Uzbekistan

Tobacco Control Policies

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. Beginning February 2024, the health warning will increase to 65 percent and misleading packaging and labeling, including terms such as 'low tar content’, 'mild’, 'very mild’, 'soft’, 'extra’, 'ultra’, and 'thin’ and other signs, will be prohibited.

Tobacco Taxation and Prices: The World Health Organization recommends raising tobacco excise taxes so that they account for at least 70 percent of retail prices. Tobacco excise taxes in Uzbekistan are well below these recommendations.   

SMOKE FREE ENVIRONMENTS COMPLETE SMOKING BAN
Health-care facilities No
Private offices Yes
Primary and secondary schools No
Public transport No
Universities No
Restaurants No
Governmental facilities No
Bars and Pubs No
Can subnational jurisdictions enact more stringent smoking restrictions? Yes
BANS ON TOBACCO ADVERTISING, PROMOTION, AND SPONSORSHIP
Domestic TV and radio Yes
Promotional discounts No
Domestic magazines and newspapers Yes
Non-tobacco products or services with tobacco brand names Yes
Outdoor advertising Yes
Tobacco products with non-tobacco brand names Yes
Point-of-sale advertising Yes
Paid placement in media Yes
Retail product display Yes
Financial sponsorship, including corporate social responsibility Yes
Internet advertising Yes
Publicity of sponsorships Yes
Free distribution Yes
HEALTH WARNINGS ON SMOKED TOBACCO PRODUCTS
Text warnings describe health impacts Yes
Number of published warnings at any given time 12
Warnings include a picture or graphic Yes
Warnings required to rotate Uncertain
% of principal display areas covered (front and back) 65%
Warnings are written in the principal language(s) Yes
Front 65%
Ban on misleading packaging and labeling Yes
Back 65%
Health warnings on smokeless tobacco products Yes
TOBACCO TAXATION AND PRICE
PRICE OF MOST SOLD BRAND, PACK OF 20 CIGARETTES TAXES ON MOST SOLD BRAND (% OF RETAIL PRICE)
In country currency 11500.00 UZS
Total taxes 56%
In US dollars 1.05 USD
Total excise 43%

Sources:

SF, APS, PL: Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids Legal Website. Available at: www.tobaccocontrollaws.org

Tax: WHO Report on the Global Tobacco Epidemic, 2023. Available at: www.who.int/teams/health-promotion/tobacco-control/global-tobacco-report-2023

Last updated: November 6, 2023