Uzbekistan Senate Strengthens Liability for Environmental Violations

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — At a regular plenary session, the Senate of the Republic of Uzbekistan reviewed and approved the law “On Amendments and Additions to Certain Legislative Acts to Strengthen Liability for Crimes in the Field of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Nature Management.”

Senators highlighted existing challenges in ensuring ecological safety, rational use of natural resources, protection of flora and fauna, and safeguarding air quality.

In particular, the small fines prescribed in the Code of Administrative Responsibility have had limited preventive effect. Administrative penalties against officials often do not impact the financial standing of enterprises, creating a “sense of impunity” among owners.

The adopted law strengthens liability for violations in ecology and nature management. Specifically, the Law “On Environmental Protection” is supplemented with a new chapter establishing financial sanctions for legal entities committing ecological offenses.

Amendments were also made to Article 88 of the Code of Administrative Responsibility. Administrative liability now applies to the open burning of fuel, substances, or materials not intended for combustion—including plastic film, rubber, fuel oil, bitumen, synthetic cardboard, and wool fibers—in locations or structures not designed for this purpose, including greenhouses, industrial buildings, and incineration facilities.

Senators emphasized that the law aims to prevent violations, protect natural resources, organize effective crime prevention, and increase the efficiency of state environmental control.

Following discussion, the law was approved by the Senate and comes into effect to strengthen environmental protection and enhance accountability for legal entities.