Uzbekistan has taken a decisive step against electronic cigarettes, enacting a comprehensive ban that targets both the devices and their e-liquids. President Shavkat Mirziyev signed the relevant legislation into law, reported Oxi.uz via the press service of the country’s Ministry of Justice, signaling a firm stance against the use of non-traditional tobacco products.
This ban is embedded within a broader legislative package aimed at curbing the consumption of alcohol and tobacco. The law, passed by the legislative assembly in January and approved by the Senate in April, was further amended in November, incorporating significant changes into existing regulations.
According to the Ministry of Justice, the new law explicitly prohibits the circulation of electronic cigarettes and their liquids. The implications for violations are severe. Individuals caught importing, selling, or possessing these items without authorization face significant legal consequences.
The penalties escalate based on the scale of the offense. For substantial quantities, or for repeat offenses after an administrative penalty, individuals can face fines ranging from 300 to 500 base calculation units (equivalent to approximately $10,300 to $17,200 USD) or mandatory corrective labor for up to three years. Furthermore, convictions can lead to imprisonment for up to five years, including terms of three to five years of restriction of liberty or outright imprisonment.
However, the law includes a provision for amnesty. Anyone who voluntarily reports their offense to the authorities and surrenders the prohibited e-cigarette devices may potentially avoid criminal liability.
This marks a significant escalation in Uzbekistan’s efforts to control tobacco consumption, extending the reach of its tobacco control measures directly into the rapidly growing e-cigarette market. The strict penalties, including the possibility of imprisonment, underscore the government’s determination to suppress the use of these products.
The move aligns with a broader global trend in some nations, particularly those with strong state control, to restrict or eliminate access to nicotine alternatives as part of public health initiatives. This Uzbekistan ban is a notable addition to that international landscape.
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