Georgia: In 68% of applications related to online trading, the Georgian Competition and Consumer Protection Agency (GCCA) publishes statistical data for consumer protection.
From January 1, 2024, to April, the Competition and Consumer Protection Agency of Georgia diligently registered and addressed 300 applications to protect consumers’ rights, demonstrating our commitment to proactive consumer protection.
The agency’s decision confirmed 18 user group rights violations in 31 cases during this period.
As a result of our rigorous enforcement, 14 traders have been held accountable in 19 cases, with fines totaling 11,300 GEL, for failing to fulfill their obligations, ensuring that justice is served.
As part of our commitment to consumer protection, the agency has facilitated the signing of 46 agreements on 50 cases of conditional liability. These agreements are significant as they require traders to change their internal policies and restore the rights of customers they may have harmed. This proactive approach rectifies past issues and sets a precedent for future business practices, promoting a fair and transparent marketplace.
68% of customer applications relate to online trading, and 32% to purchasing items on the spot. According to regions, Tbilisi is leading with 88%, followed by Adjara with 3%, and the Imereti and Kakheti regions with 3%.
According to the customer applications submitted, the most common issues were related to refunds (95 cases), repair or return of defective items (91 cases), and restoration of rights for defective service (52 cases).
These figures highlight consumers’ issues and the agency’s efforts to address them. Other issues included:
- Delivery of goods within the stipulated period (16 cases).
- Unconditional return of items (14 cases).
- Various other concerns (32 cases).
In the accounting period, the wholesale and retail sector accounted for 72%, transportation and startups 11%, arts, entertainment and leisure 4%, and other activities 13%.
