The Georgian Competition and Consumer Agency will assume the presidency of the International Consumer Protection and Enforcement Network (ICPEN) in 2026-2027.

The decision, which requires unanimity of the organization’s all members, was made during the ICPEN international conference held on May 12-16 in Washington.

“I believe this is a significant recognition of the Georgian Competition and Consumer Agency and our country. The legislation on consumer protection was endorsed by the parliament in 2022. In this period, we have adopted certain decisions and standards, which have improved the retailers’ behavior and ensured consumer protection guarantees. The GCCA was actively involved in ICPEN working groups. The ICPEN Presidency and your hosting in Georgia is an honor for us,” said GCCA Chair Irakli Lekvinadze when addressing the conference.

According to Irakli Lkevinadze, during ICPEN Presidency, Georgia will work on three priority issues: 1. Enhance cooperation among countries for experience sharing, global standards elaboration and eradication of unfair practice; 2. Intensify consumer rights protection mechanisms on digital markets; and 3. enhance young consumers’ rights protection bodies with experienced agencies.

The International Consumer Protection and Enforcement Network (ICPEN), formerly the International Marketing Supervision Network (IMSN), is a global network of consumer protection authorities which engages in dispute resolution and encourages cooperation between law enforcement agencies for disputes arising from commerce across international borders.

The organization unites approximately 90 countries. It has members, partners and observers. The observers include the World Bank, UNCTAD, OECD, and European Commission. The GCCA joined the ICPEN in 2023.