Advertising Rules Worldwide
A. Overview
SECTION A OVERVIEW
IN DRAFT MARCH 2025
In the case of some of the secondary (in terms of adspend) markets, we show only links and other key information rather than spelling it all out. This is only because of limited resource and time; no disrespect to the markets concerned. Where we provide 'official' translations, i.e those from government or other authorities, these are not binding and often not great quality. We don't commission translations in the case of the lower-spend markets. GRS (that's us) translations therefore tend to be from Google Translate with tweaks from someone who knows where to tweak. As always, the law in the original language is the applicable legal instrument.
This is a relatively unusual market when compared to most of those we include in this database. The influence is essentially statutory versus self-regulatory, with the establishment of an 'Advertising Board' operating under the auspices of the Department of Trade and deploying a pretty comprehensive regulation (TR; GRS translation here) which sets out rules for all advertising and some sector-specific requirements (e.g. financial services, ads aimed at children). The board meets regularly and adjudicates on ads that have been brought to its attention, publishing their decisions. In some cases, fines are applied and there are other sanctions. The self-regulatory regime, given that context, will inevitably play a less significant role, but ROK appears to be a well-enough resourced and active body. We're not that familiar with the general market 'picture', but it appears to be quite heavily restricted - for example, and as you would expect (Officially a secular state, Turkey has a Muslim-majority population), no alcohol or gambling advertising, a heavily restricted health sector. CMS' Expert Guide to advertising regulations in Turkey from September 2021 provides a helpful general picture.
Reklam Özdenetim Kurulu (ROK)
The Advertising Self-Regulatory Board
Address: Nispetiye Cad. Yanarsu Sok. M.Çelik Apt. No: 58/2 Etiler / İstanbul
Phone: (212) 351 63 70 - (212) 351 25 99
E-mail: rok@rok.org.tr
ROK apply the ICC code, linked to their website here
This is an earlier version than the generally applicable code
The current (2024) ICC Advertising and Marketing Communications Code
'Official' oversight of commercial advertising is managed by the Advertising Board, a statutory entity established by the Consumer Protection law No. 6502 shown below. Members as at March 7, 2025 here (TR) includes e.g. the advertiser's association. The Board's decisions are enforced by the Ministry of Trade/ Commerce. Their 2024 report is published here (TR); there's a helpful 'key findings' of the report in English here from lawyers Ozdagistanli Ekici. The board website itself is difficult to access; recent (as in March 2025) decisions here (TR)
Law On Consumer Protection (TR)
Law No. 6502 Date of acceptance 7/11/2013
There's a (not great) 2013 EN translation here
See Section six, commercial advertising and unfair trade practices
Amendments To The Consumer Protection Law And E-Commerce Law
Gun and Partners November 6, 2024
Regulation on Commercial Advertising and Unfair Commercial Practices (TR; 2015)
The fundamental principles concerning advertising are determined by this Regulation.
Advertising Board 2024 Annual Review: Key Developments
NSN February 12, 2025
Fines Across Media Platforms. NSN December 20, 2024
Sakar October 10, 2024
Advertisement Board is Again Able to Block Access
GALA September 16, 2024
Environmental Statements Are Under The Spotlight of The Advertisement Board!
NSN August 6, 2024
Significant Amendments To Consumer Protection, Retail Trade And Product Safety Legislation
Esin Attorneys June 4, 2024
Expert Guide to advertising regulations in Turkey
CMS September 2021
How to Become a Responsible Influencer?
Gün + Partners December 19, 2024
Dealing With Social Media Influencers
Gun & Partners Dec 17, 2024
Is It Really Turkey's No.1? Gün + Partners
October 23, 2024
Importance of CSRD and CSDDD for Turkish Companies (TU)
Gentemizer December 10, 2024
Current Practice Of The Advertisement Board On Advertisements Containing Environmental Statements
Moroglu Arseven June 18, 2024 (EN)
Advertising & Marketing 2023: Turkey
Chambers and Partners; NSN Law Firm
Last Updated October 17, 2023
Media and Advertising Law in Turkey Important Developments and Forecasts - 2024
Gun and Partners June 25, 2024
Data Protection In Advertisements
GALA February 7, 2025
Targeted Advertising Practices Under the Spotlight
NSN Law Firm May 29, 2024
Alcoholic Beverage Advertisements through Alibi Branding
Gün + Partners June 5, 2024. From which:
Brand communication of alcoholic products to consumers is strictly prohibited in Türkiye and there is full prohibition of advertisement of alcohol, any manner in all forms of media. This ban includes broadcasts on TV and radio, advertisements in cinema, product placement, printed media, as well as advertisements on social media and digital platforms.