In the Georgian Competition and Consumer Agency, in the direction of the protection of consumer rights, from November 1, 2022 to December 1, 2023, the National Competition Agency has received 578 applications and a case study has been started on 340 applications.
In the mentioned period, according to the Agency’s decision, the 56 facts of violations of the rights of the consumer group were confirmed -in 84 cases, and in 7 cases were not confirmed.
Due to non-fulfillment of the obligation imposed by the Agency, 11 traders were fined 21,283 GEL in 22 cases. Currently, 14 out of 27 confirmed violations have been fully resolved by the trader in accordance with the agency's requirements.
During the reporting period, the Competition Agency signed 98 commitment agreements in favor of the consumer on 161 cases. This means the traders have made an obligation - to change its internal policy and to restore the rights of those consumers who allegedly suffered damages due to the trader’s policy in the past. Between November 1, 2022, and December 2023, the consumer was reimbursed approximately 500,000 GEL. The Agency is actively monitoring the process of fulfillment of obligations taken by the companies. The issue concerning 58 commitment agreements signed in 94 cases has recently been resolved.
64% of the applications received by the consumer refer to online trading, and 36% to the case of purchasing the item on the spot. According to regions, Tbilisi continues to lead with 85%, followed by Adjara with 6%, and Imereti with 5%.
According to the received applications, the repair or return of a defective item is 202, the demand for a refund is 197, the prohibition of misleading activities is 49, withdrawal from a contract without giving any reason is 32, providing information in Georgian language 21, 21 for items delivered within the specified time frame, and the rest is 56.
In the reporting period, according to the received applications, 67% is the wholesale and retail sector, transport and warehousing 16%, arts, entertainment and leisure 5%, construction 3%, and 9% other activities.
