On May 1, 2026, updated provisions on liability for the dissemination of false advertising entered into force in Turkmenistan. The corresponding amendments to the Code of Administrative Offences were signed by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov on April 11, 2026.
The amendments are aimed at protecting consumer rights and increasing transparency in the advertising market. They provide for penalties for the deliberate dissemination of false information about goods, services, and their manufacturers or sellers. The new rules apply to advertising in the media, on the internet, and through other digital channels. Liability arises where a benefit has been proven, and significant harm has been caused.
The amount of fines depends on the category of the offender: for individuals, from 30 to 50 base units (USD 1000-1700); for officials, from 40 to 60 (USD 1400-2000); for legal entities, from 50 to 75 base units (USD 1700-2600).
While these changes directly concern advertising law, they are also relevant to the field of intellectual property: misleading advertising frequently accompanies the unauthorized use of third–party trademarks or misleads consumers about the origin of goods. The tightening of liability for false advertising is part of a broader trend towards strengthening brand protection across Central Asia.