The Milli Majlis (National Assembly) of the Republic of Azerbaijan has adopted numerous amendments to the Code of Administrative Offenses in the third reading.
According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, the draft law was discussed and approved during today's session of the parliament's extraordinary session.
Under the new provisions, officials who enter into or extend employment contracts with individuals suffering from drug dependency in sectors where such employment is prohibited will face a fine of 3,000 manats. Furthermore, hiring such individuals in restricted sectors without a mandatory medical clearance certificate will result in a fine of 1,000 manats for officials.
The legislation also introduces new penalties regarding the compilation of food balances. Farmers and suppliers are now required to submit data on agricultural production annually, while data concerning greenhouses, cold storage facilities, and grain elevators must be submitted to the relevant executive authority's information system by the 10th of the following month. Failure to comply will result in fines of 100 manats for individuals, 200 manats for officials, and 500 manats for legal entities.
Additionally, entities operating in the production, processing, storage, import, export, and sale of food products must respond to written inquiries regarding food balance compilation within 15 business days. Failure to provide this information will result in fines of 200 manats for officials and 500 manats for legal entities. Repeat offenses within one year of the initial administrative penalty will incur higher fines: 200 manats for individuals, 400 manats for officials, and 1,000 manats for legal entities. However, offenders who rectify the causes of the violation within 10 business days will be exempt from administrative liability.
The amendments also address environmental and financial reporting. Providing false or distorted information regarding the cutting of shrubs subject to notification procedures will result in fines of 500 manats for individuals, 3,000 manats for officials, and 5,000 manats for legal entities. Furthermore, financial leasing entities—excluding banks and non-bank credit organizations—that fail to submit reports to the Central Bank in accordance with the Law on Financial Leasing will face fines ranging from 1,000 to 1,500 manats for officials and 3,000 to 5,000 manats for legal entities.
These legislative changes are part of Azerbaijan's ongoing efforts to strengthen administrative discipline, ensure accurate economic data reporting, and improve public health and safety standards in the labor market.
