The Republic of Uzbekistan has introduced new administrative liability measures for offenses related to portable laser emitters (laser pointers). This is implemented under Law ORK-1132, adopted on April 17, 2025, which amended the Code of Administrative Responsibility. The bill was passed by the Legislative Chamber on July 22, 2025, and approved by the Senate on December 18, aiming to strengthen the fight against the illegal circulation of laser devices in the country.
According to the new rules, illegal use of portable laser emitters will result in the confiscation of offense items and a fine ranging from 15 to 25 times the base calculation amount (BCA), currently equivalent to 6.18 million to 10.3 million Uzbek soums. Additionally, illegal production, manufacturing, storage, transportation, shipment, or export of such devices from Uzbekistan will incur a fine from 15 to 30 times the BCA (6.18 million – 12.36 million soums), also with confiscation of offense items.
Illegal transfer or import of portable laser emitters into Uzbekistan carries the most severe penalty: a fine from 25 to 50 times the BCA (10.3 million – 20.6 million soums) and confiscation of the devices. These measures were deemed necessary due to a recent increase in illegal activity, despite a ban on the import and sale of laser pointers from abroad imposed by a Cabinet of Ministers resolution effective March 1, 2013.
Deputy Minister of Justice Sherzod Rabiyev, explaining the bill during its first reading, stated, "In 2013, the government banned their import and introduction into circulation, but liability measures had not been provided until now. We propose to fill this gap." During discussions, it was emphasized that recent times have seen a rise in cases of illegal import and use of portable laser devices in the country, posing a serious threat to the life and health of citizens, as well as to the safety of aircraft flights.
Specifically, directing laser beams at crew during aircraft flight or landing can distract their attention and increase the risk of disaster. Moreover, exposing law enforcement officers to laser beams may lead to temporary blindness and negatively impact public order maintenance. According to Uzbekistan Airports, from the beginning of 2023 to May 2024, 16 incidents involving laser beams directed at aircraft were recorded in Uzbekistan, indicating the potential danger of blinding people and threatening the life and health of passengers and crew members.
The bill is aimed at enhancing control over the circulation of portable laser devices, preventing offenses, and reducing risks. This is an expanded measure following the introduction of liability in April 2016 for causing harm to aircraft pilots with laser radiation from the ground, reflecting ongoing efforts to protect aviation safety and public order in the country.
Source: www.gazeta.uz