The Georgian Competition and Consumer Agency (GCCA) has initiated a formal investigation on the basis of a complaint submitted by the non-entrepreneurial legal entity "EPR Georgia". The complaint concerns an alleged violation of Article 6 of the Law of Georgia on Competition pertaining to the abuse of a dominant position by the non-entrepreneurial legal entity "Extended Producer Responsibility Association".
The subject matter of the investigation relates to issues arising in connection with the fulfilment of extended producer responsibility obligations. According to the complainant, the respondent Association is obstructing the withdrawal process of its member companies, thereby preventing them from joining an alternative EPR organisation. The complainant further submits that the conduct in question has directly affected those producers who have expressed their intention to become members of "EPR Georgia".
For the purposes of conducting the investigation, a dedicated investigation group has been established within the Agency. In accordance with the procedure prescribed by the applicable legislation, the Agency shall adopt a decision within six months from the date of initiation of the investigation. In view of the significance and complexity of the case, the investigation period may be extended to a maximum of 18 months.
