The EU Integration Committee, within the framework of the Control of Enforcement of Normative Acts, held a committee hearing on the state of enforcement of the Law of Georgia on the Protection of Consumer Rights.
As the Chair of the Committee, Maka Botchorishvili notes, the creation of the legal framework of consumer rights was one of the most important obligations stipulated by the EUAA. The law combines 6 directives and 1 regulation.
“The legislative act on the protection of consumer rights consolidates various provisions, making it easier for both consumers and merchants to understand. Its primary objective is to promote a culture of customer respect. However, as with any law, new challenges may arise during its implementation, thus it is vital to consult with the responsible agency before making any further decisions,” Botchorishvili remarked.
During the Committee meeting, the Chairman of the National Competition Agency, Irakli Lekvinadze, provided a report on the current state of enforcement of the law. Lekvinadze elaborated on the outcomes achieved since the law’s enactment, the enforcement mechanisms that have been put in place, the activities that have been implemented so far, and the current challenges faced by the agency.
The speaker discussed the key changes introduced by the law, which pertain to the fundamental obligations of providing information to consumers and establishing basic standards for disclosure, legal protections, contract withdrawal, unfair contract terms, unfair business practices, and institutional safeguards for consumer rights.
The speaker highlighted that the law covers both physical and online trade, regulating the obligations of both. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of increasing public awareness about consumer rights and discussed various events held to this end.
