As of 2 January 2023, organisations importing or using plastic, compostable or biodegradable bags are required to comply with the revised requirements set out by the revised Technical Regulation.
The Technical Regulation applies to organisations involved in the production, import and (or) sale of plastic bags, oxo-biodegradable plastic bags, oxo-biodegradable plastic bags, biodegradable and (or) compostable bags on the territory of Georgia.
Production of oxo-degradable bags in Georgia is prohibited except for export purposes. The manufacturer must inform the Department of Environmental Protection at least one month before starting to produce oxo-degradable bags for export purposes.
All biodegradable or compostable bags must be made of materials that comply and are certified to either EN 13432:2000 or BSI PAS 9017:2020.
The Technical Regulation also sets out labelling / marking requirements for poly bags as well as biodegradable and compostable bags.
Any poly bag must have the following compulsory labelling:
- manufacturer identification;
- thickness;
- composition.
Biodegradable or compostable bags must be marked with “biodegradable” or “compostable” and with the importer or manufacturer’s details.
All poly bags intended for packaging of a certain product, must have a label identifying the product and/or trademark.
All poly bags intended for waste collection must have a label or marking saying “for waste”. This requirement enters into force in Georgia as of 1 June 2023.
Law: Amendment of Technical Regulation of Georgia on Plastic and Biodegradable Bags, No. 571 of 14 December 2022.
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