Uzbekistan Senate Passes Updated Fire Safety Legislation

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — The Senate of the Oliy Majlis approved a new edition of the Law "On Introducing Additions and Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Connection with the Improvement of the Fire Safety System" during its plenary session.

During the discussion, it was noted that despite work carried out in recent years to develop the fire protection and state control systems, fires with severe consequences continue to occur in the country. According to data presented during the meeting, 11,241 fires were registered in Uzbekistan in 2025, resulting in 249.2 billion soums in damages to individuals and legal entities, and causing 82 fatalities.

The senators emphasized that the existing legislation does not fully regulate fire safety issues and does not provide for liability for several violations, which necessitated its improvement.

The document introduces criminal and administrative liability for unlawful interference in the procedure for issuing permits for urban planning activities.

Additionally, civil liability is established for the owners of markets, shopping complexes, and shopping and entertainment centers for damage caused to the life and health of third parties as a result of a fire. A system of mandatory fire insurance for such facilities is also introduced.

The law also establishes the basic principles of ensuring fire safety, minimum technical requirements for buildings and structures, the procedure for conducting fire safety inspections, as well as the rights and obligations of design organizations, apartment building management bodies, and other responsible entities.

According to the senators, the adoption of the law will increase the effectiveness of fire protection, strengthen the state fire safety system, and ensure more reliable protection of the life, health, and property of citizens.