Law On Protection of Consumer Rights: General Overview

Consumer rights protection is one of the key components of the legal system of a modern state. In the Republic of Uzbekistan, this field is regulated by the Law “On Protection of Consumer Rights” No. 221-I dated April 26, 1996, adopted with the aim of ensuring the safety of goods, works, and services, as well as guaranteeing a balance of interests between consumers and business entities. The Law is oriented toward establishing a legal framework that promotes the development of civilized market relations and compliance with international standards of consumer protection.

Main Definitions

• Consumer — a natural person acquiring goods or services for personal, non-commercial purposes;
• Manufacturer and service provider — legal or natural persons producing goods or providing services;
• Seller — an entity selling goods under a sales contract.

The establishment of these definitions is of fundamental importance for distinguishing the rights and obligations of the parties, as well as for the correct application of consumer protection norms.

Consumer Rights

The Law provides a wide range of rights, including:

• The right to receive reliable information about goods and services;
• The right to product safety;
• The right to compensation for material and moral damages;
• The right to judicial protection;
• The right to form public consumer associations.

Special attention is paid to socially vulnerable groups of citizens, for whom additional privileges and benefits may be established.

Guarantees of Quality and Safety

A key element is the institution of warranty obligations of manufacturers and service providers. The Law establishes minimum service life and shelf life, labeling requirements, mandatory disclosure of information about the producer and importer, and liability for the production of goods hazardous to the life and health of citizens.

Liability of Market Participants

An important aspect of the Law is property and moral liability. The manufacturer, seller, or service provider is obliged to compensate:

• Damage caused by defects in goods or services;
• Losses arising from inaccurate information;
• Moral harm resulting from violation of consumer rights.

Contractual terms that infringe on consumer rights are considered invalid.

Role of the State

The Law defines the active role of the state in ensuring consumer protection. Government bodies and courts are authorized to monitor compliance, suspend the circulation of hazardous goods, and ensure priority satisfaction of consumer claims in case of disputes.

Particular importance is given to the provision that international treaties and agreements ratified by the Republic of Uzbekistan take precedence over national legislation in the event of discrepancies. This aligns with the principle of harmonizing national law with international standards.

The Law “On Protection of Consumer Rights” is a comprehensive legal act ensuring a balance of interests among market participants and aimed at protecting the weaker party in civil turnover — the consumer.
Its significance lies not only in the legal consolidation of guarantees but also in fostering a legal culture of consumption based on the principles of good faith, responsibility, and fairness.

In the future, a key area of legislative development will be the adaptation of norms to the requirements of the digital economy, including e-commerce, online services, and cross-border trade.

Rights and Obligations of Consumers and Market Participants

Subject	Rights	Obligations	Liability
Consumer	- Receive reliable and complete information about goods/services - Freely choose goods/services - Demand proper quality and safety - Seek compensation for damages and moral harm - Apply to courts and state bodies - Participate in consumer associations	- Follow usage rules and contract terms - Use goods as intended	- Losses may not be compensated if damage results from violation of usage rules
Seller	- Receive payment for goods of proper quality	- Provide accurate information (name, address, working hours, sales terms) - Issue receipt/invoice - Allow consumer to verify quality, weight, price - Ensure exchange or return within established terms	- Penalty for delivery delay - Compensation for selling defective goods - Liability for selling hazardous products
Manufacturer	- Receive income from product sales	- Set warranty periods - Ensure product safety during service/shelf life - Indicate production date, expiration date, storage conditions - Organize repairs and supply of spare parts	- Liability for harm to life, health, and property - Reimbursement of examination costs - Losses in case of product recall
Service Provider (Executor)	- Receive payment for performed works/services	- Provide timely and high-quality services - Provide full information on service rules - Eliminate deficiencies within 20 days	- 1% penalty per day of delay - Compensation for damages and moral harm - Liability for loss or damage to consumer’s property
State	- Priority in satisfying consumer claims - Ensure judicial protection	- Control the safety of goods and services - Suspend circulation of hazardous goods	- Apply administrative and judicial measures against violators