Uzbekistan Tightens Fire Safety Regulations
Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed a law on November 2 that tightens fire safety requirements. The new rules will come into effect on February 5, 2027.
Those responsible for fires caused by violations of the rules will be required to fully compensate for the damage. If people are harmed, the court may additionally impose compensation: up to 1.32 billion Uzbek sums in the event of a death, up to 660 million sums for Group I disability, and up to 264 million sums for other harm to health. Victims will receive payments before the state recovers fines.
Markets and shopping centers will be required to insure their buildings and their liability to visitors. If there is no insurance, officials will face fines ranging from 22 to 33 million sums, and in the event of a repeat violation within a year, up to 44 million sums.
Additionally, an independent fire safety audit is being introduced. If a facility receives a positive conclusion from an organization accredited by the Ministry of Emergency Situations, it will not be subject to scheduled inspections for a year. For other facilities, the frequency of inspections will depend on the fire risk category.
Special requirements will be established for high-rise buildings, including smoke-proof staircases, fire service elevators, and non-combustible facade finishes.
