Georgian customs delays disrupt Armenian alcohol exports

PanARMENIAN.Net - Armenian alcohol producers have appealed to the World Trade Organization (WTO) and other international bodies, alleging that Georgia is obstructing the transit of their products, leading to serious economic risks.

According to the Union of Manufacturers and Businessmen of Armenia, numerous complaints have been received from companies involved in the production, export, and transportation of alcoholic beverages. These companies report that Georgian authorities are unjustifiably hindering the transit of Armenian alcohol to third countries without providing any clear explanations.

In a statement, the Union called on international organizations and foreign partners to urge the Georgian government to cease what they describe as an arbitrary blockade and to remove restrictions impeding the movement of transit goods through its territory.

Over ten Armenian alcohol-producing companies have formally addressed state bodies, relevant international organizations, and the public, requesting an urgent assessment of the tense situation concerning the transit of Armenian goods through Georgia.

The appeal highlights that for over a month, in clear violation of WTO and international transit regulations, Armenian transport vehicles carrying goods to third countries have been stopped and redirected to Georgia's Gezi terminal. There, customs seals are broken without justification, samples are taken without proper documentation, and laboratory results are delayed for days without explanation. Consequently, exporters are unable to deliver their goods to their intended recipients in third countries.

Currently, dozens of transit vehicles loaded with goods are being held at Georgia's Gezi terminal, some for over a month. This situation, violating internationally accepted trade standards, is causing significant material damage to Armenian producers, preventing them from fulfilling contractual obligations and risking the loss of existing markets and the suspension of future industry development.

The joint appeal has been sent to the National Assembly of Armenia, the Ministries of Economy and Foreign Affairs, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the United Nations, the Eurasian Development Bank, the WTO, and the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Armenia.

Signatories of the appeal include: Ararat Wine Factory, Wine and Brandy House "Shahnazaryan," Alco Alliance, Van777, Aragats Wine and Brandy Factory, Arkon Trade, Abovyan Brandy Factory, Samkon, Proshyan Brandy Factory, and National Alco companies.