TRT bandrol is a mandatory tax in Türkiye for certain media products and is paid by salespoints.

The Turkish Radio and Television Corporation (TRT) was established by the TRT Law enacted on May 1, 1964, and is the first and only institution in Türkiye responsible for public broadcasting.

The law regulating TRT’s revenues, Law No. 3093, was adopted on December 4, 1984. According to this, “the TRT contribution fee will be collected from the end consumer by manufacturers and importers and paid to the institution.” As proof of this payment, the bandrol stamp and the TRT bandrol label system were introduced.

 

What is the TRT Bandrol?

It is the physical indicator of the tax collected, based on the Law on the Revenues of the Turkish Radio and Television Corporation No. 3093, from all electronic devices that have the distinctive feature of receiving radio and TV broadcasts without the need for any additional equipment.

 

What is the e-Bandrol?

It is a form of bandrol purchased electronically for the same category of products, where no physical bandrol sticker is affixed, and verification is done solely through the system. On the website https://www.trt.net.tr/bandrol/, by entering the device’s serial ID number, it can be checked whether the bandrol fee has been paid.

 

According to Law No. 3093, it is mandatory to pay the bandrol fee and obtain a bandrol for the devices listed in this law. The current list reference: 2022/5610

 

 

Other devices capable of receiving all types of visual and/or audio broadcasts
Latest rates as of August 2025:

HS Code	Product	TRT Rate
8528	Television	16%
8527	Radio	16%
8521	Video	16%
8519	Combined devices	16%
8517	Mobile phone	12%
8471	Computer	4%
8701	On-vehicle devices	0.8%
8601	Other on-vehicle devices	0.02%
8528.71	Set-top boxes	12%
8525	Other, smartwatches	14%

 

Where to Obtain the Bandrol?

An authorized company representative collects the bandrol from the relevant TRT Directorate by submitting the original request petition, proof of payment, and authorization document previously sent to the institution.

 

Who Can Obtain the TRT Bandrol?

Manufacturers with a capacity report, and importers with customs declarations, can obtain TRT bandrols from the institution. Outside these categories, TRT bandrols cannot be obtained.

 

What Happens if the Bandrol Fee is Not Paid?

If a manufacturer or importer sells or offers for sale devices listed in Article 1 of the law without a bandrol or label, TRT imposes an administrative fine equal to twice the calculated bandrol fee for each unbandrolled device.
If the bandrol fee has been paid but the bandrol is not physically affixed to the product, or if in the e-Bandrol application the required notification is not made within 10 days, TRT applies a fine equal to twice the bandrol fee. After obtaining the bandrol, details such as place of use, quantity, brand, and model must be reported to the institution within 10 days.

 

When Should the TRT Bandrol Be Obtained?

According to Article 3 of Law No. 3093: “Manufacturers of devices listed in Article 1 must obtain the bandrol or label before sale; importers must obtain it upon entry into free circulation.”

How is the Declared Sales Amount Determined for TRT Bandrol Purchase?

For imports, it is the customs declaration value excluding Special Consumption Tax (SCT) and VAT. For manufacturing, it is the sales invoice value excluding SCT and VAT. For manufactured products, it is calculated and collected based on the production cost stated on the first invoice.

 

Who is Responsible for Paying the TRT Bandrol Fee?

The law requires manufacturers and importers of the devices listed in Article 1 to declare and pay the collected fees to TRT by the 10th of the following month. Initially, this was collected from the end consumer, but the system has changed to pre-collection based on manufacturing or import values.

 

What Should the Declared Price Be?

In a free market, sellers can set their own prices. Manufacturers can declare any price based on production cost for TRT bandrol purposes. Online retail prices cannot be used as examples for the declaration price, as these are secondary or tertiary sales.

 

Differences in Product Prices

Technological features and licensing in devices such as televisions or audio-visual equipment can create significant cost differences even if products look identical externally. Therefore, the manufacturer’s or importer’s declared price is taken as the basis for bandrol calculation.

 

Where Should the Physical TRT Bandrol Be Affixed?

The bandrol can be affixed to the device itself or to its packaging, box, remote control, or user manual containing the serial number. It must not be handed over separately with the invoice or stored unused.

Expired Bandrols

TRT bandrols are printed and distributed annually and cannot be used the following year. They must be returned or destroyed if unused.

 

Are There Advantages to Purchasing TRT Bandrol?

Yes. If you are a product developer or exporter, you can benefit from certain incentives. Developers can receive a grant of 12% of their profit margin, and exporters pay 50% less TRT bandrol tax for every second unit shipped abroad.

 

For all products used for audio and visual purposes, TRT tax is applied in addition to SCT, VAT, and other taxes, resulting in taxation exceeding 50% of the product’s cost — meaning the end consumer pays high taxes as if purchasing a luxury item.

 

Hayrettin Özaydın

Info: koc@hedefkoc.com

Artificial Intelligence in Corporate Life: Opportunities, Risks, and Strategic Considerations

In recent years, artificial intelligence has moved beyond being a mere technology trend in the corporate world to becoming a strategic tool that is fundamentally transforming the way we do business. Today, AI-based solutions are used in numerous areas, from financial reporting and human resources to customer service and supply chain management. The primary appeal of AI is that it offers companies speed, cost advantages, and high accuracy. However, this rapid rise also poses significant risks, often unnoticed, and technical and ethical limitations that require attention.

The use of AI in corporate life is not limited to establishing a technological infrastructure; it also requires a management approach, a security culture, and a strategic planning process. For companies investing in AI, asking not only “what will be the benefits” but also “what will be the losses” is critical for a sustainable and secure digital transformation.

 

Advantages

• Operational Efficiency: Automating repetitive business processes frees employees from routine tasks, freeing them up for more creative and strategic work. For example, data analysis processes that used to take weeks can be completed in hours. This means both time savings and reduced human error.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Artificial intelligence provides managers with robust insights by quickly analyzing large data sets. From marketing strategies to risk management, decision-making processes progress more informedly and quickly.
• Customer Experience Improvement: Thanks to personalized recommendations, automated response systems, and intelligent chatbots, customers access the services they need much faster. This, in turn, increases brand loyalty.
• Cost Control: Automating processes and reducing human errors reduces operational costs. In the long run, the return on investment (ROI) also accelerates.

 

Disadvantages and Risks

• Data Privacy and Security: Uploading company data to third-party AI systems can unknowingly lead to the leak of sensitive information. This poses a serious risk in terms of both trade secret disclosure and legal sanctions.
• Biased Decision Mechanisms: Algorithms can make flawed decisions when fed inaccurate or biased data. This can create injustice in critical areas, from recruiting processes to loan approvals.
• Risk of Over-Reliance: Entirely delegating decision-making to AI can undermine employees’ critical thinking and crisis management skills.
• Legal Non-Compliance: Regulations regarding the use of AI vary from country to country and are frequently updated. Bypassing compliance processes can expose companies to heavy fines.

 

Lesser-Known Critical Points

• Data Leakage Occurs Silently: Information entered into chatbot or automated reporting systems is often recorded by the system provider. Therefore, sensitive content such as contract clauses, customer information, or financial data should not be entered directly into these systems.
• Whitelisting Strategy: Only trusted, tested, and approved AI tools should be allowed within the company. A randomly selected tool can open the door to cybersecurity vulnerabilities. • The Danger of Shadow AI: Employees using AI tools of their choosing without consent creates the risk of both data breaches and non-compliance.
• Data Anonymization: Data should be anonymized before model training or reporting, ensuring compliance with both the KVKK and international privacy standards.

 

Basic Privacy Rules

1. Sensitive data should never be uploaded to public AI systems.
2. The data storage and usage policies of the tools used should be strictly reviewed. Critical data should not be used in systems that state “Your data may be used for training purposes.”
3. Regular coordination should be maintained with the cybersecurity team, and swift action should be taken in the event of a suspected data breach.
4. User access permissions should be kept to the minimum required level, and unnecessary data sharing should be prevented.

Artificial intelligence is a powerful tool that offers speed, accuracy, and scalability in corporate life. However, security, ethics, and legal frameworks should never be overlooked when using this power. Companies should view technology not only as a productivity tool but also as a strategic area of responsibility. Properly directed artificial intelligence investments will shape the future of institutions; unconscious use will magnify risks at the same pace.

H. Mert ÖZAYDIN

Dr. Psychologist / Expert

Info: koc@hedefkoc.com

Those Who Leave a Mark in Space Have a Voice on Earth

Today, space technologies have gone beyond being merely a field of scientific advancement. Especially, satellite activities carried out in low Earth orbit have become a strategic factor influencing global power dynamics. This field now determines not only a nation’s technological capabilities but also its political and economic influence on the international stage.

Low Earth orbit satellites play critical roles across a wide range of sectors, from communications and defense to agriculture and finance. These satellites enable high-speed internet access even in the most remote corners of the world, enhance the mobility of military units, and provide vital data within minutes during disaster management processes. In short, these technological elements in space have become a fundamental infrastructure for nearly all areas on Earth.

In Türkiye, TUYAD (Telecommunications Satellite and Broadcasting Business People Association) has been representing the country’s leading institutions and their work in satellite technologies for the past 26 years. The core motivation behind these developments is clear: those who control information and communication possess global power. Thus, each satellite launched into space represents not only a nation’s technological level but also its global vision and ambition. Every state that strengthens its presence in space also strengthens its position on Earth.

In recent years, many countries—most notably the USA, China, and Russia—have made significant investments in low Earth orbit satellites. Rising nations like Türkiye are also moving toward taking an active role in this competition. In line with this awareness and strategic importance, KÜPSAT Inc. was established and has been working since 2023 on the design, development, and production of small and cube satellites. These efforts to develop satellites for communication, observation, and defense aim to enhance Türkiye’s independent operational capabilities in space.

At this point, the key issue is not just launching satellites, but also having the capacity to manufacture, manage, and, when necessary, defend them. With over 25 years of consultancy experience, Hedef Koç Consultancy continues its successful contributions to the structuring and development of the telecommunications, satellite, and space sectors in Türkiye. Every step taken in low orbit ultimately transforms into a move that affects strategic balances on Earth in the long run.

Today, we can clearly state this fact: space studies are no longer prestige projects for nations but have become matters of national security and economic independence. The phrase “Those who leave a mark in space have a voice on Earth” is the most concise summary of this process.

It is evident that in the coming years, the countries investing in space will assume more decisive roles not only in the scientific community but also in global politics. Therefore, low Earth orbit satellite technologies should be seen as one of the key tools to have a say in the future world.

Dr. Clinical Psychologist Mert Özaydın

Over the past two decades, screen-based media consumption has become one of the most transformative elements of modern life, affecting individuals across every age, culture, and demographic. From traditional television to digital streaming platforms, the nature of what we watch, how often we watch, and why we watch has changed dramatically. This shift has been driven by a complex interplay of technological, psychological, sociological, and cultural factors. In this article, we examine the trends in screen viewing habits in Turkey and across the globe over the last 20 years, using verifiable statistical data, while also offering a forward-looking simulation for the next 5, 10, and 20 years.
In Turkey, the average daily screen time per person in 2025 has reached 7 hours and 24 minutes. This marks an increase of 16 minutes compared to 2024 and reflects a broader upward trajectory seen consistently over the past two decades. Younger generations, particularly Gen Z—those born between 1997 and 2012—are reported to spend approximately 9 hours a day in front of screens. In contrast, individuals over the age of 55 tend to exhibit significantly lower screen times. Educational background also plays a role: individuals with lower levels of formal education generally consume more television content than their more highly educated counterparts. When considering content preferences in Turkey, television series and daytime talk shows dominate the landscape, especially among middle-aged and older audiences. Children and adolescents, meanwhile, are increasingly influenced by both traditional television and digital media content, with primary school-aged viewers being among the most affected.
Television Watching Time in the World
Globally, the average daily screen time in 2025 stands at approximately 6 hours and 40 minutes. However, these averages vary significantly by region. South Africa currently holds the highest average screen time at 9 hours and 24 minutes per day, while Japan records the lowest with just 3 hours and 56 minutes. Turkey ranks among the top countries in terms of total screen consumption, consistent with broader patterns of increasing digital media engagement. Age again proves to be a critical factor. Gen Z globally mirrors Turkey’s pattern, logging around 9 hours of screen time daily. Even among toddlers, screen exposure is becoming increasingly common: nearly half of children aged 0 to 2 have regular interactions with smartphones, a fact that has prompted growing concern among educators and health professionals.
The reasons behind this increase in screen time are multifaceted. Psychologically, excessive screen use—especially among children aged 2 to 17—has been associated with reduced emotional stability, lower curiosity, and diminished self-regulation. Such effects raise long-term concerns regarding mental health and social development. On a sociological level, increasing digitalization has gradually replaced traditional forms of human interaction. The COVID-19 pandemic only accelerated this shift, pushing many social, educational, and professional interactions onto screens and creating new routines of extended media use. Culturally, the massive growth in content variety and the on-demand nature of streaming platforms have reshaped how people engage with media. Individuals can now access highly personalized content libraries from virtually anywhere, eliminating many of the time and space limitations that once regulated television viewing. Finally, technological advancements—particularly the widespread adoption of smartphones and tablets—have made screen-based entertainment more accessible than ever before. These devices serve as constant companions, integrating screen time into every aspect of daily life.
Estimated Television Viewing Projection for the Coming Years Based on Current Data
Looking toward the future, current data allows us to construct projections about how screen time may evolve over the next several decades. In Turkey, average daily screen time is expected to reach approximately 7 hours and 45 minutes by 2030. By 2035, this figure may increase to 8 hours and 15 minutes, and by 2045, it could surpass 9 hours and 30 minutes. On a global scale, similar trends are anticipated. Average screen time worldwide could climb to around 7 hours and 15 minutes in the next five years, 8 hours and 30 minutes in a decade, and potentially exceed 10 hours and 30 minutes within 20 years. These projections are based on current trends in technology adoption, digital media consumption patterns, and demographic behaviors.
In conclusion, the last 20 years have witnessed a profound transformation in screen viewing habits, both in Turkey and around the world. This evolution reflects not just changes in technology, but also deeper shifts in how people live, work, learn, and connect. As we move forward, it will be crucial for societies to balance the benefits of screen-based media—such as access to information, entertainment, and connection—with the psychological and social risks it may pose. Understanding these dynamics is essential not only for policy makers and educators, but for families and individuals seeking to navigate an increasingly screen-saturated world.

Communication is crucial during an earthquake, and the ability to transmit communication without cables can only be achieved through satellite technologies. The VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal) system, which provides continuous broadband satellite internet service, refers to small (80 cm) antenna-based satellite ground stations. VSAT is a system that enables two-way satellite internet communication between geographically distant locations through a “central ground station” (Hub station).
TUYAD’s Role in Disaster Situations
TUYAD provides training for the installation and activation of these systems during AFED (Acil Felaket ve Afet Durumu – Emergency Disaster and Emergency Situation), storing the details of trained individuals in a CRM system, and calling on these individuals for duty when needed.
VSAT systems play a crucial role in communication during disaster recovery and emergency response. Given that it is impossible to predict when and where an earthquake or disaster will occur, most of the time, these events quickly disable infrastructure. Those living in the affected area, as well as those wishing to provide assistance, will turn to mobile devices for communication. However, when infrastructure is damaged, communication becomes impossible.
In these situations, VSAT technology is the key to maintaining communication. Satellites serving the region are critical here. For Turkey, TÜRKSAT and Eutelsat satellites are among the easiest sources of VSAT services.
TÜRKSAT KU and KA band VSAT systems keep a sufficient stock of terminals for emergency communications during disasters. These terminals are deployed by volunteer installation teams, ready to be activated across Turkey.
The Importance of Quick Communication Setup During Emergencies
In a disaster scenario, the ability to establish connections as quickly as possible is truly a matter of life and death. Ensuring that disaster response teams and the general public can quickly establish communication is vital.
VSAT installation training is offered by TUYAD to anyone across Turkey who wishes to participate. Since it is impossible to predict when and where an earthquake will occur, all trained individuals are called to duty during such events. This work is carried out on a voluntary basis, and we extend our gratitude to all the volunteers who have contributed to communication services during emergencies.
The installation of these systems is critical for establishing communication in places where help is needed, both during and before/after the rescue efforts.
The Need for Assistance in the Field During a Disaster
In disaster situations, field teams will constantly need additional personnel. Furthermore, the accessibility of these teams is of great importance. In such cases, priority should be given to VSAT installation teams.
The role of VSAT terminals in emergency communication during disasters became crystal clear during the most recent earthquake. The activation of these systems, through TUYAD’s VSAT group integration, and the rapid deployment of registered personnel in the affected regions enabled communication to be re-established.
Communication Saves Lives
During an earthquake, communication is the most important factor in saving lives. VSAT is the only means of establishing communication in an affected region where the infrastructure has been damaged.
VSAT installation teams may have to travel long distances and face challenging conditions to reach the disaster zone, carrying sensitive equipment. Upon arrival, they work to set up and activate the equipment, often without any prior communication infrastructure in place.
VSAT deployment teams, having received specialized training, require only electrical power (typically supplied by generators) to operate. By racing against time, they install the VSAT antenna, make the necessary precise adjustments, and quickly connect to the internet, making a significant impact on disaster recovery efforts.
The Importance of Training and Certification
During a disaster, all satellite operators reserve their entire capacity for use in the affected regions. Equipment is stocked, but the critical aspect is the installation and activation process, which is only possible with trained human resources. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all VSAT installers for their dedication during disaster situations.
TUYAD’s free volunteer installation training programs and the certification obtained afterward provide participants with valuable knowledge and skills about satellite operations and equipment. This not only makes them experts in satellite communication during emergencies but also prepares them for everyday satellite operations. In disaster recovery, the priority is always to save lives.
Conclusion and Gratitude
VSAT systems are of paramount importance for communication during earthquakes and other disasters. Rescue teams are working with incredible dedication to save people as quickly as possible from the affected areas. As TUYAD, we thank all the volunteers who contributed to emergency efforts and inform you that we will continue our volunteer installation training programs.