Uzbekistan's environmental police have been authorized to use stun guns and service weapons.

In Uzbekistan, employees of the State Inspectorate for Environmental Control (EcoPolice) have received official permission to use stun guns and service weapons. This follows from a decree by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on measures to organize the work of the National Committee of Uzbekistan on Ecology and Climate Change, signed on November 19.

The document states that EcoPolice officers are authorized to use physical force, special equipment (including stun guns), and service weapons (rubber bullet and mesh weapons). The mandatory wearing of body cameras on their uniforms is also stipulated. The conditions for the use of force and special equipment will be determined by the provisions of the Law "On Internal Affairs Bodies" until the required legislative amendments are made.

The decree approved the updated organizational structure of the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change, as well as regulations governing the activities of the EcoPolice and state inspectors. As part of the reform, inspectors have been awarded special ranks, receive salary bonuses and supplements, access to medical care, and transportation. Employment in the new structure is included in the length of service required to obtain military and special ranks.

The Ecopolice's responsibilities include promptly responding to citizen inquiries regarding environmental and tourism issues. Employees are provided with specialized equipment and transportation through the committee's extra-budgetary funds.

Effective March 1, 2026, all current legislation and legal provisions regarding exemptions from compensation payments for damage caused to the environment will be repealed. Benefits in this regard will be granted solely on the basis of law.

The President has imposed a strict ban on the issuance of documents authorizing non-compliance with environmental laws. In particular, it is prohibited to issue state environmental assessment reports, adopt resolutions, orders, protocols and written instructions of the government, interdepartmental documents, and acts of local executive authorities permitting the felling and replanting of trees and shrubs.