Electronic cigarettes may be banned in Uzbekistan

On January 24, during the latest session of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis, a draft law was adopted in its third reading, proposing a complete ban on electronic cigarettes. This was reported by the press service of the Legislative Chamber.

The session reviewed the draft law aimed at further strengthening regulations concerning the circulation of certain tobacco products, as well as tobacco and nicotine consumption devices. The law was examined in detail, article by article, during its second reading.

The draft law seeks to prohibit the circulation—defined as production, preparation, storage, transportation, transfer, and import—of nicotine consumption devices, including electronic cigarettes and related liquids, within Uzbekistan.

Additionally, the law introduces penalties for violations related to the illegal introduction of smokeless tobacco products and nicotine consumption devices, including electronic cigarettes, whose circulation is prohibited.

It was reported that during the preparation of the draft law for its second reading, the relevant committee refined the text, incorporating proposals from the deputies.

"The deputies emphasized that the adoption of this draft law will further protect the life and health of the population, safeguard the nation's gene pool, and prevent environmental harm caused by new types of tobacco and nicotine products. The draft law was adopted in its third reading," the report states.

It is also important to note that earlier reports indicated that Uzbekistan may prohibit the storage, transportation, or transfer of certain tobacco products, as well as tobacco and nicotine consumption devices, for purposes related to their production, manufacture, and sale.