Uzbekistan’s Action on E-Cigarettes Will Protect Public Health

Washington, D.C. – Uzbekistan has taken an important step to protect public health by prohibiting e-cigarettes nationwide. This action addresses a rise in the use of e-cigarettes that are aggressively marketed in flavors and packaging that appeal to children and young people.  

The new law introduces a complete ban on electronic cigarettes in the country along with new administrative and criminal penalties for violations. 

With this move Uzbekistan joins a growing list of nations in Eurasia and around the world that have restricted or prohibited the use of addictive tobacco and nicotine products as part of efforts to protect future generations. This action amends the country’s current tobacco control law and will take effect in February 2026. 

Across numerous countries, e-cigarette use among youth already surpasses adult use, with some studies showing children are nine times more likely than adults to use e-cigarettes. These patterns reflect the industry’s continued push to aggressively market to young people, relying on promotional strategies that closely resemble those used to hook youth on cigarettes. 

With a range of policy options available to them, it is critical that governments act to appropriately regulate products including e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products and nicotine pouches to ensure these products do not undermine progress in reducing tobacco use. It is also critical for governments to continue adopting and enforcing policies to drive down smoking rates. Decisive action is critical to safeguard young people and prevent a new generation from becoming addicted to nicotine.