Ministry of Trade Imposes 249 Million TL in Fines for Misleading Advertisements and Discounts
During its October meeting, the Ministry of Trade Advertising Board penalized 136 files with 17.1 million liras, while total fines in the first 9 months of the year exceeded 249 million liras.
At the October meeting of the Ministry of Trade Advertising Board, an administrative fine totaling 17,176,744 liras was imposed on 136 files due to misleading prices and untruthful campaigns. Combined with audits in the first 9 months of the year, the total penalty amount exceeded 249 million liras.
The Ministry of Trade Advertising Board reviewed 161 files during its meeting held on October 8, 2026. Out of these, advertising bans were decided for 136 files, and it was resolved to apply a total administrative fine of 17,176,744 liras. In the first 9 months of the year, over 33,000 applications were evaluated, and together with directly initiated inspections, the total monetary fines issued for deceptive advertisements and unfair commercial practices surpassed 249 million liras.
Discount campaigns that influence consumers' shopping decisions held a significant place in the audits. It was determined that certain businesses announced high discount rates such as 75 percent, but these rates did not correspond with actual prices. While discount sale advertisements are required to be based on the lowest price applied within the last 10 days prior to the discount, it was detected that some businesses did not determine the former prices on product labels in compliance with regulations. Additionally, stop orders were issued against 9 jewelry companies determined to have published deceptive discount advertisements regarding jewelry products.
In inspections concerning social media users, 32 accounts were placed under review. It was determined that certain posts promoting products or services did not clearly state they were advertisements, and it was decided to halt these promotions. Amendments to the Regulation on Commercial Advertising and Unfair Commercial Practices, which entered into force on August 1, 2026, had updated regulations regarding artificial intelligence advertisements, social media promotions, targeted advertisements, and discount campaigns.