Uzbekistan enacts sweeping ban on e-cigarettes
New law aims to protect public health, especially among youth, as regional momentum against e-cigarettes grows
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan (MNTV) — Uzbekistan’s Senate has approved a landmark law banning the circulation of electronic cigarettes and other nicotine delivery devices, marking a significant step in the country’s efforts to curb tobacco use and promote public health.
The legislation, passed during the sixth plenary session of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis, Uzbekistan’s national parliament, amends multiple legal codes to outlaw the production, sale, import, export, and use of electronic nicotine delivery systems, including e-cigarettes, vape liquids, and tobacco heating products.
Authorities say the ban is part of a broader strategy to encourage healthy lifestyles, particularly among children and young adults.
However, lawmakers also noted a sharp rise in the illegal trade of e-cigarettes and similar products in recent years, prompting the need for stronger regulatory tools.
The law introduces criminal and administrative penalties for violating the ban.
Individuals found producing, storing, or distributing prohibited nicotine products will face legal consequences, although the legislation includes provisions exempting those who voluntarily report their infractions and surrender banned items.
Senators stressed the importance of the law not only in holding violators accountable, but also in protecting the country’s youth, national gene pool, and environment from the harm associated with emerging tobacco products.
Uzbekistan joins a growing list of Central Asian countries tightening restrictions on nicotine consumption.
In April 2024, Kazakhstan enacted a similar ban on the production and sale of e-cigarettes.
Kyrgyzstan followed suit in November, with a law prohibiting electronic nicotine products set to take effect on July 1, 2025.
Uzbekistan’s legislation was first introduced for debate in January 2024 and passed its third reading in the lower house of the national parliament on January 24.
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