Uzbekistan’s Businesses Face Non-Tariff Barriers in the Russian and Chinese Markets

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Uzbek exporters have appealed to the authorities with complaints about non-tariff barriers affecting food supplies to Russia. This was discussed on 17 January during an open dialogue between ambassadors and business representatives.

A representative of a company producing ice cream and dairy products said that for five years the company has been unable to enter the Russian market due to the actions of the Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance, Rosselkhoznadzor, which, according to him, creates “significant non-tariff barriers.”

He noted that despite being included in Rosselkhoznadzor’s official register, the company continues to face new obstacles and administrative restrictions.

“We are not asking for ‘mirror’ measures against Russian companies. We want fair competition, but we need to be allowed into the market. We are ready to supply products in large volumes,” the businessman stressed.

Similar difficulties are being experienced by other enterprises. A representative of Rozmetov, a producer of sausage and meat products, reported problems entering the Chinese and Russian markets, where exports are hampered by bureaucratic barriers related to inclusion in the relevant registers.

Bahodir Umirshaykhov, Chairman of the Association of the Food Industry of Uzbekistan, noted that the actions of Rosselkhoznadzor affect not only ice cream, but also butter and a number of other products.

Another entrepreneur involved in the production of food gelatin said that after an inspection by Rosselkhoznadzor on 15 September 2025, his company was restricted from exporting all of its products. “We cannot resolve this issue on our own and are turning to the government for assistance,” he said.

Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Khodjaev instructed Uzbekistan’s Ambassador to Russia, Botirjon Asadov, to address the problems related to food exports to the Russian market.

To support negotiations with Rosselkhoznadzor, the embassy will be assisted by representatives of the Agency for Plant Quarantine and Protection, the Committee for the Development of Veterinary and Livestock Services, and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry.