Rights and Obligations of Consumers in Uzbekistan

The protection of consumer rights is one of the key institutions of a modern rule-of-law state. In a market economy, the consumer is the most vulnerable participant in civil transactions, which necessitates their special legal protection. The Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan “On Protection of Consumer Rights” dated April 26, 1996, No. 221-I, serves as the foundation for regulating relations between consumers, manufacturers, executors, and sellers, establishing a wide range of rights and obligations of the parties.

Basic Consumer Rights

The law defines several fundamental rights aimed at ensuring the interests of citizens:

• Right to Accurate Information – The consumer is entitled to receive complete and reliable information about a product, work, or service, as well as about the manufacturer, executor, or seller.
• Right to Free Choice – The consumer is entitled to freely choose a product or service of proper quality.
• Right to Safety – The consumer may demand that the product (work, service) poses no threat to life, health, property, or the environment.
• Right to Compensation for Damage – The consumer may demand compensation for material losses and moral harm caused by a defective product or service.
• Right to Judicial Protection – The consumer has the right to appeal to the court or other competent authorities.
• Right to Association – Consumers may form public associations to protect their interests.

Consumer Obligations

Alongside broad rights, consumers also bear certain obligations arising from the nature of civil relations:

• Comply with operating instructions – The consumer must use the product in accordance with established guidelines and safety requirements.
• Timely payment for goods and services – The consumer must pay the agreed price as per the contract of sale or service agreement.
• Proper storage and use of goods – If the consumer violates rules of use, storage, or transportation, they bear the risk of negative consequences.
• Provide proof of purchase – When making a claim, the consumer must present a receipt, technical passport, or another confirming document.

Liability for Violation of Consumer Rights

The law provides a system of financial and compensatory measures:

• Compensation for damages and moral harm (Articles 20, 22) – Damage caused to life, health, or property as a result of product or service defects must be compensated by the seller, manufacturer, or executor.
• Penalties and fines – For delays in product delivery or correction of defects, the seller must pay penalties to the consumer.
• Invalidity of unfair contractual terms – Clauses that restrict consumer rights are considered null and void.

State Guarantees of Consumer Protection

The state ensures consumer protection through:

• Judicial protection;
• Activities of government control and supervisory bodies;
• Special provisions on the priority satisfaction of consumer demands in contractual relations.

Thus, the rights and obligations of consumers in the legislation of the Republic of Uzbekistan represent a balanced system of legal norms ensuring both protection from unscrupulous producers and sellers, and defining the limits of consumer responsibility. This legal framework is built on the principles of good faith, safety, and prioritization of consumer interests, serving as a key guarantee for sustainable market development and public trust in state institutions.

Rights and Obligations of Consumers