Turkey

The Rekabet Kurumu (Turkish Competition Authority) is an independent body with broad investigative, decision-making, and sanctioning powers.

Article 4 prohibits horizontal agreements restricting competition, including cartels, price-fixing, and bid-rigging. Block exemptions available.

Vertical agreements are assessed under Article 4 with a block exemption regulation modelled on the EU vertical agreements framework.

Article 6 prohibits abuse of dominance, closely following EU Article 102 TFEU. Covers exploitative and exclusionary conduct.

Mandatory pre-merger notification based on turnover thresholds (revised in 2022). Transaction-value threshold also introduced. Review periods of 30 days (Phase I) and 6 months (Phase II).

Well-established leniency programme since 2009 offering full immunity for the first applicant and reduced fines for subsequent applicants.

Commitment mechanism introduced by amendments. The RK may accept behavioural or structural commitments to resolve competition concerns.

Fines of up to 10% of annual gross revenue. Individuals involved in cartel activity may be fined up to 5% of the fine imposed on the undertaking.

No standalone digital markets law, but the RK has been extremely active in enforcing against technology platforms, imposing significant fines on Google, Meta, and others.

ICTA (telecoms), EMRA (energy), BDDK (banking), and SPK (capital markets) exercise concurrent regulatory oversight in their sectors.

The RK has extensive on-site inspection powers. Dawn raids are frequently conducted. Electronic evidence seizure protocols are well-developed.

Damages claims may be brought before civil courts, but private enforcement remains limited compared to public enforcement.

Active participant in ICN, OECD Competition Committee, and UNCTAD. Bilateral cooperation agreements with the EU and neighbouring jurisdictions.

Significant fines imposed on global tech platforms, FMCG cartels, and financial services. Active merger review in telecoms, energy, and fintech sectors.