Uzbekistan moves to simplify financial penalty rules

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Uzbekistan's Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis has passed in its first reading a bill establishing procedures for imposing financial penalties, appealing related decisions and returning funds collected unlawfully. The bill is aimed at creating a unified and transparent mechanism for applying financial sanctions.

The bill would allow entrepreneurs to appeal decisions imposing financial penalties to a higher state authority or a court. It also provides for the timely and full return of funds collected unlawfully.

Some provisions are aimed at strengthening judicial oversight and simplifying procedures for imposing financial liability. During consideration of the document, lawmakers said the measures should provide additional protection for entrepreneurs against unjustified or excessive financial penalties.

The bill also provides for the possibility of exemption from a financial penalty or payment of the penalty in instalments over a period of up to six months.

In addition, the bill proposes a shorter period for returning a penalty when the decision imposing it has been cancelled or declared invalid by a court. If the established deadline for the refund is violated, interest would be payable.

According to the bill's authors, its adoption would encourage the voluntary correction of violations and timely fulfilment of established financial obligations. It is also expected to simplify interaction between state authorities and businesses on matters related to financial liability.

Following discussion, the Legislative Chamber adopted the bill in its first reading.