1. Basic Legal Framework
Selling products in Turkey involves compliance with:
- Turkish Commercial Code (TCC – Law No. 6102)
- Customs Law (Law No. 4458)
- Consumer Protection Law (Law No. 6502)
- Tax Legislation (Corporate Tax, VAT, Customs duties)
Whether you are an individual foreigner or a foreign company, the obligations will differ.
2. Selling as an Individual (Occasional or Online)
If you are not establishing a business but want to sell occasionally (e.g., via online platforms like Etsy, Amazon, Trendyol):
- You generally do not need to establish a company in Turkey.
- However, if you ship goods regularly, Turkish authorities may classify this as a commercial activity, requiring tax registration.
- E-commerce platforms may also require you to provide a tax ID number in Turkey.
3. Selling Through a Foreign Company
If you already own a company abroad and want to export to Turkey:
- You can sell products directly to Turkish distributors, wholesalers, or online platforms.
- You will need to comply with Turkish Customs Law for imports (customs duties, VAT at customs).
- Often foreign companies appoint a local distributor or agent to handle logistics, customs clearance, and marketing.
This is the most common model for foreigners.
4. Establishing a Company in Turkey
If you want to sell directly to Turkish consumers on a regular basis:
- You may need to establish a company in Turkey.
- Options include:
- Limited Liability Company (LTD ŞTİ) – Minimum capital: 10,000 TL.
- Joint-Stock Company (AŞ) – Minimum capital: 50,000 TL.
- Branch Office of your foreign company.
- Foreign investors can own 100% of the shares, no Turkish partner is required.
This allows you to open a bank account, hire staff, rent an office, and register for taxes in Turkey.
5. E-Commerce and Consumer Law
If you plan to sell via Turkish e-commerce platforms (Trendyol, Hepsiburada, N11, etc.):
- You must register with the E-commerce Information System (ETBİS).
- You must comply with Consumer Protection Law, which requires:
- Right of withdrawal: Customers can return goods within 14 days without reason.
- Clear product information and warranties.
- Data protection (KVKK) obligations for customer data.
6. Tax Obligations
- Corporate Tax: 25% (2025 rate).
- VAT (KDV): 20% standard rate on most products.
- Withholding taxes may apply for cross-border transactions.
- If you sell only through a Turkish distributor, they handle taxes, and you receive payment from them.
- If you sell directly to consumers, you must register for VAT and corporate tax in Turkey.
7. Special Sectors
Some products are subject to special permits and regulations:
- Food & Beverages → Ministry of Agriculture permits.
- Cosmetics → Health Ministry notification.
- Electronics → CE marking, local certification.
- Pharmaceuticals / Medical Devices → Very strict licensing.
8. Remedies and Dispute Resolution
If disputes arise (e.g., unpaid invoices, defective products):
- You can sue in Turkish Commercial Courts.
- Many foreign companies prefer arbitration clauses (e.g., Istanbul Arbitration Center – ISTAC).
- Turkey is a party to the New York Convention, so foreign arbitration awards can be enforced.
✅ Practical Recommendation
- If you plan to sell occasionally or small-scale, you can use Turkish distributors or online platforms.
- If you plan to establish a long-term business presence, opening a company or branch is more secure.
- Always check whether your product category requires special permits.
📍 Conclusion:
As a foreigner, you can freely sell products in Turkey, but for systematic and large-scale operations, you should either partner with a Turkish distributor or establish a company. Otherwise, customs, tax, and consumer law issues may arise.
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