Law Targets Rising Illegal Trade and Youth Vaping with Criminal Penalties
Uzbekistan’s Senate (Oliy Majlis) has approved a law banning the import and sale of electronic cigarettes, associated liquids, and other electronic nicotine delivery systems. The move, adopted on April 30, introduces amendments to the Criminal and Administrative Codes to enforce the prohibition.
The new legislation establishes liability for the illegal production, storage, transportation, sale, import, and export of these banned products. Senators cited concerns over a dramatic increase in illegal imports – noting 5.4 million e-cigarettes worth $28.5 million imported over four years, an 80-fold rise – and the alarming popularity of vaping among youth. Statistics revealed 32,000 users aged 18-29, nearly five times the number of older adult users, with schoolchildren also actively using vapes.
While imposing penalties, the law allows for exemption from liability if individuals voluntarily surrender prohibited items and confess. The Senate emphasized the law’s aim to protect public health, the environment, and the nation’s gene pool from the effects of these products.
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