Some matches produced in Uzbekistan were found to be of poor quality

The Committee for the Development of Competition and Protection of Consumer Rights discovered that the products from five matchmaking enterprises were of substandard quality. This information was reported by the committee's press service.

It was revealed that these companies had been packaging matches in boxes containing fewer than the standard number of matches, thereby overcharging consumers by a total of more than 65 million soums.

“According to the GOST 1820-2001 standard for match products, the maximum filling of 4 (2/3) format matches in separate boxes should be 40 to 60 pieces, with a minimum filling of 37 to 52 pieces. However, in JEEP matchboxes, the minimum number of matchsticks was found to be 11-17 pieces fewer than required.

Studies conducted by the committee revealed that "Up Match" LLC sold non-standard match products worth 150,000,000 soums, totaling 1,500,096 boxes, between April 22-29, 2024. Analyzing this situation, the committee noted, "If each consumer buys 10 boxes of matches from a retail facility, a total of 150,000 consumers will be affected," the Committee stated. 

The analysis showed that 44,700,000 soums in excess funds were collected from consumers due to the sale of 29.8 percent underfilled match products.

“Additionally, it was found that in February-March 2024, "ATLAS-INVEST" LLC sold non-standard match products worth 66,500,000 soums in 605 corrugations. According to the analysis, 20,493,000 soums in excess funds were collected from consumers due to the sale of underfilled match products.

As a result, "Up Match" LLC and "ATLAS-INVEST" LLC were given mandatory instructions to remove low-quality match products from the shelves and return the excess funds to consumers. These requirements were fulfilled by the companies,” the report stated.

Furthermore, it was discovered that match products under the trademarks "AVION", "FESKO", and "VICTORY" were produced by foreign enterprises, and measures are being taken against them as prescribed.

It is worth noting that earlier laboratory tests of eight food products sold in Uzbekistan stores were found to be inconsistent with current regulations.