Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan became a Party to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control on August 13, 2012.
 

Smoke Free Places

Smoking is prohibited in an enumerated list of public places, workplaces, and public transport. However, specially designated smoking areas or rooms are allowed outside or in isolated buildings and structures that are not part of the public place or workplace. There is an exception for airports, in which designated smoking rooms are allowed within the airport in the area designated for checked-in passengers. In addition, smoking is allowed “in the inoperative train cars of trains” and “in the rear part of the decks of river vessels.” Smoking is prohibited in outdoor public squares, parks and beaches.

Tobacco Advertising, Promotion and Sponsorship

There is a ban on tobacco advertising; however, many types of tobacco promotion may escape the ban. There are some restrictions on tobacco sponsorship and the publicity of such sponsorship.

Tobacco Packaging and Labeling

All tobacco product packages must carry a combined picture/text health warning that occupies at least 40 percent of the front and back of the package. Warnings must be updated no more than once every five years. In February 2024, the health warnings increased to 65 percent. In addition, misleading packaging and labeling, including terms such as 'low tar content’, 'mild’, 'very mild’, 'soft’, 'extra’, 'ultra’, and 'thin’ and other signs, is prohibited.
 

Cigarette Contents and Disclosures
 

The law regulates specified contents of cigarettes, including banning some herbs and flavorings. The law requires that manufacturers disclose to government authorities’ information on the contents and emissions of their products.
 

Sales Restrictions
 

The law prohibits the sale of single cigarettes and in small packages; sales of tobacco products via vending machine and internet; and sales in schools, playgrounds, stadiums, healthcare facilities and cultural facilities. The sale of smokeless tobacco, except for naswar, is prohibited. The sale of tobacco products is prohibited to persons under the age of 21.
 

E-Cigarettes

The law permits the sale of e-cigarettes except via the internet, vending machine, and other location-based sales restrictions. Because the law establishes that e-cigarettes are to be regulated as other tobacco products, the use of e-cigarettes is prohibited where smoking is prohibited. The law bans the use of e-cigarettes in an enumerated list of public places, which includes workplaces and public transport. However, the law allows for specially designated smoking areas or rooms in certain places. Advertising and sponsorship of e-cigarettes is restricted. Product display at points of sale is banned. Packaging for e-cigarettes (and other devices for consumption of tobacco or nicotine) must carry a combined picture and text health warning that occupies at least 65 percent of the area of all sides of the package. The sale of e-cigarettes is prohibited to persons under the age of 21.

Roadmap to Tobacco Control Legislation

Law No. ZRU-844 on Restricting the Distribution and Consumption of Alcohol and Tobacco Products is the primary law regulating tobacco products and e-cigarettes. It regulates smoke free places; packaging and labeling; contents and disclosure; and sales restrictions. Tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship is regulated by the Law on Advertising. The General Technical Regulations on Tobacco Products provide details on packaging and labeling and content regulation.
 

Review Status

This country’s legal measures were reviewed by our legal staff. No in-country lawyers or tobacco control experts reviewed our analysis.