Türkiye’s new regulations: Heavy fines for non-compliant businesses and services

A new regulation, published in the Official Gazette, introduces significant penalties for businesses and services not adhering to standards. As part of a broader law aimed at regulating industry and trade, non-compliant businesses could face fines ranging from ₺12,000 ($329.33) to ₺482,000.

These penalties apply to services such as maintenance, inspections, and other activities that fail to meet regulatory standards. Additionally, fines for non-compliance in the calibration and repair of measuring instruments could reach up to ₺50,000.

The law called the “Law on the Prevention of Adulteration in Trade and the Supervision of Exports”, will take effect on March 14. Under this law, penalties will be imposed for violations of regulatory processes and product standards.

TUBITAK’s new powers

The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye (TUBITAK) will now have the authority to award scholarships to young individuals with exceptional academic achievements, outside the scope of current student loan laws.

Additionally, TUBITAK’s Board of Directors will have the power to resolve disputes between public institutions and private parties, making decisions on issues like legal claims or contract changes, with financial limits set up to ₺250,000.

These changes will come into effect on June 5.

Fines for measurement equipment violations

New amendments to the “Measurement and Calibration Law” also introduce fines ranging from ₺5,000 to ₺50,000 for violations related to the inspection, repair, and calibration of measuring instruments.

These fines aim to ensure compliance with established regulations and standards.

Presidential authority over membership fees

The law also gives the presidency the power to adjust the membership fees paid by organizations like the Turkish Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges (TOBB) and the Turkish Confederation of Tradesmen and Craftsmen (TESK).

The president can increase their annual membership fees by up to twice the current rate. This regulation will come into effect on June 4.