WHO FCTC Party Status

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 65 percent of the front and back of the package. Warnings must be updated no more than once every three years. 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, ingredients that create an impression of health benefits, and ingredients associated with energy and vitality. 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 prohibits the production, manufacture, acquisition, storage, transportation, import and export of e-cigarettes. The ban extends to the personal possession of e-cigarettes and therefore the use of e-cigarettes in public places, workplaces, and public transport is prohibited. Advertising of e-cigarettes is also prohibited.

Heated Tobacco Products 

Existing regulations on smoking in public places; advertising, promotion, and sponsorship; packaging and labeling; sales restrictions; and contents and ingredients apply to HTP inserts and devices. 

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. Resolution No. 290 on the Approval of Technical Regulations for Tobacco Products provides details on packaging and labelling. Law No. LRU-1098 amended Law No. ZRU-844 and banned the manufacture, import, sale, and acquisition of e-cigarettes. Law No. LRU-1098 also amended tobacco control penalties provisions in the Criminal Code and Code on Administrative Responsibility.

Review Status

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