Electronic cigarettes to be completely banned in Uzbekistan

On April 30, during the sixth plenary session of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis, senators approved the law “On Amendments and Addenda to Certain Legislative Acts of the Republic of Uzbekistan to Further Strengthen Requirements for the Circulation of Certain Types of Tobacco Products, Tobacco and Nicotine Consumption Devices.” The law provides for a complete ban on electronic cigarettes in Uzbekistan.

It was emphasized that consistent efforts are being made in Uzbekistan to promote a healthy lifestyle, particularly among children and youth, including measures to prevent the distribution and use of tobacco products. However, in recent years, the illegal import and circulation of new types of tobacco products—especially electronic nicotine delivery systems, including electronic cigarettes—have been on the rise.

In light of these developments, the newly adopted law prohibits the circulation of electronic nicotine delivery systems, including electronic cigarettes and the liquids used in them, as well as tobacco heating systems. It also establishes liability for their illegal circulation.

Amendments have been made to both the Criminal Code and the Code of Administrative Responsibility. These changes introduce legal consequences for the production, preparation, acquisition, storage, transportation, sale, import, and export of prohibited tobacco and nicotine-related products.

Importantly, the law also includes provisions for exempting individuals from liability if they voluntarily report their illegal activities and surrender prohibited products to the authorities.

Senators highlighted that this law is vital not only for holding violators accountable but also for safeguarding public health, protecting the gene pool of the nation, and preventing environmental harm caused by the spread of new tobacco and nicotine products.

It is worth noting that similar legislative initiatives have been adopted in neighboring countries. In April last year, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed amendments banning the import, production, and sale of electronic cigarettes, which came into force in June. In November, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov signed a law aimed at strengthening public health protections against tobacco products and nicotine; this law is set to come into effect on July 1, 2025.

Uzbekistan’s draft law on the ban was submitted for discussion in January 2024 and passed its third reading in the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis on January 24.