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WHAT IS THE TRUST MARK IN E-COMMERCE? HOW TO GET IT?

What is the Trust Seal?

The Trust Seal is an official certification mark given by institutions authorized by the Ministry of Commerce, which shows that e-commerce sites meet certain security and data protection standards. This electronic trust symbol shows that the security infrastructure, data processing policies and customer service processes of e-commerce platforms have been meticulously inspected and approved. This seal officially documents that a safe shopping environment is provided to consumers, personal data is appropriately protected and that the business fully complies with all legal requirements.

What is the Use of the Trust Seal?

The Trust Seal increases consumer confidence and ensures the protection of personal data by documenting the compliance of e-commerce sites with certain security standards. This seal strengthens brand reputation and increases sales by reducing fraud and forgery risks. It also increases customer satisfaction by providing credibility to the site as an indicator of legal compliance.

What are the requirements to receive a Trust Seal?

In order to receive the Trust Seal, e-commerce sites must meet certain technical and legal requirements. These requirements aim to ensure the security of the site and the protection of user data. The basic requirements to receive the Trust Seal are as follows:

• Usage of SSL Certificate: The e-commerce site must have an SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate to ensure the security of user data. This certificate encrypts information during data transmission and prevents it from being intercepted by third parties.
• Protection of Personal Data: The site must securely process users' personal data within the scope of the Law on the Protection of Personal Data No. 6698 (KVKK) and ensure the confidentiality of this data. Necessary measures must be taken against data breaches.
• Secure Payment Infrastructure: The e-commerce site must have a secure payment infrastructure to protect users' financial information. A system that complies with standards such as PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) must be used during payment transactions.
• Clear and Transparent User Policies: Documents such as privacy policy, user agreement and cookie policy that clearly state users' rights and obligations must be published on the site. These documents ensure that users are informed and their rights are protected.
• Precautions Against Security Vulnerabilities: The site should be regularly inspected against cybersecurity threats and necessary updates should be made against security vulnerabilities. In case of security breaches, users should be informed and necessary measures should be taken.
• Customer Services and Complaint Management: The e-commerce site should have a customer service infrastructure that can effectively manage user complaints. Necessary procedures should be determined for users' problems to be resolved quickly and effectively.

What are the Required Documents to Get a Trust Seal?

The following documents must be submitted in full for the Trust Seal application:

• Application form
• Tax plate
• Trade registry gazette
• Signature circular
• Authorized person's ID photocopy
• Domain name and SSL certificate information of the e-commerce site
• User agreements and privacy policies prepared within the scope of personal data protection
• Security certificates regarding payment infrastructure and receipt of payment of application fee

Submitting these documents in full will ensure that your application is evaluated quickly and without any problems.

Where and How to Get a Trust Seal?

The Trust Seal is given in Turkey through authorized institutions via ETBİS (Electronic Commerce Information System). E-commerce sites can get a Trust Seal by following the steps below:

1. Determination of the Authorized Institution to Apply: In Turkey, the institutions authorized to issue the Trust Seal include The Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB) and other institutions authorized by the Ministry of Commerce. The institution to which the application will be made is determined according to the field of activity and sector of the e-commerce site.
2. Meeting the Necessary Conditions: In order for an e-commerce site to receive the Trust Seal, it must meet basic technical and security standards. These standards primarily cover the protection of personal data, security of payment transactions and user privacy.
3. Preparation of Necessary Documents: Basic documents such as business information, tax certificate, SSL certificate of the e-commerce site and user agreements must be prepared for the application.
4. Application Submission: Applications are made through the authorized institution's online platform. At this stage, the necessary documents are uploaded to the system and the application fee is paid.
5. Audit and Approval Process: Following the application, the authorized institution audits the e-commerce site in detail in terms of the specified standards. The Trust Seal is approved when the security and privacy conditions are met.
6. Obtainment and Use of the Trust Seal: Upon completion of the approval process, the e-commerce site integrates the Trust Seal into its website and proves its reliability to its customers.

How to Create an Account to Apply for a Trustmark?

To apply for a Trustmark, businesses must create a user account on an authorized Trustmark Provider (GDS) platform. This process is used to verify the identity of the e-commerce business and initiate the application process. Here are the steps to create an account:

• Logging in to the Authorized GDS Platform

In Turkey, Trust Seal applications are made through the platform authorized by the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB). The first step in the application process is to log in to the TOBB Trust Seal Application System.

• Identity Verification with E-Government

Identity verification is made through e-Government during the Trust Seal application. Users can access the application system by logging in to the TOBB platform with their e-Government information.

• Filling in User Account Information

After logging in to the platform, business information must be entered completely and accurately into the system. This information includes:

• Business name and tax number,
• Authorized person's name, surname and contact information,
• E-commerce site's domain name (URL),
• SSL certificate information.


• Payment of Application Fee

During the application, the application fee determined for the Trust Seal service is paid. The payment process is carried out online through the platform and the receipt is uploaded to the system.

• Approval of the Account and Initiation of the Application Process

After all the information is entered and the application fee is paid, the user account is approved by **GDS** and the application process is officially started. Once the approval process is completed, the e-commerce site goes through the necessary inspections to be entitled to receive the Trust Seal.

What are Trustmark Fees?

Trustmark fees are determined by the annual credit card transaction number and volume of the companies applying. This fee is divided into different levels according to the annual transaction volume of the companies. Trustmark fees are as follows:

Who Can Apply for the Trust Seal?

The Trust Seal application is open to all businesses operating in Turkey that offer e-commerce services, and the main purpose of this service is to increase the reliability of digital commerce and protect consumer rights. Businesses that can apply include e-commerce sites that sell their own products or services online, marketplace platforms where third-party sellers display and sell their products, education, consultancy, reservation and digital platforms that offer other online services. These platforms are aiming to obtain the Trust Seal in order to provide a secure shopping experience to their customers and raise the standards in the sector.

The basic conditions that businesses must meet for the application are as follows: First of all, they must have the status of an officially registered taxpayer in Turkey, they must have completed the Electronic Commerce Information System (ETBİS) registration, which shows that e-commerce activities are carried out within the legal framework, and they must act in accordance with the Personal Data Protection Law regarding the protection of customer information and fully fulfill the requirements of a secure payment infrastructure.

What are the Advantages of Obtaining the Trust Seal?

There are many advantages for e-commerce sites to have a trust seal. Some of these advantages can be listed as follows:

• Increases Consumer Confidence: The Trustmark reduces consumers’ concerns while shopping by showing that the e-commerce site is secure and increases their sense of trust.
• Documents Compliance with Legal and Security Standards: The Trustmark strengthens the reputation of the business by documenting that the site complies with legal requirements and data security standards.
• Reduces Fraud and Data Breach Risks: The Trustmark protects both the business and the consumer by reducing fraud attempts and data breach risks.
• Strengthens Brand Reputation: It helps them differentiate from their competitors by strengthening brand reputation.
• Increases Sales and Conversion Rates: The Trustmark increases users’ trust in the site, leading to more sales and conversions rates increase.
• Increases Customer Loyalty: Sites that offer a secure shopping experience increase the likelihood of customers being chosen again, ensuring customer loyalty.
• Provides Competitive Advantage: The Trust Seal offers e-commerce businesses the advantage of differentiating themselves from their competitors and gaining a stronger position in the market.
• Provides Data Protection and Privacy: The Trust Seal provides protection against data breaches by showing that the site processes personal and financial data securely.
• Provides Secure Use on E-commerce Platforms: The Trust Seal supports the secure use of the brand name on social media and e-commerce platforms and protects brand rights.

To summarize;

• The Trust Seal is an official certification mark that shows that e-commerce sites meet security and data protection standards.
• The application process is carried out through TOBB and authorized institutions, and certain technical and legal requirements must be met.
• This certification increases consumer trust, strengthens brand reputation and increases sales rates.

Mesut SENEL | Ifasturk CEO

Certified Public Accountant