Lawmakers have started reviewing a bill to ban electronic cigarettes in Uzbekistan.

In the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis, a draft law is being discussed that aims to prohibit certain tobacco products and devices, including electronic cigarettes, while introducing administrative and criminal penalties for their importation.

The proposed law includes a ban on the production, manufacture, storage, transportation, and sale of devices for consuming tobacco and nicotine, including electronic cigarettes.

“Since such cigarettes, which seriously affect the gene pool of the nation, are banned in 32 countries, why shouldn't we impose restrictions as well? Regardless of what anyone says, until electronic cigarettes are strictly prohibited, we will continue to vote against this draft law,” stated Alisher Kadirov, the leader of the "Milliy Tiklanish" party.

The document was submitted for public discussion in April 2024.

It was previously reported that a similar ban will take effect in Kyrgyzstan starting July 2025.