Uzbekistan's Senate Passes Risk-Based Food Safety Law Aligned with WTO Standards

Uzbekistan's Senate has approved the Law "On Food Safety," introducing a risk-based system of state control over food safety and expanding the mandate of the Food Safety Committee, according to a report by Daryo published on 2 October 2026.

The law was considered and passed during the Senate's 20th plenary session. Anvar To'ychiyev, chairman of the Senate Committee on Agrarian, Water Management Issues and Ecology, noted that more than 22,000 food-producing enterprises currently operate in Uzbekistan, of which 601 enterprises — representing 2.7% — have implemented the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) system.

To'ychiyev identified a key driver behind the reform: the existing legislation does not clearly define the responsibilities of authorised state bodies in food safety, which has led to overlapping functions and difficulties for businesses operating in the sector.

Under the new law, the Food Safety Committee is designated as the authorised state body in the field and its powers are expanded. Food business operators will face clearer obligations, including the responsibility to consistently produce safe food. The legislation also provides for a unified registry of food business operators and a system of state control based on risk analysis, with the primary focus on ensuring product safety.

The law sets out requirements for compliance with safety standards during the production, storage and circulation of food products, as well as measures to reduce food waste and losses. State control over imported food products will be regulated in line with international practices. Requirements for products of animal origin and other high-risk products are to be published on the authorised body's official website.

Crisis management mechanisms and rapid warning systems are also established under the law for situations where food products pose a serious risk to human life or health.

The legislation was developed in line with Uzbekistan's 2023 Resolution No. 181 on accelerating WTO accession. Procedures for developing and applying sanitary measures, rules and standards will be aligned with the WTO Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures.

The new law is relevant to feed and food manufacturers supplying the Uzbek market, as well as exporters, given that it introduces new compliance obligations for food business operators and tightens controls on imported food products, including those of animal origin.