Returning goods in Georgia: consumer rights and deadlines

Georgian law does not require a shop to take back a non-defective item bought in person — that is up to the shop's own policy. Items bought online or away from the shop can be returned within 14 days without a reason. For a defective item, you can claim a repair, replacement or refund within 2 years of receiving it.

In short

A non-defective item bought in a shop

The Law on Consumer Rights Protection gives a no-reason right to withdraw only when you bought at a distance (online, by phone) or away from the seller's premises — for example, from a seller who came to your home (Article 13). If you bought in a shop and the item doesn't fit or you changed your mind, a return or exchange is up to the shop.

Many shops still exchange or take back items within a set period. Ask about the terms before buying and keep the receipt.

Online purchases: 14 days

• The 14 days run from the day you receive the item; for an order delivered in parts, from the last item (Article 13)
• Notify the seller within this period, using its form or any clear message. Sending it before the deadline is enough, but you must prove it, so keep the message
• Send the item back no later than 7 days after your notice (Article 15)
• The seller refunds you, including standard delivery, no later than 14 days after receiving your notice, by the method you paid with. It may wait until it gets the item back or proof of sending
• You usually pay the return postage — unless the seller agreed to cover it or did not warn you in advance
• If the seller never told you about this right, you can return the item for a further 12 months after the 14 days (Article 13)

You may check the item, but if your use lowers its value, you may have to pay the difference.

When the 14 days do not apply

• The item was made to your order or measurements
• Food and other goods that spoil quickly or have a short shelf life
• Hygiene-sealed items you have unsealed
• Sealed films, music or software you have unsealed
• Digital content whose delivery started with your consent
• Concert or sports tickets, unless the contract allows a return (Article 14)

The law's chapter on online and off-premises sales does not apply to goods or services priced at GEL 30 or less (Article 10), so for such items there is no 14-day right.

Defective goods

The item must match its description, the sample and its normal purpose (Article 16). If it is defective, first ask for a free repair or replacement — the seller pays postage, labour and materials. If that is impossible, not done in reasonable time or seriously inconvenient for you, you can ask for a price cut or withdraw and get a refund. A minor defect does not allow withdrawal (Article 17).

• You have these rights if the defect shows up within 2 years of receiving the item (Article 20)
• For the first 6 months the defect is presumed to have existed at sale, unless the seller proves otherwise. After that, the proof is on you
• The 2-year rule does not apply to second-hand goods — liability is a matter of agreement
• If you knew or should have known about the defect when you bought the item, or the defect comes from material you supplied, you have no claim (Article 16)

A “no returns” sign cannot take away your rights for a defective item: a term that unfairly limits claims for defective performance is void (Article 22).

Warranty

The 2-year rights above are yours by law. The shop or manufacturer may add a commercial warranty, but it cannot limit those rights. It must state its length, where it applies and the seller's name and address; you can ask for it in writing, and a term limiting your rights is void (Article 19). If the seller set a period of fitness for the item, a defect within that period gives you a claim (Civil Code, Article 496).

Temu, AliExpress and other foreign platforms

On a foreign platform the seller is often a company with no office or representative in Georgia. Georgian law does not say it covers only Georgian sellers, but enforcing a decision against such a seller is very hard in practice. The realistic route is usually the platform's own return policy.

• Check the platform's return period and conditions before buying
• Open a return request in the app; keep photos of the order and item and your messages
• Send the item back as the platform instructs and keep proof of sending
• If the platform refuses and you paid by card, ask your bank whether you can dispute the payment

If the seller refuses

1. Write to the seller: what you bought, when, the problem and what you want — repair, replacement or refund
2. Keep the receipt, order confirmation, bank statement, photos and messages
3. Apply to the Georgian Competition and Consumer Protection Agency within 2 years of the breach (Article 31). It replies within 10 working days on whether it will examine the case (Article 32). It looks into breaches affecting a group of consumers and can order the seller to restore rights and fine it (Articles 29, 33, 34)
4. To recover your money or damages, you can go to court, arbitration or mediation — applying to the Agency does not remove this right (Article 28)

How we help

• We check whether you have a right to return the item or get a refund
• We prepare your written claim to the seller and negotiate with it
• We help you file an application with the Competition and Consumer Protection Agency
• We represent you in court in a dispute over a refund or damages

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