Consumer arbitration committee

Under Turkish consumer law, consumer arbitration committees are administrative bodies that resolve disputes arising from consumer transactions. Complaints about defective goods and services, subscriptions, bank charges and online purchases are their most common workload.

Application to the committee is mandatory for disputes below a monetary threshold updated annually; claims under that amount cannot be brought directly before the consumer courts. Applications are free of charge and may be filed in writing or through the e-Devlet portal, at the committee of the consumer's residence or of the place of transaction.

Committee decisions bind the parties and can be enforced like court judgments. A party may challenge the decision before the consumer court within the statutory period after service; the challenge does not automatically suspend enforcement.