Uzbekistan has finalized a comprehensive reform package fundamentally restructuring the forensic expertise system. The reform integrates digital transformation, institutional redesign of the non-state forensic sector, mandatory electronic document exchange, expanded categories of expert analysis, enhanced certification mechanisms, and technological modernization.

Taken together, these measures represent one of the most significant overhauls of the forensic infrastructure in recent years, with implications for courts, investigative authorities, legal practitioners, businesses, and investors.

I. Transition to Mandatory Electronic Document Exchange

 

At the core of the reform is the full operationalization of the “E-ekspertiza” electronic information platform.

The system establishes mandatory electronic interaction between:

• courts,
• pre-investigation bodies,
• investigative authorities,
• administrative bodies empowered to appoint examinations,
• state forensic institutions,
• non-state forensic organizations.

Under the new framework:

• decisions appointing forensic examinations must be submitted electronically;
• case materials are transmitted digitally;
• expert registration and workflow are conducted within the system;
• expert conclusions are prepared and delivered electronically;
• appointing authorities monitor examination status in real time;
• contract-based examinations may be paid electronically via the platform.

Critically, once full integration is implemented, forensic organizations are prohibited from conducting examinations where the appointing decision and materials were not transmitted via the platform. This eliminates informal or paper-based routing of cases and creates a single traceable procedural channel.

The electronic integration is phased across national, regional, and district levels and extends to non-state forensic organizations.

II. Digital Justice Architecture and AI Integration

 

The reform is not limited to document exchange.

It includes:

• gradual implementation of artificial intelligence tools in forensic analysis,
• digital examination of photo, audio, video and text materials,
• future extension of AI to additional expert categories,
• introduction of new expert areas including crypto-assets, digital manipulation detection, and AI-related violations.

In addition, courts and investigative authorities are required to use the electronic system for routing examination materials, except in cases involving state secrets or protected information.

This signals the creation of a digital forensic ecosystem aligned with modern evidentiary standards.

III. Institutional Reform of the Non-State Forensic Sector

 

The reform fundamentally restructures the legal status of private forensic expertise.

Key elements include:

• Mandatory organization of non-state forensic entities as non-commercial organizations.
• Permission for independent experts to operate individually as forensic bureaus.
• Creation of an Expert Qualification Commission under the Ministry of Justice.
• Establishment of a unified electronic register of certified non-state forensic experts.

From a governance perspective, this balances market liberalization with centralized oversight.

IV. Certification and Professional Competence

 

The reform introduces a structured pathway for becoming a non-state forensic expert:

• Mandatory retraining programs;
• Qualification testing;
• Interview-based examination procedures;
• Issuance of certification confirming professional competence;
• Entry into a unified electronic registry.

Experienced forensic specialists may qualify under simplified conditions.

This significantly enhances professional accountability and traceability of expert credentials.

V. Expansion of Expert Categories

 

The reform expands the types of forensic examinations available to non-state organizations, including:

• financial and banking loss analysis,
• intellectual property economic examinations,
• digital audiovisual product evaluation,
• transport technical condition analysis,
• accident mechanism mathematical reconstruction,
• micro-particle analysis,
• video-technical and photo-technical expertise,
• psychological-linguistic expertise,
• digital evidence and AI-related violations.

This diversification increases private-sector participation and reduces pressure on state institutions.

VI. Technological Modernization of State Forensic Institutions

 

The reform also addresses technical capacity:

• acquisition of modern laboratory equipment;
• authorization to lease state forensic equipment to other forensic entities on a contractual basis;
• introduction of mobile body cameras for field inspections;
• phased introduction of virtual autopsy practices;
• procurement of unmanned aerial vehicles for forensic inspections;
• expansion of accredited laboratories.

This reflects a shift toward technologically enabled forensic investigation.

VII. Procedural Implications for Legal Practice

 

For courts and investigative authorities:

• strict electronic routing improves procedural discipline;
• elimination of paper reduces delays and postal costs;
• real-time tracking enhances case management transparency.

For businesses:

• faster contract-based forensic examinations;
• clearer procedural rules;
• expanded access to private expert services.

For investors and international stakeholders:

• strengthened evidentiary reliability;
• increased predictability in dispute resolution;
• improved institutional transparency.

VIII. Structural Impact

 

The reform does not merely digitize procedures, it:

• formalizes private participation,
• centralizes certification oversight,
• creates a unified digital case-routing mechanism,
• expands expert specializations,
• introduces AI-supported analysis,
• strengthens institutional accountability.

This represents a systemic reconfiguration of the forensic ecosystem.

Uzbekistan has completed a structural modernization of its forensic expertise system by integrating digital document exchange, institutional oversight of non-state actors, expanded expert categories, and technological innovation.

The transition to mandatory electronic workflows and regulated private-sector participation enhances procedural integrity, reduces administrative barriers, and strengthens the overall reliability of forensic evidence in judicial and administrative proceedings.