Shoppers in Turkey are facing a significant regulatory change. Under a newly published official decision, the fixed instalment caps that had long applied — in tiered form — to purchases of goods and services have been abolished entirely.

Residential property sales are excluded from the change. For all other consumer spending, it is now the Ministry of Trade (Ticaret Bakanlığı) that will directly determine how many instalments can be offered.

Sector-specific instalment lists are no longer valid

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The previous regulation defined separate fixed terms for different sectors. Special lists covering items such as plane tickets, tours, hotel stays, furniture, technology products and kitchen equipment are no longer in force.

The new approach makes it easier to adapt to shifting economic conditions. Instead of rigid provisions, a system is now in place that can be updated quickly in line with current circumstances.

Is the number of instalments now completely free?

No. Removing the caps does not mean unlimited instalments or automatic extensions for every purchase. The Ministry can set new terms by weighing economic indicators, consumer expectations and the needs of businesses together.

Where necessary, additional restrictions may be applied in some areas and additional flexibility in others. In other words, the authority has shifted from fixed rules to the Ministry's discretion.