The Georgian Competition and Consumer Agency reported that consumer complaints in Georgia nearly doubled in the first quarter of 2026, highlighting growing pressure on businesses to comply with consumer protection standards. Between January and March, the Agency received 619 formal applications and handled 2,078 hotline calls, a 95% year-on-year increase in complaints.
During the reporting period, the GCCA identified 80 violations across 142 reviewed cases. In response to non-compliance with regulatory obligations, 28 traders were fined in 48 cases, with total penalties amounting to GEL 50,325. At the same time, the Agency signed 56 commitment agreements in 67 cases, under which businesses agreed to amend their practices and compensate affected consumers.
The majority of complaints, 65%, were related to online purchases while 35% concerned in-person transactions. Regionally, Tbilisi accounted for 80% of all applications, followed by Adjara and Imereti at 5% each. Other regions, including Kvemo Kartli, Kakheti and Samegrelo–Zemo Svaneti, made up smaller shares.
Refund requests were the most common issue, accounting for 201 cases. This was followed by:
- Repair or replacement of defective products: 176 cases
- Restoration of rights related to faulty services: 140 cases
- Delayed delivery within legally defined timeframes: 39 cases
An additional 63 applications covered various other disputes.
Most complaints were concentrated in the wholesale and retail sector which accounted for 68% of total applications. Transport and warehousing followed with 12% while accommodation, food services, arts, entertainment and recreation each represented 2%. The remaining 16% were distributed across other sectors.
The data suggest increasing consumer awareness and willingness to pursue claims, particularly in the fast-growing e-commerce segment.
