Uzbekistan adopts measures to boost e-commerce sector

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev has signed a resolution “On measures to create favorable conditions for the further development of e-commerce in the Republic of Uzbekistan.”

The document outlines steps aimed at reducing the shadow economy, protecting market participants’ rights, and expanding foreign trade operations.

According to the resolution, Uzbekistan plans to increase the volume of e-commerce to 30 trillion soums between 2026 and 2030. The initiative is also expected to create more than 7,500 new jobs and attract investment projects totaling US$300 million. In addition, a unified customs payment will be introduced for the import of certain categories of goods to simplify foreign trade regulation.

One of the key innovations is the introduction of bonded warehouses under a legal pilot regime, which will run from 1 July 2026 to 1 July 2028. This model represents a new form of free warehouse designed for the temporary storage of goods sold through specialized e-commerce platforms for personal use by individuals.

Under the pilot, the operation of such warehouses will be licensed in accordance with the rules governing free warehouses. Goods will be sold through electronic trading platforms included in a special registry maintained by the National Agency for Perspective Projects. They will be placed under the “free warehouse” customs regime and allowed for retail sale to individuals based on dispatch declarations.

Sanitary, veterinary, and other controls will not be applied at the stage of placing goods in these warehouses. However, responsibility for compliance with legal requirements will rest with warehouse operators. For residents of Uzbekistan, placing goods in such warehouses will be considered as fulfilling asset repatriation requirements.

At the same time, placing domestically sourced goods in bonded warehouses for sale on the domestic market will be prohibited, except for products intended for export.

Another focus of the resolution is the development of online trade in pharmaceuticals.

The National Agency for Perspective Projects, together with the Ministry of Health, has been tasked with preparing proposals within three months for enabling the sale of medicines through online pharmacies using e-commerce platforms.