Market Fines and Ongoing Investigations Detailed by GCCA
The Georgian Competition and Consumer Agency (GCCA) has recently published its 2025 half-year report, showcasing significant advancements in competition investigations, market monitoring, consumer protection, and related legislation.
In the first half of 2025, a total of 7,976 market concentrations were registered, reflecting active market monitoring. Among these, nine concentrations were approved, primarily within the construction and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sectors, indicating focused regulatory scrutiny on these industries. Additionally, new investigations into market practices have been initiated, and fines have been imposed to ensure compliance and preserve competitive markets.
The GCCA processed 602 applications related to consumer issues during this period, demonstrating ongoing enforcement and regulatory actions to safeguard consumer rights and welfare. The Agency has been globally recognised for adopting best practices in consumer protection, receiving awards from the World Bank Group and the International Consumer Protection and Enforcement Network (ICPEN) in 2024.
Under the leadership of Irakli Lekvinadze, the GCCA has enhanced Georgia’s competition framework, including enforcement mechanisms for consumer protection and anti-dumping legislation. Notable actions have been taken in critical markets such as pharmaceuticals, fuel, and FMCGs, improving market fairness and consumer welfare. The Agency’s legislative and enforcement efforts are aligned with broader institutional reforms and international best practices, positioning Georgia as a model in competition and consumer policy.
In terms of consumer protection, 109 cases out of the received complaints were formally examined. In 90 instances, 83 commitment agreements were signed in favour of consumers. One competition investigation was concluded in the first half of 2025, with LLC 'Rustavi Auto Market' and LLC 'Mikado Georgia' being fined a total of GEL 848,276 for abusing a dominant market position.
The GCCA also distributed GEL 5.3 million in individual state aid in 2024. Violations were confirmed in 67 cases, resulting in fines totalling GEL 29,018 issued to 34 traders. Monitoring has been resumed for the hazelnut and blueberry markets following a request from Parliament's Sector Economy and Economic Policy Committee.
The GCCA is currently reviewing alleged dumping imports from Iran and Russia under its anti-dumping mandate. Furthermore, the Agency has ongoing market studies in multiple sectors, including pharmaceuticals, fish, online services, pesticides, and agrochemicals. A new study into pesticides and agrochemicals has been launched.
The GCCA remains actively involved in consumer protection and enforcement, ensuring a proactive regulatory environment characterised by rigorous market surveillance, consumer protection enforcement, strategic legislative improvements, and international recognition of Georgia’s regulatory standards.
Amidst the various market sectors under scrutiny, sports may also be a subject of interest for regulatory authorities, as they aim to ensure a competitive and fair market environment. The GCCA's ongoing investigations and enforcement actions reinforce this goal, encompassing multiple industries.
