In Uzbekistan, a proposal to provide financial incentives to individuals who report substandard products has been put forward for public discussion. The Ministry of Justice announced this on August 21, presenting the draft law “On Market Supervision.”
Procedure for reporting non-compliant products
According to the draft, if a product released into circulation does not meet established mandatory requirements, the economic operator — that is, the manufacturer, importer, or distributor — must notify the market supervision authority within 10 days.
In addition, the authorized representative of the manufacturer or importer is obliged to convey the received information to the producer within ten days.
A regular citizen who is not an economic operator also has the right to report to the market supervision authority if they become aware that a product does not comply with mandatory requirements. The legislation may introduce a system of financial rewards for such individuals.
Tasks of the state
According to the draft, the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan shall:
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within 4 months approve the procedure for financial incentives to those who report non-compliant products;
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within 6 months ensure the development of a methodology for determining the amount of moral damages, involving international consultants and taking into account advanced foreign experience;
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align government resolutions with this law;
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ensure that executive authorities review and repeal their regulatory legal acts that contradict this law.
Courts’ database formation
According to the draft, the Supreme Court of the Republic of Uzbekistan, within 3 months, will create a database of court cases over the last 3 years where payments for moral damages were awarded in favor of citizens. This database will be regularly updated and used by courts in considering cases involving moral damages.
Experts’ opinion
Experts note that this initiative is aimed at increasing public safety, limiting the circulation of substandard products in the market, and effectively protecting citizens’ rights. At the same time, it encourages people to take an active civic position, meaning that by reporting low-quality products, they contribute to the benefit of society.
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