Refurbished Electronic Goods: New Regulation Sets High Standards

Refurbished electronic goods are entering a new era of institutional security under a comprehensive draft regulation prepared by the Ministry of Trade. Designed to protect national resources and prevent waste, the new rules expand the scope of certified second-hand products to include televisions, as well as smartphones, smartwatches, and game consoles.

The centerpiece of this reform is the Refurbished Product Information System (YÜBİS), a digital tracking platform that records every stage of a device’s journey from the restoration center to the end consumer. Each item sold must now include a YÜBİS-generated certificate, allowing buyers to verify the device’s history and ensuring it has not been lost, stolen, or used illegally.

The White List and Strict Technical Criteria

To ensure market integrity, the ministry is introducing strict “merit” criteria for any device with an electronic identity. For a product to qualify for the refurbished electronic goods market, it must meet the following:

• White List Status: The device must be registered on the e-Government “white list.”

• Usage History: There must be recorded data or voice traffic for the device dating back at least one year.

• Refurbishment Lock: A product cannot undergo a second refurbishment process within 30 days of its last sale, preventing artificial price manipulation.

Faster Payments and Enhanced Consumer Rights

The draft regulation significantly improves the experience for citizens selling their old tech to refurbishment centers. Once a device is handed over, the valuation must be completed within three business days. If the consumer accepts the offer, the payment or the promised benefits, such as discount coupons, must be provided on the same day.

Furthermore, the ministry is granting consumers unprecedented powers to return. The 14-day unconditional right of withdrawal, previously limited to online shopping, will now also apply to physical store purchases of refurbished items. This allows buyers to return products without providing a reason or incurring penalties.

Corporate Discipline and Implementation Timeline

Under the new rules, refurbishment centers must operate as capital companies and will be audited by a five-member commission established by the Ministry.

The regulation is expected to be published in the Official Gazette following the consultation period and to become fully effective three months later. Experts believe this shift will bring high-value items like televisions back into the economy securely, rather than seeing them go to waste.

Source: karar