Uzbekistan tightens penalties for environmental violations and illegal tree cutting

Under a presidential decree dated November 18, 2025, fines will be applied to organizations that violate legislation in the areas of ecology, environmental protection, and the responsible use of natural resources.

Fines will cover the following violations:

• Breaching regulations for cleaning riverbeds and reinforcing riverbanks
• Violating water resource protection rules
• Illegally cutting, destroying, or failing to protect trees and shrubs
• Emitting pollutants into the atmosphere or operating in violation of established environmental standards
• Failing to comply with air protection requirements at construction sites
• Violating atmospheric protection rules during the burning of fuel, materials, substances, or waste
• Ignoring environmental protection requirements in waste management

Financial sanctions will apply exclusively to legal entities. Employees of fined organizations will not face administrative penalties for the same violations. However, paying fines or receiving warnings does not exempt organizations from their obligation to comply with the law.

Previously, a presidential decision had abolished a preferential exemption that allowed some entities to avoid compensation payments for environmental damage. From March 1, 2026, all legislation and legally binding directives granting such exemptions will lose force, meaning any relief from environmental liability will now be provided only by law.

Legal liabilities for violating the tree-cutting moratorium

Under Article 79 of the Code of Administrative Liability:

• For illegally cutting, ring-barking, damaging, destroying, or relocating trees, shrubs, or saplings:
• Individuals: fine of 25–50 times the base calculation value (BCV) – UZS 10.3–20.6 million
• Officials: fine of 50–75 times the BCV – UZS 20.6–30.9 million
• For intentionally damaging or destroying trees and shrubs during construction or reconstruction using chemical or biological agents in violation of regulations:
• Individuals: 35–50 times BCV – UZS 14.42–20.6 million
• Officials: 60–75 times BCV – UZS 24.72–30.9 million
• If the violation is repeated within one year, with confiscation of the tool or object used to commit the offense:
• Individuals: 50–75 times BCV – UZS 20.6–30.9 million
• Officials: 75–100 times BCV – UZS 30.9–41.2 million or up to 15 days of administrative arrest
• For failing to take required measures to protect and preserve trees on territories owned or assigned to legal entities:
• Officials: 10–20 times BCV – UZS 4.12–8.24 million
• For preparing project documentation that leads to the destruction of trees and shrubs:
• Officials: 50–75 times BCV – UZS 20.6–30.9 million

Authorities emphasize that these measures are part of a broader effort to strengthen environmental protection, ensure compliance with ecological legislation, and preserve natural resources for future generations.