Uzbekistan has enacted strict new legislation banning the circulation of e-cigarettes and all nicotine-delivery systems, introducing heavy penalties for their import, production, and sale.
As reported by Report, the Ministry of Justice confirmed that recent amendments to the Criminal Code establish serious liability for anyone caught bringing tobacco products or electronic nicotine devices into or out of Uzbekistan. The law also covers manufacturing, purchasing, storing, transporting, or distributing e-cigarettes, which are now fully prohibited across the country.
Under the new rules, violations involving significant quantities – or repeat offenses following administrative penalties – carry tough sanctions. Punishments include:
Fines ranging from 300 to 500 basic settlement units (BRV)
Two to three years of corrective labor
Three to five years of restricted freedom
Three to five years of imprisonment
However, the law includes a safeguard: individuals who voluntarily report their actions to state authorities and surrender prohibited devices are exempt from criminal liability.
