Senate approves law banning e-cigarettes in Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan’s Senate has approved a new law banning the circulation of electronic cigarettes within the country. During the discussion, it was noted that recent years have seen a growing trend of illegally importing and distributing e-cigarettes, prompting the need for tighter regulation.

The legislation introduces amendments to both the Criminal Code and the Administrative Responsibility Code, establishing liability for the manufacture, acquisition, storage, transportation, sale, import, or export of e-cigarettes and their liquids, as well as other electronic nicotine delivery systems, including heated tobacco devices.

The Senate reviewed and approved amendments aimed at strengthening regulations on certain types of tobacco products and devices used for tobacco and nicotine consumption. According to the Senate’s press service, these changes respond to the increasing illegal circulation of new forms of tobacco products, particularly electronic systems for nicotine delivery.

The law explicitly bans the circulation of tobacco products, electronic nicotine delivery systems (including e-cigarettes and liquids for them), and heated tobacco products throughout Uzbekistan. It also stipulates criminal and administrative liability for their illegal handling.

Importantly, the law includes a provision that exempts individuals from liability if they voluntarily report their illegal actions to authorities and hand over prohibited products.

Senators voted in favor of the law, which will come into force after being signed by the President and officially published.

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