Uzbekistan moves to tighten liability of officials for fire safety violations

The proposed legislation seeks to strengthen accountability of officials and introduce clearer procedures for auditing facilities for compliance with fire safety standards.

The draft law provides for amendments to the Law “On Fire Safety,” as well as to the Code of Administrative Responsibility, the Criminal Code, and the Criminal Procedure Code.

According to the parliament’s press service, the changes are designed to introduce comprehensive legal, organizational, and preventive mechanisms in the field of fire protection, while reinforcing preventive measures.

Among the key provisions is a ban on the use of flammable construction materials and the introduction of technical construction requirements depending on building categories.

The bill proposes to strengthen personal accountability and liability of officials responsible for fire safety. In addition to compensation for damage caused by fires, the document introduces a mechanism allowing recovery of compensation directly from the guilty party under civil liability principles.

The rights and obligations of design, construction, and contracting organizations, as well as management bodies of apartment buildings, are also being defined more clearly in the area of fire protection. The scope of citizens’ responsibilities for ensuring fire safety will be expanded.

In addition, the draft law establishes procedures for auditing facilities to ensure compliance with fire safety requirements. Liability will be increased for participation in audits without proper certification and for issuing false or unreliable administrative conclusions.

The document introduces administrative and criminal liability for unlawful interference in permitting procedures in the urban planning sector. Another provision addresses violations in the sale and distribution of liquefied gas.

During discussions, lawmakers noted that adoption of the bill would help raise the responsibility of citizens and organizations for compliance with fire safety requirements. The reforms are also expected to expand the role of the non state sector in fire prevention efforts.

In October 2025, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev instructed authorities to create a proactive system for protection against emergencies covering every street and every home. He also pointed out that the current Law “On Fire Safety,” adopted 16 years ago, has become outdated.