Turkish Lira. Istanbul Law Firm prepares incident response plans, breach reporting templates, and data impact assessments. Our Turkish Lawyers represent clients in regulatory audits and KVKK board proceedings. As the best lawyer firm in Turkey for e-commerce privacy compliance, we turn data protection into a business strength. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey ensures every privacy policy, consent text, and customer notice is legally sound and clearly written.
5. Electronic Contracts, Digital Signatures and Record Retention
Online sales are governed by electronic contracts which must be legally binding, accessible, and verifiable under Turkish law. Istanbul Law Firm helps e-commerce businesses draft enforceable click-through agreements, terms of service, and subscription conditions. Our Turkish Lawyers ensure these documents fulfill the Turkish Code of Obligations and E-Commerce Law provisions. We also help platforms display key contractual information—pricing, shipping terms, cancellation rights—prior to order confirmation. As a documentation-oriented Turkish Law Firm, we reduce legal risk through proactive content design. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey adapts international templates to meet Turkish validity requirements.
Digital signatures and electronic verification tools play an important role in e-commerce disputes. Istanbul Law Firm advises clients on implementing mobile signature, e-signature, and SMS verification systems. Our Turkish Lawyers ensure authentication complies with Turkish Civil Code and E-Signature Law (Law No. 5070). We also advise on storing signed contracts, order logs, and consent data in legally admissible formats. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey ensures your authentication process is cross-border friendly and audit-ready.
E-commerce companies must retain key records for at least 3 to 10 years depending on transaction type and tax category. Istanbul Law Firm structures digital recordkeeping protocols and prepares retention schedules aligned with Turkish commercial and tax law. Our Turkish Lawyers help establish cloud archive systems that meet evidentiary and security standards. As the best lawyer firm in Turkey for digital compliance, we protect you in every audit or legal dispute. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey ensures your compliance team understands exactly what must be retained, for how long, and in what format.
6. Payment Systems, E-Money Institutions and Fintech Licensing
Payment systems and e-money services used in Turkish e-commerce are regulated by the Central Bank and the Law on Payment and Securities Settlement Systems (Law No. 6493). Istanbul Law Firm assists payment gateways, wallet providers, and fintech startups in obtaining licenses and maintaining compliance. Our Turkish Lawyers structure licensing applications, draft user agreements, and prepare technical documentation on data security, transaction logging, and capital adequacy. As a fintech-aware Turkish Law Firm, we integrate financial law with digital business models. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey supports international payment providers in expanding into the Turkish market.
All payment intermediaries must be authorized by the Central Bank and integrated with the TR POS and ÖKC systems where applicable. Istanbul Law Firm advises e-commerce platforms and payment aggregators on legal API use, merchant onboarding, and fraud monitoring. Our Turkish Lawyers review cross-border payment compliance, foreign currency rules, and KYC procedures. We also assist crypto payment platforms in adapting to evolving legal interpretations. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey helps your compliance and legal teams meet banking-level regulatory expectations.
Unauthorized operation of a payment service may result in heavy fines or criminal prosecution. Istanbul Law Firm performs regulatory due diligence and gap analysis to ensure legality and risk reduction. Our Turkish Lawyers assist fintech M&A deals, platform acquisitions, and investor briefings. As the best lawyer firm in Turkey for digital finance regulation, we help you build, buy, or license your way into the Turkish payment ecosystem. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey delivers legal strategy memos tailored for global investors and cross-border legal counsel.
7. Advertising, Influencer Compliance and Commercial Communications
Advertising and commercial communication in e-commerce are strictly regulated by the Turkish Consumer Protection Law and the Regulation on Commercial Advertisements and Unfair Commercial Practices. Istanbul Law Firm assists online businesses, advertisers, and influencers in creating legally compliant marketing strategies. Our Turkish Lawyers review ad copy, pop-up timing, influencer scripts, and social media posts for hidden advertising violations. We help clients insert mandatory disclosures, opt-out mechanisms, and targeting limits. As a marketing-compliant Turkish Law Firm, we ensure your campaigns are effective and lawful. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey helps foreign marketing teams localize ad material without regulatory risk.
Influencer marketing must be clearly labeled as advertising under Turkish law. Istanbul Law Firm drafts influencer agreements, affiliate terms, and social media policy clauses in compliance with Ministry of Trade guidelines. Our Turkish Lawyers advise on gift declarations, hashtag use (#ad, #sponsor), and contractual liability for claims made in video or story formats. We also defend platforms and creators accused of misleading advertising. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey offers legal training and ad campaign pre-approval services for global influencer networks active in Turkey.
Bulk e-mails, SMS promotions, and notification banners are subject to IYS (Message Management System) registration and consent laws. Istanbul Law Firm ensures client databases are collected lawfully and opt-in mechanisms are implemented. Our Turkish Lawyers structure opt-out systems, data logs, and commercial message records in compliance with Turkish e-commerce and data protection laws. As the best lawyer firm in Turkey for marketing compliance, we keep your outreach legally secure and reputationally sound. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey helps global clients implement lawful messaging systems in English and Turkish simultaneously.
8. Cross-Border Sales, Customs and Import Duties
E-commerce businesses selling goods across borders must comply with Turkish customs rules and international trade regulations. Istanbul Law Firm supports platforms shipping from abroad or receiving international goods into Turkey. Our Turkish Lawyers advise on HS codes, de minimis limits, and B2C customs regimes. We also help classify digital goods, physical products, and bundled services for VAT and customs duty treatment. As a trade-oriented Turkish Law Firm, we support compliance with the Turkish Customs Code, Trade Facilitation Agreement, and EU-Turkey Customs Union. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey supports cross-border clients in preparing customs documents and legal contracts.
Imported e-commerce goods under 150 EUR value are often subject to simplified taxation; however, sellers must still declare and label shipments correctly. Istanbul Law Firm structures logistics contracts and dropshipping frameworks that meet Turkish delivery, tax, and disclosure laws. Our Turkish Lawyers also support platforms with warehouse licensing, bonded storage, and cross-docking compliance. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey prepares bilingual delivery agreements, supplier contracts, and refund clauses for global merchant networks.
Foreign sellers must also appoint a local tax representative if they exceed Turkish e-commerce thresholds. Istanbul Law Firm establishes representative arrangements, tracks VAT liability, and files digital service provider declarations. Our Turkish Lawyers ensure that your remote platform remains compliant and accessible in Turkey’s digital marketplace. As the best lawyer firm in Turkey for e-commerce trade, we connect international commerce with local law. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey supports legal adaptation for Amazon, Etsy, Shopify, and direct-to-consumer sellers entering the Turkish market.
9. E-Commerce Disputes, Complaints and Court Proceedings
E-commerce disputes in Turkey typically arise from product misrepresentation, delivery delays, return refusals, or data privacy violations. Istanbul Law Firm represents online sellers and buyers in mediation, arbitration, and court processes. Our Turkish Lawyers first attempt to resolve issues through consumer arbitration boards, required for disputes under 66,000 TL (as of 2025). We prepare response statements, refund protocols, and complaint filings aligned with consumer rights regulations. As a dispute-ready Turkish Law Firm, we act swiftly to protect your business reputation and resolve matters efficiently. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey helps foreign companies and consumers navigate Turkish forums with full legal understanding.
If disputes escalate beyond mediation, Istanbul Law Firm prepares court petitions for civil litigation or defense against claims. Our Turkish Lawyers argue cases related to electronic contract breach, unfair commercial practices, or KVKK-related damages. We also represent platforms accused of hosting illegal listings, IP violations, or false advertising. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey provides procedural translations, legal opinions, and court summaries for cross-border clients. We minimize litigation risk through strong documentation and pre-dispute compliance planning.
We also advise clients in responding to Ministry of Trade inspections or consumer board audits. Istanbul Law Firm ensures that e-commerce businesses are prepared for surprise reviews, written complaints, and regulatory enforcement. Our Turkish Lawyers file defense petitions, compliance records, and procedural appeals when sanctions are threatened. As the best lawyer firm in Turkey for e-commerce disputes, we combine legal defense with business continuity. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey supports global sellers operating under Turkish jurisdiction without legal confusion or language barriers.
10. Why Choose Istanbul Law Firm for E-Commerce Legal Compliance
Istanbul Law Firm delivers strategic, industry-specific legal services for e-commerce businesses in Turkey. From licensing to privacy, advertising to tax, our Turkish Lawyers ensure that your online venture is secure, scalable, and legally bulletproof. Whether you are launching a Turkish e-commerce company or expanding a foreign platform into Turkey, we design your legal foundation for compliance and success. As the best lawyer firm in Turkey for digital law, we offer practical, efficient, and business-minded legal counsel. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey ensures that global founders and legal departments receive bilingual, culturally competent legal support.
Our team offers complete lifecycle legal service—from company setup and licensing, to daily compliance and regulatory defense. Istanbul Law Firm audits your current setup, identifies risk zones, and proactively updates your legal infrastructure. Our Turkish Lawyers coordinate with accountants, developers, and marketing teams to keep every layer of your e-commerce business aligned with Turkish law. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey manages international communications, platform adaptation, and board-level reporting.
Digital business requires digital law. Istanbul Law Firm is your legal co-founder for Turkey’s e-commerce ecosystem. Let us turn compliance into opportunity and law into growth strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Is e-commerce legal in Turkey? – Yes. It’s regulated under Law No. 6563, Consumer Law, and related communiqués.
- Do I need a license to sell online in Turkey? – Yes. You must register your company, declare ETBIS, and comply with trade and tax law.
- Can a foreigner run an e-commerce site in Turkey? – Yes. We assist with company setup, permits, and cross-border compliance.
- Are distance sales contracts mandatory? – Yes. E-commerce platforms must publish clear T&Cs and cancellation policies.
- How do I comply with KVKK? – By preparing privacy policies, consent systems, and registering with VERBIS where applicable.
- Do I need to issue e-invoices? – Yes. Most e-commerce entities are required to issue e-fatura and e-arsiv invoices.
- Can I advertise on social media? – Yes, but you must disclose paid promotions and comply with influencer rules.
- What if a customer files a complaint? – We handle defense before arbitration boards or courts, depending on amount.
- Can I sell from abroad into Turkey? – Yes. But you may need a tax representative and comply with customs/tax rules.
- What is ETBIS? – A Ministry of Trade database for declaring e-commerce activities. Mandatory for most platforms.
- Is WhatsApp selling legal? – Only with a registered company, proper T&Cs, and privacy-compliant message handling.
- Why work with Istanbul Law Firm? – Because we offer complete, bilingual, sector-specific legal guidance from start to scale.
Build Your E-Commerce Business on Legal Ground
From startup to scale, Istanbul Law Firm protects your online business in Turkey. Our Turkish Lawyers and English speaking lawyer in Turkey provide end-to-end legal support for compliance, licensing, data, advertising, and more. Partner with the best lawyer firm in Turkey for digital growth that’s legally secure.