National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan

By Resolution No. 245 of the Cabinet of Ministers dated 15 May 2026, the procedure for the collection and harvesting of wild plants for technical and medicinal raw materials, as well as for food purposes, has been improved. Under the Resolution, the right to the special use of wild flora for the collection and harvesting of wild plants is granted through electronic online auctions.

What will this mean for businesses?

The new procedure is primarily aimed at digitalising the process of granting rights to use natural resources and increasing its transparency. All interested parties may participate in electronic online auctions conducted within the approved quotas.

Conducting auctions electronically will make it possible to allocate rights to use natural resources in an open and competitive manner, create equal conditions for businesses, reduce the scope for human intervention and the number of unnecessary administrative procedures, ensure that rights to use natural resources are allocated through market-based mechanisms and increase the openness and transparency of the process for businesses.

Quotas are set in accordance with environmental requirements

It is important to note that the introduction of electronic online auctions does not mean that natural resources may be collected without limits. Each year, quotas for the collection and harvesting of wild plants for technical and medicinal raw materials, as well as for food purposes, are approved by the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change based on an opinion issued by the Academy of Sciences. Thus, alongside economic interests, the principles of protecting flora and ensuring its sustainable use are also upheld.

The permit application process is being simplified

Another important aspect of the new procedure is the reduction of unnecessary documentation required from auction winners. The protocol drawn up following the auction serves as the basis for issuing a permit granting the right to the special use of flora.
At the same time, auction winners are not required to submit any additional documents. In addition, under the established procedure, auction winners are not charged any additional fees related to the issuance of the permit.

This will enable businesses to save time and resources while making the permit application process more convenient.

An electronic system ensures openness and competition

The use of an electronic format for allocating the right to special use of wild flora creates a more open and transparent environment for businesses.

Businesses can review the type of resource, the relevant territory, the established quota and the auction terms and, based on their financial capabilities, decide whether to participate. At the same time, electronic auctions facilitate a shift from the administrative allocation of rights to use natural resources towards a competitive mechanism based on market principles.

The primary objective is not only to create additional opportunities for businesses but also to ensure the lawful, orderly, and environmentally sustainable use of wild plants. This is why electronic online auctions are conducted within approved quotas. This approach makes it possible to regulate the scale of natural resource use in accordance with their capacity for regeneration, prevent the illegal collection and harvesting of wild plants, and ensure the conservation of flora resources.