Strict regulations set for hazardous product imports in Uzbekistan

The government of Uzbekistan has approved a list of hazardous products and wastes that are regulated, prohibited, or subject to mandatory environmental certification for import and export. This decision is outlined in a resolution dated December 30, 2024, titled “On measures to further improve control over the circulation of waste, certain types of hazardous products and chemical substances in the territory of the Republic of Uzbekistan.”  

The resolution includes the following key provisions:  
- A list of hazardous products and waste prohibited from being imported into Uzbekistan.  
- A list of plant protection products and persistent organic pollutants prohibited from import.  
- A list of hazardous products and waste subject to mandatory environmental certification for import.  

For importers dealing with waste destined for processing or disposal, specific requirements have been set:  
- Self-utilizing importers must provide a positive conclusion from the state ecological expertise regarding the environmental impact of their waste utilization, recycling, or reuse processes.  
- Non-self-utilizing importers are required to have agreements with licensed legal entities specializing in waste processing, ensuring proper transfer or sale of these wastes.  

The resolution is scheduled to come into effect three months after its official publication, providing stakeholders with a transition period to align their operations with the new requirements.  

Previously, the government had abolished the practice of compensating exporters for transportation costs, further reflecting a shift toward stricter regulatory oversight.  

These measures aim to strengthen environmental protection and ensure the safe handling and disposal of hazardous materials in Uzbekistan.