The product labeling fee for non-alcoholic beverages will be covered by the Revenue Service of the Ministry of Finance in 2021 as well. This was reported by the Public Relations Department of the Revenue Service of the Ministry of Finance.
The contract with SICPA Security Solutions SA had already expired. The company has been labeling soft drinks ordered by the government since 2016.
According to the order signed by the Minister of Finance Ivane Machavariani, the government will finance the process of labeling non-alcoholic beverages until October 31, 2021.
"The nominal value of the mandatory marking of non-excisable goods by October 31, 2021, will be reimbursed by the Revenue Service based on a contract concluded with the selected person," the order reads.
Mandatory marking of non-excisable goods was established by order of the Minister of Finance of Georgia in 2012. This rule aimed to reduce the circulation of counterfeit products in the market, although it imposed additional costs on businesses to label their own products. The rule was supposed to put in force in 2013. However, as a result of protests from the sector, it was postponed for several years and finally enacted in 2016 as a compromise. The Ministry of Finance temporarily took over the labeling fee.
Companies believe that if they are forced to pay this financial obligation, then the cost of non-alcoholic beverages in the country will increase.
