The founder of poultry producer company Chirina, Revaz Vashakidze, says the company cannot yet export meat to the EU despite recently receiving the FSSC 22000 safety certification from TUV Austria. Speaking to BMG, he explained that the certificate confirms Chirina’s compliance with high European standards but that Georgia still lacks the necessary state-level agreement allowing meat exports to the EU.
Vashakidze emphasized that the certification demonstrates full alignment with European veterinary and production requirements. He noted that TUV Austria’s approval reflects strict compliance across all stages of production, from limits on hens' density per square meter to proper handling procedures. Without such certification, he said, many international companies would not accept Chirina’s products.
However, Vashakidze stressed that certification alone is not enough. He said the EU maintains veterinary restrictions that must be resolved through negotiations between Georgia’s government and European institutions. According to him, talks previously held by the National Food Agency have stalled, leaving Georgia unable to export meat or live animals.
Vashakidze called for more active government engagement, pointing out that countries like Ukraine have already secured export permissions for several enterprises. “The certificate opens the door for us, but the state needs to finalize the agreement,” he said, adding that until that happens, Georgia can only export products caught in the Black Sea, not those produced domestically.
