Uzbekistan is poised to enact significant changes in its legal framework concerning the regulation of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), with the Ministry of Justice announcing measures to mitigate administrative and criminal penalties for their illegal import, sale, acquisition, storage, or use.
The amendments to the law, introduced on March 15, outline fines ranging from 10 to 20 of minimum wage, equivalent to UZS 3.4 mn ($270.42) to UZS 6.8 mn ($540.83) along with the confiscation of drones for those found guilty of illegally importing them. However, individuals can avoid penalties by voluntarily surrendering the imported drones and their components to the state.
For repeat offenders, stricter penalties may be imposed, including fines ranging from 25 to 50 of minimum wage, which is UZS 8.5 mn ($676.04) to UZS 17 mn ($1,352.08), up to three years of correctional labor, restriction of freedom, or imprisonment for the same duration.
These legal amendments are set to take effect three months from their official publication date, slated for June 15, 2024.
Since 2015, the import of drones into Uzbekistan has been strictly prohibited, except in special cases. Violators previously faced imprisonment of up to three years, extendable to 10 years in the presence of aggravating circumstances.
However, legal entities have been granted the right to import and use drones for specific purposes with a special permit. Primarily utilized in the agricultural sector, certain organizations, such as the licorice producers association, have been permitted to import drones for their operations.
The initiative to amend the law began in mid-November 2023, when parliamentary factions discussed the need to liberalize sanctions for the illegal import of drones, citing a potential reduction in public dissatisfaction. The bill was subsequently introduced to the Oliy Majlis for consideration at the end of the same month.
Deputies highlighted that these amendments aim to address factors that negatively impact Uzbekistan's tourist attractiveness. In January, the proposed changes received approval from the Senate.
Earlier Daryo reported that Fly and See Agro, a Russian firm, has revealed ambitious intentions to launch drone manufacturing operations within Uzbekistan. The agreement for this substantial investment venture was formalized through a memorandum of understanding signed by Habib Abdullayev, the leader of the Navoi free economic zone, and Vasily Ptitsyn, the CEO of Fly and See Agro.
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