President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov signed a law “On introduction of changes and amendments to the Law “On advertisement” and article 178 of Code on Administrative Responsibility of Uzbekistan” in 17 September 2010.

Legislative Chamber of Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan approved the law on 22 June 2010, while Senate approved it on 28 August 2010.

The amendments introduce full ban for advertisement of tobacco and alcohol products of any strength, including beer.

The law concretized meaning of “hidden advertisement”. In line with new norms, hidden advertisement is advertisement of goods, advertised under other goods, trademarks or brands, which identical or similar to trademarks or brands, advertisement of which have limits or requirements.

The law provides opportunity to improve regulation of advertisement of tobacco and alcohol products, as well as responsibility of individuals and legal entities for unfair use of ads, labels, foreign works, which advertise tobacco and alcohol drinks.

Current legislation does not envisage direct measures on responsibility for violation of advertisement order, as well as spread of advertisement of banned goods. Currently, only orders on eliminating violations are issued, which is no effective measure to leverage advertisers, placing hidden advertisement.

New law sets concrete responsibilities for violation of advertisement order and spread of ads of banned goods. The law also helps consumers to receive all information on ad campaigns, including its dates, organizers, type and number of prizes. Currently, no information are presented at organization of ad campaigns, lottery and draws.