TÜRKIYE Law and Practice Contributed by: Tansu Akin, Akin Legal
tive Products ( “the New PLD” ). The New PLD introduces significant changes to the existing product liability landscape formed over the past four decades – ie, standalone software including artificial intelligence, extended liability for com - ponent manufacturers, and certain procedures easing claimants’ civil rights claims. Member states are required to transpose the New PLD into their national legislation within two years (by Q4 2026), with an equal or stricter level of protection. Turkey has a customs union with the EU, and Turkey’s automotive industry is fully integrated with the EU market. Turkey ranks 15th in the world and 5th in Europe in terms of automotive production, and Europe is the biggest market for Turkish automotive manufacturers. Recognising this integration, Turkish automotive legislation is closely aligned with the EU acquis, ensuring consistency with European standards and regulations. Turkish policymakers typically monitor legislative developments in the EU, evaluate their market impact in relation to Turkey’s economic needs, and subsequently adapt them into local legisla - tion with minor modifications.
Therefore, it is anticipated that a replication or slightly modified version of the GSR will be introduced in Turkish legislation following the full implementation of the EU GSR. 3.2 Future Policy in Product Liability and Product Safety In recent years, the EU has introduced cutting- edge regulations concerning artificial intelli - gence, personal data, mobility, and sustainable and circular economy, either through legislative implementation or in draft form. The EU’s draft product liability directive aims to adapt liability and safety expectations to the technological advancements of recent decades. This adaptation will involve redefining concepts related to products and the burden of proof, resulting in the expansion of manufacturers’ product liability towards strict liability, along with significant procedural changes. It is expected that Turkey will follow the EU approach with a short delay, after observing the implementation and initial impact of the EU leg - islation.
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