Who can be liable for a defective product in Turkey?

Depending on the circumstances, liability may attach to the manufacturer, importer, distributor, supplier, or seller. The exact party and legal basis depend on the supply chain role and the claimant’s status.

Is manufacturer liability strict in Turkey?

Manufacturers may face strict or near strict liability outcomes in practice in certain scenarios, especially where product safety obligations and defect related harm are established. The applicable standard depends on the claim type and evidence.

What remedies are available for defective products?

Remedies may include repair, replacement, price reduction, contract termination, and compensation for damages. The available remedies depend on whether consumer protection rules apply and the nature of the loss.

How can companies reduce product liability risk in Turkey?

Key steps include product safety compliance, quality control, clear labeling and instructions, traceability, robust contractual warranties and indemnities, and effective recall and incident response procedures.

Product Liability in Turkey: Manufacturer, Importer and Supplier Liability

Q: What is product liability in Turkey?

Product liability refers to legal responsibility for damage caused by defective or unsafe products. In Turkey, claims may arise under consumer protection rules, contractual liability, and general tort principles depending on the relationship and facts.

Quick Answer

Manufacturers, importers, distributors, and sellers may be liable for defective products depending on the supply chain role and legal basis. In practice, liability can be strict or near strict in specific scenarios, but the standard depends on the claim type and evidence. Consumer protection law provides additional remedies.

Product Liability in Turkey

Product liability covers legal responsibility for damage caused by defective or unsafe products. In Turkey, claims may arise under consumer protection rules, contractual liability, and general tort principles. The applicable framework depends on the claimant’s status (consumer or business), the supply chain role, and the type of damage.

Key Points to Remember

Who may be liable: manufacturer, importer, distributor, supplier, or seller depending on the facts
Claims may be contractual or non contractual: different proof standards may apply
Consumer remedies: additional statutory remedies may apply when the claimant is a consumer
Risk control: product safety compliance and documentation are critical

Common Legal Bases

Consumer protection: remedies for defective goods and statutory rights where applicable
Contractual liability: warranty and conformity obligations in B2B or B2C contracts
Tort based claims: compensation for personal injury or property damage depending on the facts

Practical Risk Reduction for Businesses

Compliance: meet product safety, labeling, and sector regulations
Quality control: testing, inspections, traceability, supplier audits
Documentation: technical files, instructions, warnings, batch records
Contract drafting: warranties, limitation of liability where valid, indemnities, recall clauses
Incident response: complaint handling, investigation, recall planning, insurer coordination

Typical Scenarios

Common disputes involve defective goods, inadequate warnings or instructions, non conformity with technical standards, supply chain recourse claims between manufacturers and importers, and consumer claims for repair or replacement.

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Product Liability