The Georgian Competition and Consumer Agency (GCCA) has published its consumer rights protection statistics covering the first eight months of the current year.

During the reporting period, the GCCA received a total of 1758 applications and 5367 calls related to consumer rights protection-representing a 110% increase in the number of applications submitted compared to the corresponding period of the preceding year.

Furthermore, during the reporting period, the Georgian Competition and Consumer Agency identified 227 violations of consumer group rights in 516 cases. Due to non-compliance with obligations imposed by the GCCA, 114 traders were fined in 268 cases, with total penalties amounting to 289 663 GEL. For consumer protection, 134 commitment agreements were signed in 151 cases, where traders committed to modifying their internal business policies and restoring the rights of affected consumers who suffered due to unfair business practices.

According to the reporting period, 69% of submitted applications concerned online trading, while 31% related to in-person purchases.

From a regional perspective, Tbilisi accounted for the largest share of applications 81%, followed by Adjara 6%, Imereti 3%, Kvemo Kartli 2%, Kakheti 2%, Samegrelo Zemo-Svaneti 2%, etc. As regards the subject matter of applications submitted during the first seven months of the current year, 707 concerned requests for reimbursement, 393 related to the repair or replacement of defective goods, 431 pertained to the restoration of rights in cases of deficient service provision, and the rest is 227.

By sector, wholesale and retail trade accounted for the largest share at 67%, followed by transport and storage 11%, arts, entertainment and recreation 3%, and other activities 19%.