The Georgian Competition and Consumer Agency (GCCA) has established that LLC “Karcher” violated the Law of Georgia on the Protection of Consumer Rights.
Following a comprehensive assessment and examination of the case, it was determined that the trader failed to provide consumers with complete, accurate, and reliable information regarding the products they purchased, thereby contravening the principles of fair and transparent commercial practices.
The GCCA further found that, in certain instances, consumers were supplied with information that directly contradicted the trader’s stated commercial policy, for example, claims that certain accessories were not covered by a warranty - resulting in the dissemination of misleading information.
In accordance with applicable legislation, consumers are entitled, prior to the acquisition of goods or services, to receive full, truthful, and comprehensive information in the state language, presented in a clear and understandable manner. The Agency concluded that the trader’s commercial policy, in several instances, was of an illusory nature, in breach of the principles of good faith and to the material detriment of the affected consumer group.
Following the investigation, it was confirmed that the trader breached its obligations to inform consumers, included unfair standard contractual terms, and engaged in unfair commercial practices. Pursuant to the Agency’s decision, the trader is required, within one month, to restore the violated consumer rights and ensure that its commercial policy fully complies with the law.
When a trader fails to execute or improperly executes a decision of the Agency within the period determined by the Agency, the trader shall be penalized. The amount of penalty shall not exceed 2 % of the annual turnover of the trader for the preceding financial year. The imposition of a fine does not exempt the trader from its obligation to comply with the Agency’s decision.
