The Government of Georgia has adopted a new Resolution, No. 106, “On the Prohibition of the Production, Import, and Placement on the Market of Certain Products Made of Plastic Intended for Contact with Food.”<\/b> According to this normative act, as of July 1, 2026<\/b>, public catering establishments are prohibited from providing customers with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages\u2014including water and natural mineral water\u2014in plastic bottles. Furthermore, starting February 1, 2027<\/b>, the production (except for export purposes), import, and placement on the market of these same beverages bottled in plastic will be banned.<\/p>\n
The regulation does not apply to water in volumes exceeding 3 liters, other beverages exceeding 20 liters, or supplies intended for the needs of the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Internal Affairs.<\/p>\n
The adoption of this resolution is driven by the necessity to protect public health and the environment. Medical research confirms that Bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates<\/b> migrate from plastic bottles into water; these substances are associated with oncological, reproductive, and neurological disorders, as well as weight deficiency in newborns and the development of allergic diseases. Additionally, various studies indicate increased concentrations of heavy metals, including lead and chromium. Recent research has confirmed that a single liter of water can contain up to 240,000 micro- and nanoplastic particles<\/b>, which can enter the brain, lungs, liver, and placenta through the bloodstream, causing oxidative stress and cellular damage. High temperatures and ultraviolet radiation act as catalysts, significantly accelerating the migration of toxic substances into the water.<\/p>\n
Alongside health risks, environmental factors are paramount. Studies have shown that 88% of the waste found in Georgia’s rivers is plastic<\/b>, nearly half of which consists of bottles. According to UNDP data, approximately 613.5 million units of single-use plastic products are consumed annually in Georgia.<\/p>\n
In the European Union and the United States, national legislation strictly regulates the chemical safety of plastics in contact with food. However, the control of micro- and nanoplastics remains a systemic challenge, as there is currently no standardized methodology for determining the exact quantity of these microscopic particles in water. Consequently, regulatory bodies face difficulties in establishing clear threshold limits.<\/p>\n
It should also be noted that within the framework of the Association Agreement with the European Union<\/b>, Georgia has previously adopted two resolutions (No. 317 and No. 304) regarding plastic materials and articles intended to come into contact with food. Additionally, as of January 1, 2026, the production, import, and sale of certain types of single-use plastic tableware were banned. This policy is based on EU practice, which demonstrates that the gradual implementation of ecological standards is the most effective way to balance consumer health protection, environmental safety, and economic sustainability.<\/p>\n
At this stage, active communication is underway with representatives of the business sector to ensure the reasonable, phased implementation of the resolution. Should objective needs arise, the timelines for the enactment of the resolution may be subject to review.<\/p>\n