Türkiye Mandates Local Representation for Foreign E-Commerce Platforms

In a move to tighten e-commerce regulations, Türkiye’s Trade Minister Ömer Bolat has announced a new requirement for foreign-based online shopping platforms selling directly to Turkish consumers: they must now establish a local economic representative in the country.

The announcement came during the opening conference of Product Safety Week, where Minister Bolat emphasized that the measure aims to protect consumer rights, enhance regulatory oversight, and ensure transparency in cross-border online transactions.

Foreign Platforms Must Now Operate on Equal Terms

Under the new rule, international e-commerce sites that ship products directly to Türkiye will be obligated to appoint a registered domestic operator or representative. This move is designed to ensure that these platforms operate under the same conditions as local businesses.

“This regulation promotes fair competition between foreign e-commerce companies and domestic firms,” Bolat stated.

A Step Toward Stronger Consumer Protection and Tax Compliance

The regulation is seen as a key tool in combating tax evasion, reducing informal economic activity, and improving consumer safety in the rapidly growing digital retail sector. Authorities say it will make enforcement easier and strengthen market accountability.

Implementation Timeline to Be Announced

While the exact effective date of the new requirement has not yet been disclosed, officials confirmed that full details will be published soon in the Official Gazette.