Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Two residents of Khatyrchi District in Navoi Region have been fined for collecting wild hawthorn. The total administrative fines amounted to 7.48 million soums. They must also pay 1 million soums in compensation for damage caused to the environment, according to regional environmental inspectors.
Administrative reports were drawn up against the residents under Article 79-1 of Uzbekistan’s Code of Administrative Liability. The article covers violations of established procedures and conditions for collecting wild plant materials, including plants used for food and medicinal purposes.
One resident was fined 10 basic estimated values (BEVs), while the other received a fine of seven BEVs. Under the article, fines range from seven to 10 BEVs for individuals and from 15 to 25 BEVs for officials.
The collection of wild plants is regulated by Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 245 of 15 May 2026.
The resolution sets different requirements for collecting plants for personal use and harvesting them for commercial purposes.
Volumes permitted for personal use are determined by local Councils of People's Deputies.
Commercial harvesting of wild plants requires obtaining collection rights through an online auction on the E-auksion platform. These rights are granted within annual quotas. Once payment for a winning bid has been made, the system must issue an electronic permit within one working day.
The published materials cite a starting rate of 0.005 BEV per kilogram, calculated on a dry-weight basis, for collecting hawthorn fruits and flowers. Auction participants may raise the initial price.
Starting rates are also specified for other wild plants: cumin at 0.035 BEV per kilogram, rhodiola at 0.022 BEV, chamomile flower heads at 0.015 BEV, barberry fruits at 0.008 BEV, rosehips at 0.005 BEV and harmala at 0.004 BEV.
Violations of the established rules for collecting wild plants may result in administrative fines and an obligation to compensate for environmental damage.
