Tobacco Regulation & Excise Law | Legal.ge

TobaccoRegulation

What is "Plain Packaging"?

It is a regulation prohibiting brand logos and colors on cigarette packs. Packs must have a standardized color (usually drab dark brown) and design.

Is tobacco advertising allowed in Georgia?

No, all forms of advertising, promotion, and sponsorship of tobacco products, accessories, and devices are strictly prohibited in Georgia.

Are e-cigarettes regulated?

Yes, e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products are subject to the same restrictions (indoor use, advertising bans) as conventional tobacco.

Can I smoke in a restaurant?

No, smoking is prohibited in all enclosed public places, including restaurants and bars. Violations result in fines for both the smoker and the establishment.

Tobacco Regulation: Import, Production, and Sales Rules

Tobacco control legislation in Georgia is among the strictest in the region. The Law "On Tobacco Control" regulates not only the production and import of tobacco products but also their packaging (plain packaging), sale, advertising, and consumption in public places. The tobacco business is subject to excise taxation and mandatory stamping. Special attention is paid to electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco products, which have also come under regulation. Violation of legislation, such as selling non-excised goods or breaching advertising rules, leads to severe fines and product confiscation. Lawyer assistance is essential for businesses to strictly comply with complex regulatory requirements.

What Does This Service Cover?

Specialists on Legal.ge offer full legal support for the tobacco industry:

Excise Stamps: Managing the obligation to mark tobacco products with excise stamps and dealing with the Revenue Service.
Packaging Standards: Consulting on "Plain Packaging" regulations, placement of health warnings, and design compliance.
Import Permits: Handling procedures required for importing tobacco products and customs formalities.
Sales Rules: Monitoring compliance with rules for displaying tobacco in retail outlets (visibility ban) and sales regulations.
Advertising Ban: Consulting on marketing activities to ensure they do not violate the total ban on advertising, promotion, and sponsorship.
Administrative Disputes: Appealing fines imposed for violating tobacco control legislation (e.g., smoking in prohibited areas).

Common Situations When You Need a Lawyer

The tobacco business is under constant legal risk:

Packaging Violation: You imported products where the health warning size is incorrect, causing the entire batch to be held.
No Excise: Non-excised cigarettes (contraband) were found in the shop, leading to criminal liability.
Advertising Fine: You posted information about a new product on social media, which was considered advertising, resulting in a 5,000 GEL fine.
Display Violation: Tobacco was visible from the shop window, which is prohibited.
E-Cigarettes: You want to import e-cigarette liquids and don't know which regulations apply to them.

Georgian Legal Framework

The main law is the Law of Georgia "On Tobacco Control." Also important are the Law "On Advertising" (regarding bans) and the Code of Administrative Offences. Excise taxation is regulated by the Tax Code. Technical regulations define the packaging and labeling rules for tobacco products.

Process: How Collaboration with a Specialist Works

The process includes:

Assessment: Determining the product type (cigarette, cigar, e-cigarette) and applicable regulations.
Design Check: Legal examination of packaging layout for compliance with the law.
Excise: Ordering excise stamps and controlling stamping.
Compliance: Briefing retail outlets on display rules.
Defense: Defending interests in court in case of fines.

Why Choose Legal.ge?

Tobacco regulations in Georgia are constantly tightening. Legal.ge connects you with lawyers who are intimately familiar with the "Law on Tobacco Control" and will help you conduct business without breaking the law. Protect your company from high fines with the help of our experts.