Turkish trade ministry fines major shoe brands over pigskin disclosure

The Turkish Ministry of Trade has imposed financial penalties on several well-known international shoe manufacturers for allegedly neglecting to inform consumers about the use of pigskin in their products, according to reports from local media.

The Advertising Council of the Ministry named sportswear brands New Balance, Vans, and Camper in the investigation.

The issue centers around the companies’ failure to include information about pigskin components on product labels in Turkey, despite such details reportedly being available on their internationally-oriented websites.

Pigskin is considered impure in Islam, and its use is particularly sensitive in Turkey, a predominantly Muslim country where many practicing Muslims avoid products containing pig-derived materials.

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According to the reports, New Balance has been fined approximately $46,000, while Vans faces a penalty of around $23,000. Camper, meanwhile, has reportedly been ordered to cease advertising certain products altogether.

At the time of reporting, none of the companies involved had responded to official inquiries regarding the allegations or the fines.