In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the import, circulation, and consumption in the country of such alternatives to traditional tobacco products as tobacco heating systems and devices for consuming tobacco and nicotine, including electronic cigarettes.

From 2021 to 2023, 5.4 million electronic cigarettes were imported to Uzbekistan, 80% more than in 2018-2020. The proportion of young people using electronic cigarettes is almost five times higher than the proportion of adults.

The issue of banning the circulation of electronic cigarettes is being considered. The lower house of parliament is actively discussing a draft law on introducing amendments and additions to some legislative acts of the Republic of Uzbekistan aimed at banning the circulation of certain types of tobacco products, devices for consuming tobacco and nicotine, including electronic cigarettes, as well as establishing liability for their circulation. The draft law was discussed at a meeting of the faction of the “Milliy Tiklanish” Democratic Party. It was noted that the norms provided in the draft law are essential for protecting the future generation, the nation’s gene pool, and the environment.

The Director of the Institute of Health and Strategic Development under the Ministry of Health A. Inoyatov noted that the draft law not only provides for a ban on the circulation of electronic cigarettes in Uzbekistan, but also establishes liability. The production, manufacture, storage, transportation, or transfer and import into the country of “modern” and “innovative” nicotine and tobacco products are prohibited.

During the discussions, it was noted that this draft is consistent with the party’s program objectives. The faction deputies, noting that electronic cigarettes are banned in more than 30 countries, unanimously supported this draft law in the first reading.

Mukhtarama Komilova, UzA