Azerbaijan is preparing to implement a sweeping set of legislative changes that will significantly increase fines across multiple sectors – from cultural heritage protection and consumer safety to online behavior and tax compliance.
The new measures, discussed across several committees of the Milli Majlis, will come into force gradually throughout 2026.
The reforms touch nearly every area of public life and aim to tighten regulation, enhance accountability, and modernize existing frameworks.
Stricter Penalties for Damage to Cultural and Historical Heritage
Proposed amendments to the Criminal Code dramatically toughen punishment for intentional damage or destruction of state-protected cultural and historical monuments.
Under the new rules:
Damage to movable cultural assets will be punishable by a fine of up to twice the value of the damage or restriction of freedom for up to 2 years.
Destruction of movable cultural assets will carry a fine of two to three times the damage or up to 3 years of imprisonment.
Destruction of immovable cultural monuments will lead to fines of three to five times the damage, or 3 to 5 years of imprisonment.
If committed repeatedly, by a group, through abuse of official position, or on the basis of ethnic or religious hatred, penalties increase to 4–8 years in prison.
Ban on 25-60W Incandescent Bulbs: Fines up to AZN 5,000
A phased ban on importing, producing, and selling incandescent bulbs stronger than 25W will begin next year.
Penalties:
1,000–1,500 AZN for officials
3,000–4,000 AZN for legal entities
Repeat violations within a year will result in even higher fines – up to 2,000 AZN and 5,000 AZN, respectively.
Implementation dates:
Bulbs 60W and above – from January 1, 2026
Bulbs between 25–60W – from July 1, 2026
Helmet Requirement Extended to Moped Riders
For the first time, the mandatory helmet rule will apply not only to motorcyclists but also to moped riders and their passengers. Non-compliance will result in a 40-AZN fine.
Unauthorized Use of the Term “Lawyer” to Be Fined
Individuals or organizations using the term “vəkil” (lawyer) in their branding without membership in the Bar Association will face fines:
200–300 AZN for individuals
600–800 AZN for officials
This includes the use of equivalent terms in foreign languages.
Failure to Register with the Tax Service: Fine of 200 AZN
Businesses or individuals who fail to submit tax registration documents within legally prescribed deadlines will face a 200-AZN financial sanction.
Fines and Even Arrest for Immoral or Offensive Social Media Content
A major new amendment targets online behavior:
Content that violates public morality, features obscene language, offensive gestures, or displays body parts in ways deemed contrary to national and moral values will result in:
500–1,000 AZN fine or up to 30 days of administrative arrest
Repeat offenses within a year: 1,000–2,000 AZN or up to 60 days of arrest
The rule applies only when such content is publicly displayed on social platforms.
Fines for False Residency Information in Financial Documents
Submitting misleading or distorted information about residency status when opening bank accounts or receiving financial services will be penalized with:
300 AZN for individuals
1,000 AZN for legal entities
Institutions must notify authorities if a client’s residency status changes.
Energy Passport for Buildings Becomes Mandatory
Failure to comply with the new energy-efficiency passport requirement for buildings will result in:
200–400 AZN for individuals
1,000–1,500 AZN for officials
2,500–3,000 AZN for legal entities
The rule applies to new buildings and will not retroactively affect existing ones.
TV Channels to Be Fined for Violating Language Standards
The Audiovisual Council will have the authority to impose fines of 500–1,000 AZN on broadcasters who violate Azerbaijani language rules in televised content.
