The Committee discussed the Draft Law on Tobacco Control. According to one of the initiators, the Chair of the Sector Economy and Economic Policy Committee, David Songulashvili, the Draft allows the sale of tobacco products as of April 1, 2025, which in line with the applicable law, will be introduced to the Georgian market till July 31, 2024.

As he elucidated, the Draft allows tobacco manufacturers and importers to sell their products at full capacity.

“It is important to, on the one hand, maintain the aspiration of the law directed to the reduction of smoking, and on the other hand, minimize the possible economic losses of the importers and manufacturers”, - he stated.

As noted, several regulations become effective as of July 31, 2024, envisaging stricter legislation on the packaging of tobacco products, which will have a certain economic impact on the importers and manufacturers.

The initiators consider it reasonable to grant a certain period for the hereof persons to allow them to sell their products introduced at the market and ensure full compliance with the stricter regulations. The Committee endorsed the Draft.