Uzbekistan’s New Regulatory Landscape: In a bold move, the Ministry of Health in Uzbekistan has proposed sweeping bans on electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), e-liquids, and heated tobacco products. This initiative is part of a draft law recently published for public discussion on Uzbekistan’s portal for draft normative legal acts.
What’s at Stake? The proposed legislation aims to completely halt the circulation of ENDS products across the country. Additionally, the Ministry of Health is seeking to establish both administrative and criminal penalties for those found violating the ban. Penalties could range from a significant fine of up to $1,000 to as much as five years of imprisonment.
Economic Impact: According to recent data from Uzbekistan’s Statistics Agency, the tobacco industry plays a notable role in the country’s economy. From January through February 2024, tobacco production reached a substantial volume of 2.1 billion pieces. Moreover, during the same period, tobacco exports amounted to $7.8 million, whereas imports were slightly higher at $10.5 million.
What Does This Mean for Consumers and Businesses? This ban could dramatically alter the landscape for both local consumers and businesses involved in the production and sale of tobacco products. The shift could lead to significant changes in market dynamics and consumer behavior within the country.
