Uzbekistan’s government has approved the procedure and timeline for implementing ecological stickers on all categories of motor vehicles, as outlined in the resolution passed on March 29 on mitigation of harmful impact of transport on the atmospheric air.
In early March, plans emerged to introduce eco-stickers in Tashkent, with the aim of regulating vehicle access to different zones of the city based on their environmental classification. The initiative, which received approval from President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, aims to address the city’s varying environmental conditions.
Under the new decree, the rollout of eco-stickers will occur gradually across the country, with the process slated to start on June 1.
Ecological Transport system
Starting June 1, Uzbekistan is to initiate the Ecological Transport system to monitor compliance with emissions standards from motor vehicles and their impact on atmospheric air quality. Here’s what it entails:
First, “based on the best foreign practices and innovative technologies”, territories will be categorized into ecological zones based on their air quality: “clean” (green), “medium” (yellow), and “harmful” (red).
Secondly, vehicles will undergo automatic evaluation during diagnostic tests to determine their environmental category. They will then receive a tamper-proof eco-tag in one of three colors, along with an electronic tag.
Thirdly, vehicles not aligning with the ecological category of an area may face ecological compensation, restrictions, or entry bans into certain ecological zones.
The implementation of the Ecological Transport system is scheduled until 2030. The first phase, spanning from 2024 to 2026, will focus on Tashkent. The second stages will extend to Nukus, regional centers, and specific ecological zones like tourist centers and nature reserves by 2028−2030. The third stage will cover all other territories in 2028−2030.
Additionally, measures will be introduced to hold individuals accountable for using transportation in ecozones not matching their category. Fines collected will be allocated towards improving the ecological situation and environmental protection.
Eco-stickers: available free of charge with yearly voluntary diagnostics upon registration
From June 1, eco-diagnostics will be gradually implemented across all regions of Uzbekistan during vehicle registration and re-registration at the Road Traffic Safety Service branches, with the issuance of eco-stickers provided free of charge.
This service will also be offered free of charge in other cases until specific deadlines: until January 1, 2027, in Tashkent; until January 1, 2029, in Nukus, regional centers, and certain ecological zones; and until January 1, 2031, in all other regions.
Additionally, voluntary yearly re-diagnosis for obtaining a new eco-sticker will also be free of charge.
For electric vehicles manufactured within the past three years, green eco-stickers will be issued free of charge and without diagnostics upon online application.
Emergency vehicles and public transport, except taxis and shuttle buses, will be permitted for unrestricted use in all ecological zones.
Certain vehicle types may temporarily access ecological zones not corresponding to their eco-category upon payment of ecological compensation, subject to government approval of the relevant procedure.
Eco-zones: dynamic maps and signs
The boundaries of ecological zones will be defined and changed by the Council of Ministers of Karakalpakstan, hokimiyats (regional governance offices) of Tashkent and regions according to the proposals of the Ministry of Ecology.
The Ministry of Ecology is tasked with engaging leading foreign specialists and experts to develop a dynamic electronic ecological map of Uzbekistan’s atmospheric air using innovative technologies. This map will gather real-time data from all ecological zones.
Signage providing information about the ecological zones and their populations will be installed within these territories and along their borders. Additionally, relevant information will be made available on online platforms for public access.
Photo and video recording of violations
The Center for Innovative Projects and Public Services of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Uzbekistan will conduct vehicle diagnostics to ensure compliance with environmental standards. Environmental operators will be added to the center’s staff to facilitate this process.
As part of the system’s implementation, traffic police units will undergo repair, reconstruction, or construction to establish diagnostic centers equipped with necessary tools.
The Ministry of Ecology has been directed to procure automated photo and video recording equipment to monitor violations of transportation regulations in ecological zones. They will also be responsible for maintaining this equipment.
An atmospheric air monitoring center will be established within the Ministry of Ecology, along with an administrative department to handle offenses related to vehicle use in ecological zones.
The Ministry of Ecology, Ministry of Internal Affairs, and Ministry of Transport are required to integrate new and existing information systems by June 1.
The draft law on the introduction of liability for violation of the order of transport use in ecological zones should be developed by December 1.
Furthermore, a subsidy program to incentivize the replacement of “harmful” vehicles with “clean” ones is planned. The Ministry of Economy and Finance will propose financing options for this initiative within one month.
