Kyrgyzstan proposes total ban on energy drinks starting January 1, 2027
The Ministry of Economy of the KR has proposed a complete ban on the turnover of tonic drinks in Kyrgyzstan starting January 1, 2027. The bill provides for a ban on their import, production, storage for sale, wholesale and retail trade, as well as the consumption of energy drinks. The document has been submitted for public discussion.
The new bill was published on November 12. Unlike the previously proposed temporary import restrictions, it introduces a permanent ban on the turnover of such products. Public consultations will last until November 27.
What restrictions the bill introduces
According to Article 3 of the document, starting January 1, 2027, the following will be banned in the territory of Kyrgyzstan:
- import of tonic drinks;
- their domestic production;
- storage for the purpose of subsequent sale;
- wholesale and retail trade, including via the internet;
- consumption of such drinks.
The restrictions will apply to non-alcoholic and low-alcoholic tonic drinks, including energy drinks. In defining such products, the developers specified goods category 2202 of the EAEU FEACN, a caffeine content of more than 150 mg/l, the presence of other tonic substances, and a dry matter mass fraction of 10% or more. The project also takes into account the content of energy metabolism stimulants.
The developers classify taurine, L-carnitine, glucuronolactone, and other components with a similar effect as substances that can serve as a basis for classifying a drink as a tonic.
At the same time, the ban will not affect tea, coffee, and drinks based on them. Restrictions will also not apply to regular sodas, lemonades, cola, mineral water, and juices, provided they do not meet the established criteria for tonic drinks.
An exception is provided for customs transit. Energy drinks will be allowed to be transported through the territory of Kyrgyzstan provided they are not put on sale in the domestic market.
How many energy drinks are consumed in Kyrgyzstan
In the explanatory note, the Ministry of Economy provides estimated data on the consumption of tonic drinks and their import volumes.
In the first half of 2026, the estimated consumption volume reached 36.1 million liters, or about 86 million cans.
At the same time, the Ministry of Economy acknowledges that it is difficult to accurately determine the import volume of energy drinks based on customs statistics. There is no separate commodity code for them, so customs accounts for such products together with other non-alcoholic beverages under EAEU FEACN category 2202.
In 2025, Kyrgyzstan imported 274.4 million liters of beverages in this product group worth 11.4 billion som. For January–August 2026, imports totaled 211.05 million liters worth 10 billion som.
These figures cover the entire relevant product group, including other non-alcoholic beverages. They do not reflect exclusively the import of energy drinks.
Why a ban on energy drinks is proposed
The Ministry of Economy explains the need for a ban by the availability of energy drinks to minors and the health risks associated with their regular consumption.
The explanatory note cites the results of a study conducted in Bishkek in 2026. Specialists surveyed 231 high school students and examined the assortment of 34 retail outlets.
According to the study, more than 22% of the surveyed students consume energy drinks. Among those who drink energy drinks, almost 40% do so at least three times a week.
The study also showed that schoolchildren can buy such drinks near educational institutions and places of residence. At the same time, the survey results apply to its participants, and not to all schoolchildren in Kyrgyzstan.
The developers also cite data on the prevalence of arterial hypertension. According to the World Health Organization estimates used by them, approximately 41% of adult residents of Kyrgyzstan aged 30 to 79 have high blood pressure.
In the justification, the Ministry of Economy also compared restrictions in other countries. In Kazakhstan, the sale of energy drinks to persons under 21 years of age has been banned since 2025, Poland has a restriction up to 18 years, and Norway up to 16 years starting in 2026.
The authors of the bill believe that age restrictions do not cover all stages of product turnover. Therefore, it is proposed to ban its import, production, sale, and consumption in Kyrgyzstan regardless of the buyer's age.
What liability is proposed for violating the ban
The bill provides for the confiscation of proceeds from the illegal turnover of tonic drinks, followed by the transfer of these funds to the republican budget.
Within six months after the adoption of the law, the Ministry of Health, the Customs and Border Services, together with the Ministry of Internal Affairs, must prepare proposals to amend the Code of Offenses and the Criminal Code.
The amendments should establish liability for individuals and legal entities for the illegal import, production, sale, and consumption of tonic drinks.
For now, the developers have not determined the amounts of fines and other specific sanctions. They are to be established in separate legislative amendments.
According to the Ministry of Economy's estimates, the adoption of the law will not require additional expenses from the republican budget.
If adopted, the law will enter into force 15 days after its official publication. At the same time, the direct ban on the turnover of tonic drinks is proposed to be introduced starting January 1, 2027.
How restrictions on energy drinks were prepared in Kyrgyzstan
On November 5, President Sadyr Japarov instructed the Cabinet of Ministers to consider within a month the possibility of banning the production and import of energy drinks. The head of state allocated six months to adopt relevant regulatory measures.
Japarov estimated potential budget losses from the ban on the production and import of energy drinks at approximately 1.5 billion som in tax revenue.
The next day, on November 6, MP Erulan Kokulov proposed banning the sale of energy drinks to persons under 18 years of age. His bill provides for age restrictions for stores, cafes, online platforms, and delivery services. For repeat sales of energy drinks to minors within a year, legal entities are proposed to be fined 55,000 som.
On November 10, the Ministry of Economy submitted a draft resolution for public discussion on a temporary ban on the import of energy drinks for six months.
The restrictions are proposed to apply to products with a certain content of caffeine and other stimulating components. The project provides exceptions for transit cargo, previously paid or shipped batches, and certain types of tonic drinks.
What is already banned
Since July 2023, restrictions on the advertising of energy drinks have been in effect in Kyrgyzstan. In particular, the law prohibits their outdoor advertising and internet promotion, while advertising on radio and television is banned from 07:00 to 24:00.
In December of the same year, the specialized committee of the Jogorku Kenesh supported in the first reading bills on banning the import and production of energy drinks. However, a total ban was not introduced at that time. Previously, Economist.kg reported on this initiative.
