Health Ministry proposes ban on import and sale of vapes and hookahs in Uzbekistan

The decision is explained by a sharp increase in the use of vapes among children and young people. According to data from the explanatory note, sales of electronic cigarettes in Uzbekistan for 2021-2023 increased 80 times compared to the previous three years.

The Ministry of Health notes that the proportion of young people among vape consumers is three times higher than older generations. In recent years, 35.2 thousand smokers have been identified among high school students.

The proposal includes introducing administrative and criminal liability for the import, manufacture, purchase, storage, transportation, and distribution of "prohibited tobacco products and devices for consuming tobacco." The ban would also apply to hookahs.

A fine ranging from 50 to 100 times the BCU (17-34 million UZS) with confiscation of the items of the offense is proposed for the first violation. Individuals who voluntarily surrender such items will be exempt from punishment.

In case of a repeated offense, criminal liability will follow. The fine range will increase to 200-400 BCUs (68-136 million UZS), with additional penalties of up to 3 years of correctional labor, 3-5 years of restricted freedom, or up to 5 years of imprisonment.

If there are aggravating circumstances (recidivism, large scale, premeditated collusion of a group), the fine will be 400-600 BCUs (136-204 million UZS). Furthermore, the offender may face imprisonment for 5-7 years.

In the case of especially large amounts of import or actions as part of an organized group, the term of imprisonment will be 7-12 years. The same punishment is envisaged for officials who facilitated the import of vapes, hookahs, and other prohibited goods.

The draft law is available on the regulation.gov.uz portal. The discussion will last until April 18.