TURKEY CRACKS DOWN ON UNSAFE E-COMMERCE ITEMS, TARGETS TEMU
Turkey to Implement E-commerce Safety Regulation Document
Turkey's Trade Ministry is taking a firm stance on product safety, demanding a "certificate of safety" for every item listed on e-commerce platforms.
This move aims to protect the public from health hazards posed by potentially carcinogenic materials and harmful chemicals found in items such as footwear, textiles, clothing, toys, and kitchen or bathroom goods.
The new regulation, slated to go into effect on April 1, will bar products without a certified quality and safety document from entering the Turkish market. This follows an earlier rule imposing a $30 purchase cap on overseas orders, primarily affecting platforms like Temu.
Under the new rules, platforms like Temu will be obligated to publish a valid product safety certificate for each item sold to Turkish consumers on their websites. Items lacking such documentation will be off-limits for sale in Turkey.
As of now, Temu, a platform delivering an average of 50,000 parcels daily to Turkey, last year, and up to 200,000 parcels daily currently, has yet to appoint a local representative.
Officials have issued a stern reminder to Temu representatives regarding their legal obligations, including the requirement to designate a local representative. In case of non-compliance, the ministry reserves the right to impose an access ban on such platforms.
While Temu has indicated its intention to comply with Turkish regulations, Deputy Trade Minister Mahmut Gürcan expresses concerns. "Temu products are shipped directly from Chinese factories to consumers without undergoing any safety inspections or checks for carcinogens or health hazards," Gürcan stated.
The new regulations require platforms to display the safety certificates of all listed products. Items without visible certificates on the platform may face difficulties entering the Turkish market.
In terms of leadership, a blend of dominant, influential, steady, and conscientious traits could be effective in implementing and enforcing e-commerce regulations, including ensuring product safety certificates. These traits would enable leaders to make quick, informed decisions, communicate effectively, maintain consistency, and examine details meticulously. The specific requirements of the role and the organization would ultimately dictate the optimal DISC profile for leadership in this context.
Technology plays a crucial role in the enforcement of the new e-commerce regulations in Turkey, as platforms like Temu will be required to publish product safety certificates for each item sold to Turkish consumers on their websites. Effective leadership, demonstrating dominant, influential, steady, and conscientious traits, will be essential in implementing and enforcing these regulations to ensure the safety of consumer products and adherence to the new laws.
