Georgia’s Deputy Finance Minister, Giorgi Kakauridze, stated that the planned ban on plastic beverage bottles, set to take effect in February 2027, is unlikely to negatively impact the state budget. He noted that the Ministry of Finance was not directly involved in drafting the regulation since it does not concern taxes or budget revenues.
Kakauridze explained that the regulation primarily affects product substitution in the market and is not expected to cause significant financial loss. “I do not think this will result in damage. If there is any impact, it would more likely affect economic growth rather than the budget,” he said. He also emphasized that the government will maintain active communication with businesses during implementation.
Regarding the absence of a Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA), Kakauridze said he has no detailed information on the matter and suggested that inquiries be directed to the ministry responsible for drafting the regulation.
The ban will prohibit the sale of carbonated drinks, soft drinks, alcohol, and fresh water in plastic bottles smaller than 3 liters for water and 20 liters for other beverages, with some exceptions for large-format bottles. The regulation has already raised concerns among major producers, including PepsiCo Georgia, Healthy Water, Natakhtari (Efes Georgia), and Coca-Cola Bottlers Georgia. If enacted, Georgia will become the first country in the world to fully ban PET plastic bottles.
