The Ministry of Economy and Commerce has presented a draft resolution that proposes a ban on the export from the Kyrgyz Republic of used catalysts, as well as slag, ash, and residues of precious metals contained in these catalysts. The discussion of this document is taking place at the public level.
The aim of this project is to protect the health of the population and the ecosystem of the country, which should help reduce air pollution caused by emissions from motor vehicles. The problem of atmospheric pollution in the republic is considered one of the most serious environmental issues, despite the efforts being made.
The main culprits of pollution are both stationary sources (such as energy enterprises, mining and processing industries, utilities, and private households) and motor vehicles. According to official statistics, stationary sources emit about 60,000 tons of pollutants into the atmosphere annually, while transport contributes around 400,000 tons. There is also an observed increase in emissions from mobile sources.
Air quality is monitored in cities such as Bishkek, Osh, Tokmok, Kara-Balta, and Cholpon-Ata using 14 stationary posts and one automatic station. In Bishkek, this station conducts round-the-clock monitoring of 11 indicators, including nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and ozone, as well as particulate matter PM10, PM4, PM2.5, and PM1. According to monitoring data, the annual average concentrations of some pollutants exceed permissible limits.
For example, in 2025, the average concentration of nitrogen dioxide was 0.07 mg/m³, while in the winter months, values reached up to 2.3 times the maximum permissible concentration (MPC). The average level of formaldehyde reached 2.7 MPC, and in May, maximum levels exceeded the norm by 3.7 times. The increase in PM2.5 concentration during the winter period is also linked to unfavorable meteorological conditions, the heating season, and active use of coal.
The ministry emphasizes that catalysts play an important role in the exhaust system of vehicles, as they help neutralize harmful substances, including hydrocarbons, soot, and nitrogen oxides. Their operation is based on the use of precious metals such as platinum, palladium, and rhodium, which makes catalysts quite expensive — their cost can reach up to 13% of the price of a car.
The rise in global prices for palladium and other precious metals has contributed to an increase in cases of theft and voluntary removal of catalysts from cars for subsequent resale. As a result, there have been more frequent instances of used catalysts being exported outside the country.
The Ministry of Economy clarified that a temporary ban on the export of catalysts was already introduced in August 2021 for a period of six months and has since been extended multiple times. As a result of the restrictions, there has been a decrease in the volume of exports of catalysts, slag, ash, and residues with precious metals to other countries.
Given the ongoing difficult environmental situation in major cities of the country and the increasing demand for used catalysts, the ministry is once again bringing to discussion a project that proposes extending the ban on their export for another six months.
