By promulgation of new Tobacco law numbered 4733 in 2002 in Turkey; restructuring of state tobacco monopoly TEKEL with the purpose of privatization by terminating its monopoly position, discontinuing tobacco subsidy system and establishing free competition in tobacco market have mainly been aimed. Within this context, Tobacco and Alcohol Market Regulatory Authority (TAPDK), that has administrative and financial autonomous, has been established so as to fulfil regulatory and supervisory functions of TEKEL regarding to tobacco and alcohol markets in 2002.

A large number of new regulations such as By-laws, Communiques, Board Decisions and law amendments have been made within the scope of market requirements; markets have been monitoring and inspecting regularly; several joint studies and projects have been conducting on tobacco, tobacco products and alcoholic beverages markets in cooperation with public institutions, universities and private sector by TAPDK since 2002.

On the other hand, TAPDK has been following up international activities and the latest developments related to the markets of which in charge. Adaptation of EU's acqui into Turkish legislation are carried out; measures relating to tobacco control are taken; experts and directors from the Authority have been participating in meetings, congresses and working groups under EU, WHO FCTC, ISO, OIV and other relevant international bodies on a regular basis. When regulating the markets, the decisions taken in these meetings are taken into consideration.

To sum up, TAPDK has been playing an important role as a unique regulatory body in tobacco and alcohol markets in Turkey since it has been established. By presenting this paper, it is aimed to inform attendants about functioning of Turkish tobacco market from regulatory aspects.