Uzbekistan introduces restrictions on energy drink advertising
On January 9, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed a law on introducing amendments and addenda to a number of laws, in particular, to the Laws of the Republic of Uzbekistan “On quality and safety of food products” and “On advertising”, as well as to the Administrative Responsibility Code.
Manufacturers of energy drinks (drinks containing caffeine in excess of 150 mg/l, and (or) other components in an amount sufficient to exert a tonic effect on the human body) should now indicate a warning on the container, that is, contraindications to this product.
Substances that make up energy drinks do not represent a physiological need for a person and may have a negative effect on children and adolescents’ body, pregnant and lactating women, elderly people suffering from nervous, cardiovascular diseases, insomnia.
In order to protect the younger generation, a norm has been introduced prohibiting the sale of energy drinks to persons under eighteen. Moreover, sanctions will be applied in case of violation of this norm. Starting from January 10, 2019, if the seller (citizen entrepreneur) sold an energy drink to a teenager, he would face a fine of five to ten, and an official from seven to fifteen minimum wages.
At the same time, the Law “On Advertising” is supplemented with a new article 22-1 “Energy drinks advertising”. According to this supplement, from January 10, 2019, it is mandatory to indicate a warning about the dangers of excessive consumption of such drinks when advertising energy drinks, as well as information about persons to whom they are not recommended.
In addition, energy drinks advertising should not demonstrate the process of drinks consumption, create an impression that this process is important for achieving social and sports success or improving the physical and mental state of consumers.
According to the new rules, the following are prohibited from January 10, 2019:
- energy drinks advertising on television and radio from 7:00 a.m. to 22:00 p.m.;
- gratuitous distribution of energy drink samples in order to advertise among persons under 18;
- sponsoring events designed primarily for persons under 18, if the name, trademark or image of energy drinks are used;
- distribution, including sale of goods (T-shirts, hats, games, etc.) among persons under 18, using a name, trademark or image of energy drinks;
- energy drinks advertising in print publications, intended primarily for children and adolescents, as well as in medical, sports and education institutions.
As reported by the Information Service of the State Competition Committee, in case of violation of the requirements on energy drinks advertising, distributors of advertising and advertisers will be liable in the prescribed manner.
The State Competition Committee will carefully monitor the energy drinks advertising.
Source: UzA.