The protocol for penalizing individuals engaged in the illicit importation of drones into Uzbekistan has been altered

Certain categories of criminal offenses have undergone liberalization in Uzbekistan. Yesterday, on March 15, modifications and supplements were introduced to several legal codes through legislation endorsed by the President.

As per the amendment to the Criminal Code:

Illegal actions involving the importation, transfer, acquisition, storage, or utilization of unmanned aerial vehicles, along with their components and spare parts, subsequent to the imposition of an administrative penalty for such infractions, will incur the following penalties:

- A fine ranging from 25 to 50 times the base calculation amount (equivalent to 8 million 500 thousand to 17 million soums).
- Correctional labor for up to 3 years.
- Restriction of freedom for up to 3 years.
- Imprisonment for a maximum of 3 years.

The subsequent supplements were made to the Administrative Responsibility Code:

Engaging in illegal importation, transfer, acquisition, storage, or usage of unmanned aerial vehicles, their components, or spare parts will result in the confiscation of said items, and a fine ranging from 10 to 20 times the base calculation amount (equivalent to 3 million 400 thousand to 800 thousand soums).

Individuals involved in such activities may be exempt from administrative repercussions if they voluntarily surrender the unmanned aerial vehicles, their components, or spare parts.

This provision was previously non-existent.

Presently, a system of first administrative and then criminal liability has been established for illegal actions related to the importation, transfer, acquisition, storage, or usage of drones, whereas previously, direct criminal liability was enforced.

The law will come into effect three months after its official publication.