Advancing Product Safety Awareness in Georgia
As Georgia advances its alignment with European Union product safety and quality standards, access to clear and authoritative guidance becomes essential. On November 7, PMCG presented the Georgian quick version of the EU “Blue Guide,” a guideline document underpinning the EU’s Quality Infrastructure system. The initiative was carried out within the framework of QUIS – Better Goods and Services, a program funded by the European Union and the German Government and implemented by GIZ in collaboration with the Czech Development Agency. The event brought together private-sector representatives, conformity assessment bodies (CABs), and academia for a focused discussion on the country’s regulatory harmonization efforts.
A Key Resource for Advancing EU Market Alignment
The session was led by Paata Gogolidze, International Quality Infrastructure Expert at PMCG. As he emphasized,
“The presentation of the Georgian translation and adapted version of the EU Blue Guide marked an important step toward facilitation of Georgia’s regulatory framework approximation with that of the European Union, fostering safer product circulation and strengthening trade.”
He introduced the Georgian-language version of the Blue Guide, one of the EU’s most comprehensive reference document for understanding product rules, responsibilities of market actors, conformity assessment pathways, accreditation, and market surveillance. By providing a Georgian version of the Blue Guide for stakeholders, PMCG aims to address the knowledge gap and support Georgia’s gradual alignment with the EU’s harmonized product legislation.
Clarifying EU Principles and Practical Implications
During the presentation, participants were guided through the Guide’s essential topics, including:
• The EU’s approach to product safety and free movement of goods
• Responsibilities of manufacturers, importers, distributors, and notified bodies
• Requirements for product design and documentation
• Conformity assessment procedures and accreditation principles
• Georgia’s progress in adopting EU-aligned product legislation
• International dimensions and cross-border regulatory cooperation
Beyond explaining technical elements, the discussion highlighted how Georgian businesses can practically apply these principles to improve product safety, enhance competitiveness, and prepare for greater access to the EU market. As noted by Nino Meparishvili, Economic Cooperation and Private Sector Development Advisor at GIZ,
“EU Blue Guide quick version serves as an easier guideline to understand how quality infrastructure is set in EU and how the ecosystem functions to ensure conformity of products placed in EU. This guide supports business society in Georgia to better prepare for the EU market and explore opportunities of this big single market.”
Active Engagement and Sector-Relevant Dialogue
One of the event’s distinguishing features was the strong level of interaction. Participants raised questions about sector-specific challenges, certification pathways, and real-world compliance obstacles. This exchange underscored the growing demand among Georgian companies and CABs for accessible, high-quality guidance on EU rules.
Their engagement demonstrated the value of making the Blue Guide available in Georgian, not only for specialists but also for businesses of all sizes seeking clarity as Georgia deepens its integration with European standards.
“The adaptation of the Blue Guide in Georgian is an important milestone in improving access to EU product safety and compliance rules. This quick guide will help Georgian businesses, exporters, and regulators navigate European requirements with greater clarity and confidence.” – Christian Kaufhold, Team Leader of QUIS project.
