Ministry inspects stationery and school products

Turkey's Ministry of Trade is stepping up its scrutiny of stationery and school products as the 2026-2027 academic year approaches.

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Before the 2026-2027 academic year, which will begin on Monday, September 14, 2026, inspections of stationery and school products have been launched nationwide by our Ministry of Trade to protect the health and safety of our students and the economic interests of our consumers.

The ministry announced that inspections have begun nationwide to ensure the health and safety of students and protect consumers' economic interests. The checks encompass a wide range of items, including school bags, lunchboxes, pens, notebooks, erasers, sharpeners, paints, adhesives, and school uniforms. Particular attention is being paid to the presence of prohibited or restricted chemicals and potentially hazardous design features such as cords and drawstrings.

Products deemed dangerous or risky will undergo testing in accredited laboratories. The ministry will also verify that labels and consumer information are accurate and compliant. Items found to be unsafe will be banned from sale and recalled. Manufacturers and importers of non-compliant products will face administrative sanctions. Details about unsafe products will be made accessible to consumers through the Güvensiz Ürün Bilgi Sistemi (GÜBİS), available at https://gubis.ticaret.gov.tr.

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Citizens should pay attention to the presence of the manufacturer's or importer's full name and address, brand and model information, and Turkish warnings on stationery products.

The ministry also advised consumers on what to look for when purchasing school supplies. Key points include ensuring that the manufacturer's or importer's name and address are clearly stated, brand and model information is provided, and Turkish warnings are present. For toy-like stationery items, age recommendations and the CE mark should be checked. In children's clothing, legible Turkish content labels and the absence of hazardous elements like cords and drawstrings are emphasized. Price tag inspections are also being conducted extensively in retail outlets, including supermarkets and stationery stores, where school shopping is concentrated. The ministry affirmed its commitment to continuing these inspections to safeguard children's well-being and prevent consumer detriment.

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Our Ministry of Trade will resolutely continue its inspections to protect the health and safety of our children and to prevent consumers from suffering.