The goal of the initiative is to protect the domestic market from raw material shortages and support domestic recycling enterprises.

«The lack of control over the export of recyclable materials creates risks for local factories: a shortage of waste paper could lead to the closure of production facilities, the loss of thousands of jobs, and a reduction in tax revenues,» the Cabinet states.

The demand for raw materials within the country is steadily increasing due to the annual growth in finished product output. For example, toilet paper production increased from 1,665 tons in 2020 to 3,101 tons in 2025. The production of cardboard boxes more than doubled over the same period, from 10.2 million to 25 million square meters.

According to the Cabinet of Ministers, the introduction of export restrictions has already proven effective. Import statistics demonstrate a consistent reduction in Kyrgyzstan’s dependence on external raw materials. Waste paper collected domestically is successfully redirected to local factories, ensuring the stable operation of the industry.

This restrictive measure has been in effect in the country since 2021.