Uzbekistan Reforms Customs Administration System Through 2030

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed a decree on 27 August 2026 to reform state customs services and implement modern approaches to customs administration, introducing phased simplifications for businesses and individuals alongside expanded digital solutions.

The decree approves the "New Customs of Uzbekistan — 2030" strategy covering 2026 through 2030. Key priorities include improving conditions for foreign economic trade participants, advancing digitalization through artificial intelligence and infrastructure development, and refining administrative procedures.

Effective 1 September 2026, several foreign trade requirements are eliminated. The restriction on advance payments to foreign partners for invoice-based imports without a foreign trade contract has been lifted. For invoice-based exports without a contract, the requirement for a 50% advance payment has been removed. Exporting goods in national currency will no longer require advance payment or guaranteed payment forms such as letters of credit, bank guarantees, or insurance policies.

The decree also simplifies regulatory approvals, eliminating sanitary-epidemiological conclusions when product sample sizes are insufficient for food testing. Requirements to provide import permits for biological assets, new chemicals, food additives, polymers, perfumes, cosmetics, and registration certificates for pharmaceuticals and medical equipment during customs clearance have also been removed.

Beginning 1 October 2026, low-risk trade participants holding valid VAT registration certificates will be permitted to offset VAT payable on imported goods. Additionally, digitalization and streamlined export controls will reduce fees for customs clearance, phytosanitary certificates, fumigation, and certificates of origin by 30%.

From 1 January 2027, customs value controls for low-risk importers will occur after goods are released for free circulation. Fixed customs values for valuation control purposes will be prohibited, and authorities will adopt advance valuation rulings while using official dealer price data. On the same date, a new unified customs payment rate will take effect at 20% of the customs value, with a minimum of US$2 per kilogram.

Starting 1 June 2027, minor discrepancies in certificates of origin that do not affect product characteristics will no longer trigger rejections. Environmental certificates for exports will become voluntary, transit declarations can be submitted prior to border arrival, and a simplified preliminary declaration system will issue advance permits for low-risk goods, enabling expedited clearance upon arrival at border posts.