Co-initiator of the draft law, Deputy Adilet Belekov, explained that the main task of the document is to improve air quality, which will be achieved by introducing legal norms that encourage vehicle owners to use functioning catalytic converters.
The draft law proposes the following key changes:
1. Definition of a catalytic converter
The draft law suggests including an official definition of a catalytic converter (catalyst) in the legislation as an element of the exhaust system designed to reduce the toxicity of exhaust gases.
2. Mandatory presence of a catalytic converter
It is planned that vehicles for which a catalytic converter or other toxicity reduction systems are required must be equipped with such devices and maintained in good working order. Operation without a functioning catalytic converter will become prohibited.
3. Comprehensive technical inspection for all vehicles
Unlike the previous version, where technical inspection was mandatory only for certain categories of transport, the new draft law stipulates that mandatory technical inspection will apply to all vehicles permitted for road traffic, except for electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel cell cars. An important aspect will be the check for compliance with environmental standards, including a visual inspection for the presence of a catalytic converter or particulate filter and instrumental control of harmful substances in exhaust gases.
Only a positive conclusion from the technical inspection will confirm compliance with environmental requirements.
4. Prohibition on registration without an environmental conclusion
Registration and re-registration of vehicles will not be possible without a valid positive conclusion from the technical inspection confirming compliance with environmental standards.
5. Fines for violations
The draft law introduces liability for the following offenses:
- for issuing false positive conclusions regarding compliance with environmental requirements, a fine of 400 calculation indicators (40,000 soms) will be imposed, along with the confiscation of the diagnostic center's license;
- for services related to the removal, blocking, or imitation of the operation of a catalytic converter or particulate filter — a fine of 300 calculation indicators (30,000 soms) with confiscation of the equipment.
In the justification for the document, it is emphasized that air pollution poses a serious threat to health. In 2021, Bishkek was listed among the most polluted cities in the world, and a significant portion of emissions is associated with road transport. The removal of catalytic converters worsens the situation, increasing emissions of harmful substances and fuel consumption, which also leads to rising costs for its import. Kyrgyzstan, having signed the Paris Agreement, has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, noted the authors of the draft law.
They are confident that the proposed measures will help reduce pollution levels, lower health risks for the population, create a system for accounting and disposal of used catalytic converters, and prevent the illegal removal of exhaust gas cleaning systems.
The authors of the draft law are deputies Marlen Mamataliyev, Medina Kairylbekova, and Adilet Belekov.
