Uzbekistan introduces digital labeling for agrochemicals and fertilizers

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the introduction of digital labeling for mineral fertilizers and plant protection products. The decree from April 8 was published on Lex.uz.

The labeling applies to all nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and complex fertilizers, microfertilizers, and methyl bromide (bromomethane). It also covers insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, plant growth regulators, disinfectants, sticky tapes ("fly traps"), and similar devices.

The agrochemical labeling experiment will begin on May 1 and last for six months, until October 31. Starting in May 2026, labeling will be mandatory.

Five enterprises will participate in the pilot project:

• Ifoda Agro Kimyo Himoya
• Indorama Kokand Fertilizers and Chemicals
• Maxam-Chirchiq
• Swissagro
• Schelkova Agrohim-O'zbekiston

The instruction to implement labeling for fertilizers and pesticides was included in the roadmap approved in April 2024 by a presidential decree to support agricultural producers. It was based on measures announced during an open dialogue with farmers in March of the same year.

As stated in the document, this measure aims to promote the use of high-quality agrochemicals in the production of export agricultural products and to combat smuggling. Proposals for the government were to be submitted by the end of September.

Labeling

In December 2018, Shavkat Mirziyoyev issued a decree on the phased introduction of digital labeling in Uzbekistan. It was initially planned to launch on August 1, 2019, but the deadline was later postponed to 2020.

In late August 2019, it was revealed that the CRPT Turon, a subsidiary of the Russian CRPT, would be involved in the digital labeling project. Starting in 2020, the Asl Belgisi system, after testing on cigarettes and alcohol sales, began expanding to other products.

Currently, labeling is mandatory for medicines, household appliances, bottled water, and soft drinks (for the last two categories, the implementation deadline was postponed). In spring 2022, it was announced that plans were in place to extend labeling to auto parts, tires, and carpets as part of efforts to combat counterfeit products.

Manufacturers of products subject to labeling have repeatedly appealed to the government to suspend the introduction of labeling, citing increased product costs and the unsuccessful experiences of other countries. CRPT Turon dismissed these concerns as "myths," and the Tax Committee stated that the labeling is necessary to fight counterfeiting and the shadow economy.