Uzbekistan to Simplify Signage and Design Code Rules

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Uzbekistan is planning to revise its regulations on signage placement and ease certain requirements of Tashkent’s urban design code, according to Abdumannop Buriev, the presidential commissioner for the protection of the rights and legitimate interests of businesses.

In an interview with the O’zbekiston 24 television channel, Buriev said that about two weeks ago the president instructed authorities to examine factors affecting the business environment. Following this, the business ombudsman submitted 15 systemic proposals, most of which received approval.

One of the key areas concerns outdoor informational structures. Authorities are considering excluding elements such as company names and descriptions of business activities from the category of advertising. The move is intended to reduce administrative burdens on businesses when installing signage.

Special attention is also being given to the implementation of Tashkent’s design code. A transition period is being considered to allow entrepreneurs to adapt to the new requirements. Officials noted that such standards in international practice are typically introduced gradually over an extended period.

Buriev said the president supported the initiative for a phased rollout of changes, taking into account the scale of the reform and the need for business adaptation.

Lazizbek Toshkulov, deputy director of the Center for Digital Transformation and Outsourcing under the Competition Development and Consumer Protection Committee, said that a proposal had also been presented to the head of state to abolish the requirement for obtaining a “advertising space passport” for certain categories of businesses, including signage.

He said that a new simplified procedure is expected to be introduced gradually, providing additional easing of rules for the placement of outdoor informational structures.

Previously, the business ombudsman had also proposed revising provisions of Tashkent’s design code, pointing to controversial norms and the need for a more flexible approach that takes into account business interests.