Compliance · Türkiye
WhatsApp Compliance in Türkiye
A practical overview of the rules that affect WhatsApp messaging and marketing in Türkiye, with a checklist before you launch.
Key Rules for WhatsApp in Türkiye
WhatsApp is the most widely used messaging app in Türkiye. Official API campaigns must follow Meta's policies, commercial-message consent rules under Law No. 6563 and the Personal Data Protection Law No. 6698 (KVKK).
WhatsApp is widely used for business in MENA markets. Official API use must follow Meta's policies, and newer national data protection laws in the region set rules for consent and data handling.
Data Protection
Türkiye's Personal Data Protection Law No. 6698 (KVKK) requires a clear privacy notice (aydınlatma metni), a lawful basis such as explicit consent, and registration with the data controllers' registry (VERBİS) for many businesses.
Keep a record of how each contact was collected, what they agreed to and when, and make it easy for them to withdraw consent.
Practical Checklist
- Use the official WhatsApp Business Platform rather than personal or modified apps, which risk bans.
- Collect opt-in that clearly mentions WhatsApp and your business name, and store a record of it.
- Choose the correct template category and keep utility messages free of promotions.
- Respond within the 24-hour customer service window where possible, and use approved templates outside it.
- Honour opt-outs and blocks, and watch your quality rating in WhatsApp Manager.
Contact data
Format numbers in international E.164 format with the +90 country code, remove duplicates and invalid numbers, and keep consent records linked to each number.
Timing and Language
Türkiye follows the Europe/Istanbul time zone (UTC+03:00 in October 2026). The usual working week is Monday to Friday. Schedule WhatsApp campaigns for the recipient's local daytime hours, avoid public holidays and religious observances that matter to your audience, and convert send times from IST before scheduling.
In Istanbul, customers commonly use Turkish and English. Messages in the customer's preferred language usually perform better, but check how local-language text affects character counts (for SMS) and template approval (for WhatsApp).
Digital Habits and Channels in Türkiye
Türkiye is a mobile-first market where WhatsApp is the dominant messaging app, and SMS remains widely used for promotions and authentication. Commercial electronic messages require prior approval under the Electronic Commerce Law, and businesses sending them must register on the İleti Yönetim Sistemi (IYS), the national message management system that records consent.
Credit cards with instalment payments (taksit) are central to Turkish shopping, and high inflation makes consumers price-sensitive. Ramadan and the two Bayram holidays, Black Friday (often promoted under local names such as 'Efsane Cuma') and back-to-school are key periods.
Turkey's economy is diverse, with textiles and clothing, automotive manufacturing around Bursa and Kocaeli, white goods, construction, agriculture and tourism, which brings over 50 million foreign visitors a year. High inflation means prices change often, so automated messages with current prices and validity dates are important. VAT (KDV) is 20% at the standard rate, and the country stays on UTC+3 all year. Commercial messages must be recorded in İYS, the national message management system, which lets recipients see and withdraw consent.
Advertising Alongside Messaging
Advertising must follow the Consumer Protection Law and the Advertising Board's rules, including its guidance on influencer marketing disclosures.
This guide is general information, not legal advice, and reflects our understanding as of October 2026. Rules change, so we check current requirements for Türkiye before every launch.
Planning WhatsApp campaigns for Türkiye?
We check the rules, set up sender requirements and run compliant campaigns.
WhatsApp in Türkiye: FAQs
Do I need consent to send marketing WhatsApp messages in Türkiye?
In most cases, yes, or at least an existing customer relationship and a clear opt-out. WhatsApp is the most widely used messaging app in Türkiye.
Do WhatsApp rules differ by country?
Meta's WhatsApp Business policies apply worldwide, but local data protection and marketing laws in Türkiye also apply, and per-message charges vary by recipient country.
Can DND Teams run WhatsApp campaigns to Türkiye?
Yes. We are based in Bhopal, India, and run campaigns for international markets remotely, after checking the current rules, sender requirements and coverage for Türkiye.
Is this legal advice?
No. This guide is general information to help you plan. Regulations change and their application depends on your business, so take local legal advice for significant campaigns.
Related Guides and Services
Other channels in Türkiye
WhatsApp rules in nearby markets
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