Uzbekistan Approves Draft Law on Harmonizing Phytosanitary Standards with WTO Rules in Second Reading

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis has approved in its second reading a draft law aimed at aligning national legislation on plant quarantine and protection with the World Trade Organization’s Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures.

The draft law provides for amendments and additions to several legislative acts of Uzbekistan to harmonize them with the rules and standards established by the WTO agreement. Work on the draft took into account proposals and comments raised by deputies during the first reading. In particular, based on practical law enforcement experience, the title of the draft law was clarified, and the provisions of the Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan “On Plant Quarantine” were re-examined to ensure consistency with current international standards.

Additionally, certain principles and concepts that have become outdated under international phytosanitary standards were removed, while key terms were updated to align with international conventions and relevant standards.

During the discussion, deputies emphasized that the proposed norms would ensure full compliance of Uzbekistan’s phytosanitary legislation with international requirements, facilitate unobstructed access for domestically grown plant products to foreign markets, and prevent violations in the field of plant quarantine.

Following the session, the draft law was adopted by deputies in the second reading.