Ministry of Trade Imposes 249 Million Lira Fine for Misleading Advertisements
Massive fines were issued during the first nine months of the year due to unfair commercial practices and deceptive advertisements in audits conducted by the Ministry of Trade Advertising Board.
The Ministry of Trade Advertising Board announced that administrative fines exceeding 249 million liras were imposed in the first nine months of 2026 as part of the fight against advertisements misleading consumers and unfair commercial practices.
Results of the October Meeting
A total of 161 files were discussed and resolved at the Advertising Board meeting dated October 8, 2026.
While suspension penalties were issued for 136 files determined to violate legislation, it was decided to impose an administrative fine of 17 million 176 thousand 744 liras.
Prominent Violations and Sectors
Unrealistic discount campaigns, non-compliant promotions by social media influencers, and false promises in the jewelry sector stood out during the audits.
Misleading Discounts
In the discounted sales advertisements examined at the October meeting, it was determined that unrealistic discount promises reaching up to 75 percent were made.
It was also revealed that the lowest price within the last ten days before the discount date was not taken as the basis when determining the struck-through prices.
Audits in the First Nine Months of the Year
It was reported that over 33,000 consumer applications were evaluated in the first nine-month period of the year.
As a result of the applications made and examinations initiated ex officio by the Ministry, it was decided to impose administrative fines exceeding 249 million liras.
New Regulations and Scope
Amendments made to the Regulation on Commercial Advertising and Unfair Commercial Practices entered into force on August 1, 2026.
The new regulations cover targeted advertising, AI-content advertisements, social media promotions, and discounted sales advertisements.