In June 2024, the Georgian Competition and Consumer Agency (GCCA) imposed penalties on five traders for failing to fulfill their commitments. The case concerns a violation of the Law of Georgia on the Protection of Consumer Rights, which, according to the Agency's decision, obligated the traders to align their trade policy with the relevant articles of legislation.
As a result of the monitoring implemented by the Agency, it was determined that the decision taken by the Agency was not implemented. Accordingly, a fine of 6524,68 GEL was imposed on "Opatrade", Nugzar Kurbanov - 600 GEL, Anar Aslanov - 600 GEL, LLC "9 Dragons Imperia" - 600 GEL and online store "Urbanindustry" - 600 GEL.
- According to the GCCA, being fined does not exempt the trader from complying with the Agency's decision. The Agency initiates the penalty procedure only after verifying the violation if a company fails to fulfill its obligations towards the protection of consumers' rights.
- In case of confirmation of violation, when a trader fails to execute or improperly executes a decision of the Agency within the period determined by the Agency, the trader shall be penalized. The amount of penalty shall not exceed 2 % of the annual turnover of the trader for the preceding financial year. Besides, it should not be less than 600 GEL. If, during a period of 12 months, a trader commits a violation repeatedly, he/she shall be subject to a penalty which is double the amount of the previously imposed penalty.
Since 2023, 40 traders have received fines of up to 50,000 GEL for failing to meet the Agency's requirements. The consumers received about 500,000 GEL in compensation.
