Turkey Fines Adidas for Failing to Disclose Pigskin in Popular Sneaker Model

Turkey has fined German sportswear giant Adidas over $15,000 for not informing customers that its popular Samba OG sneakers contain pigskin.

Regulatory Action Over Religious Sensitivities

The country's advertising regulator criticized Adidas for labeling the shoes as made from "real leather" without specifying that the material was sourced from pigs. The ruling, obtained by AFP, stated that products containing materials "contrary to the religious sensitivities of the majority of society must be clearly mentioned" in advertisements and descriptions.

As a result, Turkish authorities imposed a 550,059 lira ($15,200) fine on the company. Adidas has yet to issue a statement regarding the decision.

Religious Guidelines on Pig-Derived Materials

  [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dv0mKx2HT5E&t=20s[/embed]

The ruling aligns with Turkey’s Presidency of Religious Affairs' 2020 decree, which stated that using pigskin or pig hair in clothing or footwear is not permissible. Given that Turkey has a predominantly Muslim population, transparency regarding such materials is considered crucial in product labeling.

This penalty underscores Turkey's regulatory stance on consumer transparency, particularly concerning products that may conflict with religious beliefs.