Law “On advertising” comes into force, basic rules and restrictions announced

According to the updated “Language of advertising” article, as before, registered trademarks and service marks and logos can be displayed in the original language. The advertisement itself must be distributed in the state language.

Its content may be reproduced when translated into other languages, subject to the following requirements:

•  the text of the translation of the advertisement in another language should not violate its meaning in the state language;
•  the text of the advertising translation in the outdoor advertising object should be placed horizontally at the bottom of the advertising text in the national language and should not exceed 40% of the total advertising area;
•  the font size of the translation text should be smaller than the font size of the advertising text in the national language.

It was also determined that the translation of advertisements distributed on television and radio channels and print media should not exceed 20% of the total daily advertising volume.

The requirement to place the advertisement in the state language and to translate its content does not apply to the following advertisements:

•  only in printed publications and other publishing products published in foreign languages;
•  on information websites that post materials only in foreign languages;
•  during the broadcast of television, radio, video and newsreel programs of other media materials broadcast in foreign languages.

The Consumer Rights Protection Agency under the Anti-Monopoly Committee is the competent state body in the field of advertising circulation.

The right to install outdoor advertising and information objects (structures) on state-owned land plots, buildings and structures is granted for a period of 5 years on the basis of open electronic auctions through a single electronic trading platform.

According to the law, the following are prohibited:

•  advertising breast milk substitute products;
•  display prices (tariffs) in foreign currency;
•  advertising of information products without indicating the age classification in the cases stipulated by the legislation on protection of children from information harmful to their health;
•  use of forms, phrases and images that contradict national and family traditions, as well as generally accepted norms of morality and spirituality;
•  advertising of energy drinks on television and radio from 07:00 to 22:00;
•  advertising of tobacco products and devices for consumption of tobacco and nicotine.

According to the document, goods are no longer advertised in printed publications (textbooks, school diaries, school notebooks, etc.) used in preschool education (kindergarten), and general secondary, secondary specialized and professional education. It is also prohibited to display prices (tariffs) in foreign currency.

In addition, the participation of celebrities, medical personnel or persons whose appearance is similar to the appearance of doctors is prohibited in the advertising of medicinal products.

Also, advertising of alcohol products is not allowed, but advertising of beer, natural and sparkling wines produced in Uzbekistan is allowed in some cases.