- On 23-27 September 2024, UOKiK hosted a study visit of representatives of the Georgian Market Surveillance Agency.
- This is an institution for which the Office is implementing a Twinning project in the area of market surveillance.
- In addition to the UOKiK headquarters and laboratory, the delegation also visited the Customs Branch in Gdynia.
The study visit of the representatives of the Market Surveillance Agency of Georgia (LEPL) is part of the activities envisaged under the Twinning project „Advancing the capacities of the Market Surveillance Agency of Georgia” funded by the European Union. UOKiK is implementing it as a Junior Partner in a consortium with Lithuania and Germany from October 2023 to June 2025.
The main objective of the meeting in Poland was to familiarise the Georgian partners with the practical aspects of the Polish market surveillance system and general product safety. The visit served to exchange experiences of market surveillance authorities with similar competences and to familiarise the Georgian side with EU regulatory practices. UOKiK experts presented to the guests the activities carried out in these areas by the Office and the Provincial Trade Inspection Inspectorates, including the most interesting proceedings and case studies. Issues related to the exchange of information within the EU information exchange systems ICSMS and Safety Gate RAPEX were also discussed.
The guests then had the opportunity to visit the UOKiK laboratory in Lublin and learn about the safety and control of toys. Another interesting element of the study visit was a stay at the Baltic Container Terminal in Gdynia, where experts from the Tax Administration Chamber in Gdansk and Szczecin shared their practical knowledge of the activities of Polish customs services and presented practical aspects of cooperation.
Another important aspect of the event was the signing of a bilateral cooperation agreement between the UOKiK and the Georgian Market Surveillance Authority. It is intended to serve the mutual exchange of information and experience in the area of market surveillance and product safety, as well as consumer protection of both countries.
