Counterfeiting kumys to be equated with serious offense in Kyrgyzstan

In Kyrgyzstan, a package of bills on the protection, development, and state support of the national drink kumys has been submitted for public discussion. The documents provide for comprehensive changes to the Tax Code, the Code of Offenses, laws on public procurement, tourism, healthcare, and intellectual property. One of the key innovations is the introduction of the national brand status “Kyrgyz Kumys”. Only producers included in a special state register and complying with a single quality code will be able to use it. Mandatory digital traceability of products is proposed – each unit of kumys must have a QR code with data on origin, processing, and laboratory tests. Fines and confiscation of products are introduced for the absence of labeling or false information. The bill introduces a classification of products into three categories: natural traditional kumys, industrial export, and reconstituted from dry milk. At the same time, the use of substitutes and additives for products under the national brand is prohibited. The document also provides for the development of “kumys health resorts” and the inclusion of kumys therapy in the system of medical rehabilitation and tourism. The initiators note that the measures are aimed at protecting the national brand, increasing exports, and attracting investments in the processing of mare’s milk.