Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Uzbekistan has introduced criminal liability for violations of urban planning regulations that result in loss of life.

According to the Law adopted on 25 March 2025, amendments have been made to several legislative acts aimed at tightening control in the construction sector.

Changes to the Criminal Code establish liability for failing to comply with the requirements for issuing permits for the operation of buildings and structures, as well as for their acceptance.

Criminally punishable offenses now include the construction of buildings without approval from authorized state agencies, unauthorized reconstruction or alteration of load-bearing structures in apartment buildings, as well as the design, reconstruction, and construction of facilities in violation of approved master plans, planning decisions, and construction projects.

Criminal liability applies only if the offenders have already been subjected to administrative penalties for similar violations. Additionally, a new article has been added to the Criminal Code, setting penalties for urban planning violations that result in fatalities or other serious consequences.

The amendments provide for the possibility of exemption from criminal liability for first-time offenders involved in unauthorized reconstruction or alteration of load-bearing structures in apartment buildings, provided that they voluntarily rectify all violations and their consequences.

Changes have also been made to the Administrative Liability Code. Fines have been introduced for developers who fail to comply with the instructions of design organizations under architectural supervision, as well as for construction carried out without a positive conclusion from expert organizations on urban planning documentation. Furthermore, fines for violations in the construction sector have been increased.

The law will take effect three months after its official publication.