By Lia Avagyan
A group of Armenian cognac producers and cargo transporters protested outside the Georgian Embassy in Yerevan on Tuesday, demanding clarity over what they describe as unjustified and disruptive customs checks imposed on shipments transiting through Georgia. The demonstrators, representing export and logistics companies, asked to meet the ambassador and questioned why their alcohol shipments, destined for Russia and the Baltic states, are being detained for laboratory testing in a country that serves merely as a transit corridor.
“What is the point of testing goods that aren’t even sold in Georgia?” one protester asked, echoing a broader frustration among exporters who say the delays are causing financial losses, contract violations, and reputational harm.
According to a cargo company representative who spoke to CivilNet on condition of anonymity, the problem began two to three weeks ago. Trucks loaded with Armenian alcoholic beverages have been stopped en route and redirected to Tbilisi’s “Gezi” terminal, where samples are reportedly taken for lab analysis. “There’s no paperwork, no explanation—just delays,” he said.
As of this week, at least 17 trucks remain held in Georgia. In one case, a company had two trucks detained—one was released after 15 days with no explanation, while the other is still waiting. “We don’t know why they were stopped or why one was eventually let go,” the transporter said.
The inspections appear inconsistent and selective. While some companies report serious disruptions, others say their shipments have passed through unaffected. “That raises even more questions,” the transporter added. “If the issue were really about product quality, we’d expect them to return the goods. But that hasn’t happened. Not a single truck has been sent back- just held in limbo.”
This is the first time Armenian alcohol shipments have faced such hurdles in Georgia, he noted. “Georgia has restricted the transit of certain other goods in the past, like meat products under specific labels, but alcohol has never been a problem.”
Although some suspect the delays may have a political undertone, no official justification has been provided. “It’s hard to say whether this is politically motivated. But it certainly feels like they’re exercising discretion just because they can,” the transporter said.
During the protest, a Georgian embassy representative briefly emerged and asked for a list of the participating companies. He said the ambassador was inside and would review the list before determining next steps. Protesters say no one returned to collect the list, even after they waited more than 30 minutes.
Armenia’s Ministry of Economy is aware of the issue. According to the transporter, Armenian officials recently discussed it with Georgian representatives who visited Yerevan. The Armenian side also followed up with meetings in Tbilisi, but no resolution has been reached so far.
Economy Minister Gevorg Papoyan previously told parliament that similar customs issues affecting Armenian exports of flowers, foil, and textiles had been resolved. However, he admitted that the problem with alcohol shipments remains unresolved and requires not just temporary relief but institutional solutions.
Meanwhile, exporters warn that prolonged disruptions could push Armenian products out of competitive foreign markets, making room for competitors such as Azerbaijan to fill the gap.
