Two residents of the Khatirchi district in Uzbekistan's Navoi region received administrative fines for collecting wild rowan berries. The total amount of administrative fines amounted to 7.48 million soms. Additionally, they are obligated to pay 1 million soms as compensation for environmental damage, according to data from regional environmental protection inspectors.
Administrative protocols were drawn up against these residents based on Article 79-1 of the Code of Administrative Liability of Uzbekistan. This article regulates violations of established procedures and conditions for collecting wild plant materials, including plants used for food and medicinal purposes.
One of the residents was fined an amount equivalent to 10 Basic Evaluation Units (BEV), while the other was assigned a fine of seven BEV. According to this article, fines for individuals range from seven to 10 BEV, and for officials—from 15 to 25 BEV.
The collection of wild plants is regulated by Cabinet of Ministers Decree No. 245 dated May 15, 2026. This decree establishes various requirements for collecting plants for personal use and for commercial collection.
The volumes permitted for personal use are determined by local People's Deputies Councils. Commercial collection of wild plants requires obtaining collection rights through an online auction on the E-auksion platform. These rights are provided within annual quotas. After paying for the winning bid, the system must issue an electronic permit within one working day.
Published materials indicate a starting bid of 0.005 BEV per kilogram, calculated based on dry weight, for collecting rowan fruits and flowers. Auction participants can raise the initial price. Starting bids are also set for other wild plants: cumin—0.035 BEV per kilogram, rhodiola—0.022 BEV, chamomile heads—0.015 BEV, barberry berries—0.008 BEV, rosehip—0.005 BEV, and garmala—0.004 BEV. Violation of established rules for collecting wild plants can lead to administrative fines and the obligation to compensate for environmental damage.