At a plenary session of the Senate on August 7, First Deputy Director of the Agency for Technical Regulation Lazizbek Saidoriov revealed that Uzbekistan currently operates 304 accredited testing laboratories, but this number will prove insufficient once the new market control system is introduced. The statement came during discussions on the draft law 'On General Safety of Products'.
Senator Zokirjon Rakhmonov raised concerns about the readiness of laboratory infrastructure, noting that the law envisions mechanisms for rapid identification and removal of dangerous goods from circulation. He questioned whether the technical and accreditation capabilities of laboratories are adequate and how international recognition of test results would be ensured.
Saidoriov reported that the 304 laboratories operate across food industry, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, chemical and light industry, construction, and pharmaceuticals. 'This is certainly not enough,' he admitted, emphasizing that the demand for testing will increase with the introduction of market control, including control purchases. Additionally, nine more bodies will be connected to the oversight system.
The agency official also outlined measures to develop private testing laboratories. A presidential decree from February 16, 2026, stipulates that if at least two private laboratories exist in a given field, the state should not establish its own structure, which could lead to monopolization. Saidoriov stated this approach is expected to boost entrepreneurs' interest in setting up laboratories and participating in conformity assessment.
The conformity assessment system is gradually shifting from certification to declaration. Saidoriov announced mechanisms for direct recognition of documents issued in the country of production. 'The entrepreneur submits their documents and declares conformity. One regulator disappears from this chain,' he explained.
Furthermore, competition among private testing laboratories is set to intensify. Some state laboratories will be transferred to the private sector, and conclusions from both state and private labs must be recognized on equal terms.
Digitalization of product safety control was also discussed. Saidoriov noted that over 300 testing laboratories are connected to the Technical Regulation Information System (TRIS), which contains data on product requirements and conformity assessment results.
Looking ahead, artificial intelligence may be employed to process test results. 'It is not necessary to evaluate each test protocol manually. If we implement AI and clearly define risk analysis criteria, we can analyze through this system which goods are safer and which carry higher risk levels,' Saidoriov suggested.
The new law is designed to align Uzbekistan's technical regulation system with World Trade Organization (WTO) requirements. It envisages applying uniform requirements to local and imported products, prioritizing international standards, and preventing unjustified technical barriers to trade.
Source: www.gazeta.uz