Competition Law at Georgia
Georgia has significantly advanced its competition and consumer protection legal framework, aligning it more closely with European Union standards. The Georgian Competition and Consumer Protection Agency (GCCPA) is the primary authority responsible for enforcing these laws.
🇬🇪 Legal Framework and Institutional Structure
Georgia's competition laws are primarily governed by the Law of Georgia on Competition, which was substantially amended in 2020 to enhance compliance with the EU-Georgia Association Agreement. These amendments introduced stricter merger control regulations, improved enforcement mechanisms, and expanded the scope of anti-competitive practices under scrutiny
Established in 2014, the GCCPA operates as an independent agency tasked with enforcing competition laws, anti-dumping regulations, and consumer protection legislation. In 2024, the agency's name was officially changed from the National Competition Agency to the Georgian Competition and Consumer Protection Agency to reflect its expanded mandate .
⚖️ Enforcement and Activities
In 2024, the GCCPA received 890 consumer complaints, nearly doubling the previous year's total. The agency confirmed violations in 198 cases, resulting in fines totaling GEL 60,000 and the issuance of 193 conditional obligation agreements with traders to rectify consumer rights violations .
Additionally, the GCCPA imposed fines amounting to GEL 311,629 in 2024 for various violations, including anti-competitive practices in the baking soda market and unauthorized concentration transactions. The agency also conducted market monitoring in sectors such as fuel, retail, and tobacco to ensure compliance with competition laws .(BM.GE)
📈 Alignment with European Standards
The European Commission's 2024 Enlargement Report highlighted significant improvements in Georgia's competition and consumer protection legislation. The alignment of competition laws with EU standards increased from 60% to 75%, while consumer protection legislation improved from 70% to 85% over the past two years .
In 2024, the GCCPA received positive evaluations and recommendations from an EU-funded mission, which commended the agency's institutional independence and competence. The mission suggested enhancing state aid control mechanisms, updating fine guidelines, and raising public awareness through joint programs .
🌍 International Cooperation
Georgia has strengthened its international cooperation in competition and consumer protection. In February 2025, the GCCPA and Poland's Office of Competition and Consumer Protection launched a partnership under the International Consumer Protection and Enforcement Network (ICPEN). This collaboration aims to enhance evidence-gathering tools and improve enforcement effectiveness through joint training sessions and consultations .
🔍 Summary
Georgia has made substantial progress in developing a robust competition and consumer protection legal framework. The GCCPA plays a pivotal role in enforcing these laws, ensuring fair market practices, and aligning with European standards. Through increased enforcement activities, international cooperation, and continuous legislative improvements, Georgia is fostering a more competitive and consumer-friendly market environment.
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