The key facts

  • Decree No. 585 dated 21.10.2026 defines five types of water intake violations and the sanction procedure under Article 164 of the Water Code (per each 1,000 cubic meters based on the BRV).
  • From January 1, 2027 — the 'warning for the first mistake' rule: 10 days to remedy, otherwise a sanction; a repeated violation within a year — five times the amount.
  • When paying 50% of the amount within a month, the legal entity is exempt from the rest; an installment plan of up to six months is possible; in case of non-payment, the Inspection goes to court.

New sanction procedure approved

By government decree of Uzbekistan No. 585 dated October 21, 2026, a procedure was approved for applying financial sanctions for violations of the water intake procedure for agriculture, fisheries, industry, energy, and household needs. Violations include: water intake in excess of the established limit, intake without a concluded contract, failure to equip intake sites with water control and metering devices, intake without a permit for special water use, as well as unauthorized water intake.

Warning instead of a fine for the first violation

According to Kun.uz, from January 1, 2027, the rule 'first mistake — warning' is introduced. It applies to legal entities that violated the water intake procedure for the first time within a year and caused no harm to the life and health of citizens or to another person's property. The Inspection notifies the legal entity through the electronic platform suvnazorat.uz and issues an order to remedy the violation. If the violation is not remedied within 10 days, a financial sanction is applied.

Sanction amount and fivefold increase upon repetition

The sanction is calculated for each thousand cubic meters of water based on the base calculation value in the percentage amount established by Article 164 of the Water Code. If the violation is repeated within a year after the sanction is applied, its amount is increased fivefold.

Benefits for voluntary payment and installment plan

If, within a month from the date of receipt of the resolution and sanction calculation, 50% of the amount is voluntarily paid, the legal entity is exempt from paying the remaining part. The amount can be paid in installments no later than six months, paying at least one-sixth monthly; if the first payment is made within a month, this procedure applies automatically. With voluntary payment, it is considered that the measure of legal influence was not applied.

Judicial collection and refund of funds

If the sanction is not paid voluntarily within a month, the Inspection files a lawsuit with the court. When a complaint against the resolution is filed, the process and the deadline for applying the sanction are suspended until it is considered. If the court finds the sanction unlawful or unfounded, the paid funds are returned within 15 days; for each calendar day of delay in the refund, interest is accrued at the rate of one three-hundredth of the Central Bank's base rate.