Implementation of Mandatory Palm Oil Testing in Uzbekistan
Starting March 1, Uzbekistan will implement mandatory laboratory testing for palm oil and products containing palm oil and trans fats. This new regulation, established through a presidential decree issued on January 30, is designed to enhance the monitoring of their utilization in food products nationwide.
The decree mandates that imported palm oil and related products, such as milk and dairy items, must undergo testing at accredited laboratories when obtaining sanitary and epidemiological certifications. These tests will adhere to existing technical regulations and standards.
Additionally, there will be heightened scrutiny on the use of palm oil in food production within Uzbekistan. Regulatory authorities will conduct inspections at facilities involved in the production, transportation, storage, and sale of food products to ensure compliance with the new testing requirements.
Regarding palm oil imports to Uzbekistan, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chairman, Davron Vakhobov, disclosed during a meeting with the president in December 2024 that confectionery manufacturers had previously secured exemptions on import duties for palm and coconut oils from Indonesia and Malaysia, as well as other raw materials not locally produced in Uzbekistan. To support local manufacturers, these exemptions were extended for an additional two years.
While palm oil imports to Uzbekistan have seen fluctuations over the years, recent data indicates a decrease. In the previous year, imports dropped by nearly 40% year-on-year, reaching 24,200 tons with a corresponding reduction in import value. Similarly, sunflower oil imports also declined, underscoring a shifting trend in the importation of edible oils.
The health risks associated with palm oil have also come under scrutiny. The national movement “Yuksalish” has emphasized concerns raised by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) regarding the potential dangers of palm oil consumption. High levels of palmitic acid in palm oil can contribute to the development of atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases when consumed excessively. Despite its widespread use in various food products due to its affordability, the negative health impacts of palm oil consumption have raised alarms within the scientific and regulatory communities.
