Georgian Competition
and Consumer
Agency

The working meetings for discussing and processing the by-law prepared based on the Law of Georgia "On Consumer Rights Protection” were held with representatives of various sectors by the National Competition Agency of Georgia.
The staff of the Agency met with representatives of about 20 business associations, the civil sector, member companies of the e-commerce association, and experts in the field to refine the draft of the by-law.

The initial version of the case study rule and procedures elaborated based on the Law of Georgia "On Consumer Rights Protection" was discussed. It will affect creating clear regulations for all parties and help the agency to protect consumer rights effectively. The parties discussed the recommendations and remarks presented at the meeting and agreed on future cooperation.

Also, an e-meeting was held between the staff of the Consumer Rights Protection Department, GNCA, and Polish colleagues to share and study international experience. Based on practical examples, Polish colleagues presented various cases, approaches, challenges, methods of working with the target audience, etc. in the direction of the protection of consumers` rights. At the meeting, the parties discussed the rules and exceptions for returning goods, as well as the procedure for calculating fines and other important issues.

According to the decision of the National Competition Agency of Georgia, meetings with different target audiences will continue.

From September 1, 2022, the hotline: 2 05 4422, was activated in the Agency to protect the rights of consumers. Accordingly, all interested persons can call and receive important information, including the merchant's obligations, remote and off-premise contracts, and consequences of contract rejection. Return procedures for purchased goods and services, etc.

Also, on June 1st, the TWINNING project has been launched, and the teams of professionals from the competition agencies of Lithuania and Austria will provide consultations and technical support. The project aims to strengthen the direction of competition and consumer protection policy following the Association Agreement, to improve the legal status of consumers in Georgia, to ensure a high level of protection, and to strengthen integrity.

The Law on “Consumer Rights Protection” is in force since 1st of June, 2022. The National Competition Agency will start accepting applications and responding to violations from November 1.