Uzbekistan introduces key legal changes from 1 May

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Uzbekistan will introduce a range of legal and regulatory changes starting from  1 May 2026, according to a review published by the Norma portal.

Under the new rules, the application of standards at all levels will become voluntary. At the same time, international practice will be introduced for recognizing foreign and regional standards, while the official list will be formed at the level of national standards.

In the construction sector, new apartment buildings will be required to be equipped with video surveillance systems. Cameras will be installed at entrance areas, inside elevators, and in surrounding territories. The installation of intercom systems will also be mandatory.

A new procedure has been introduced for pilgrimage travel: Umrah trips will be organized exclusively through registration on the Unified Portal “Hajj and Umrah”.

As part of ongoing digitalization efforts, an experiment will be launched to create “smart migration stations” based in internal affairs departments in selected districts of Tashkent region, Samarkand region, Fergana region, and the Republic of Karakalpakstan. These stations will operate using artificial intelligence technologies and will provide self-service options for citizens.

In the healthcare system, a National Program for combating heart attack and stroke will be implemented, developed in line with international initiatives “Stent for Life” and “Action Plan for Stroke”.

In foreign economic activity, a new mechanism will allow customs payments to be made separately for each shipment under periodic declaration procedures.

A transparent system for non-tariff regulation will also be introduced, including a public register of prohibitions and restrictions, which must be published at least three months before implementation via the “Single Window” system. Information on the size and structure of state service fees will also be made publicly available.

Archival service procedures will be simplified, with several documentation requirements abolished, including recommendation letters and copies of requested materials. State registration bodies will independently obtain necessary information through digital systems.

In the social sector, a composite model for disability determination will be introduced, enabling electronic referral generation and placement of citizens in queues for preferential medical treatment.

All licensing, permitting, and notification procedures will be carried out exclusively through the “License” information system or the Unified Portal of Public Services, except for procedures under the Central Bank and the National Agency for Prospective Projects.

Authorities expect the reforms to increase transparency, simplify interaction between citizens and the state, and accelerate digital transformation and economic modernization.