Armenian Alcohol Producers Appeal to State and International Bodies

In recent weeks, the Union of Manufacturers and Businessmen of Armenia has been receiving numerous alerts from companies involved in the production, export, and transportation of alcoholic beverages. These companies have expressed serious concerns and dissatisfaction regarding the current situation at the Armenian-Georgian border. According to reports, the Georgian side is unjustifiably obstructing the transit of Armenian-made alcoholic beverages to third countries, without providing any clear explanation.

The issue has become a source of widespread dissatisfaction and heated discussion.

In response, more than ten Armenian alcoholic beverage producers have submitted a written appeal to Armenian state authorities, relevant international organizations, and the public, urging an immediate assessment of the growing tension surrounding the transit of Armenian goods through the customs territory of Georgia.

The appeal specifically states that for over a month now, in clear violation of the regulations of the World Trade Organization and international transit agreements, Armenian vehicles transporting goods in transit to third countries via Georgia are being stopped and redirected to the Gezi terminal. There, without any justification, customs seals are being broken, samples are taken without the proper documentation, and laboratory results are delayed for days without explanation. As a result, exporters are unable to deliver their goods to their intended destinations.

Currently, dozens of loaded transit vehicles are being held at Georgia’s Gezi terminal, with some detained for over a month. In doing so, the Georgian side is violating internationally accepted trade standards and causing significant financial damage to Armenian producers. These companies are unable to fulfill contractual obligations with third parties, face the risk of losing established markets, and are under threat of halting further development in the industry.

“We appeal to international organizations and our foreign partners to call on the Georgian government to cease this arbitrary blockade and lift the restrictions that hinder the transit of goods through its territory,” the statement reads.

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

The appeal was signed by the following companies: Ararat Wine Factory, Wine & Brandy House “Shahnazaryan,” Alco Alliance, Van777, “Aragats” Wine & Brandy Factory, Arcon Trade, Abovyan Brandy Factory, Samkon, Proshyan Brandy Factory, and National Alco Companies.