Uzbekistan is taking significant steps to modernize and streamline its customs administration and foreign trade procedures. A presidential decree issued on December 17, 2025, introduces measures aimed at reducing bureaucracy, enhancing efficiency, and leveraging digital solutions across the customs system.

 

Key Objectives of the Reform

 

The reform is designed to accelerate trade operations, reduce administrative burdens, and improve compliance through a risk-based approach. Among the main goals are:

• Doubling the volume of goods processed for export and import directly at border points.
• Increasing the release of goods into free circulation by 1.5 times, supported by deferred customs payments.
• Expanding the number of authorized economic operators to over 200.
• Raising the coverage of customs audits to 30%.

 

Digitalization and Risk-Based Processing

 

From March 2026, businesses benefiting from pre-declaration of goods will see a 20% reduction in customs clearance fees. Deferred payments up to 14 days will not incur interest, and importers can pay duties per shipment under periodic declaration regimes.

Automatic declaration processing will be implemented for low-risk transactions, including for major taxpayers and exports not subject to restrictions. This is part of a broader digital transformation strategy to streamline customs operations.

 

Border and Inspection Reforms

 

Control procedures will be partially transferred to the Border Guard Service. By the end of 2026, vehicle inspections at selected checkpoints will be conducted exclusively by border troops on an experimental basis. Simultaneously, several major border customs posts will undergo reconstruction to improve efficiency.

From June 2026, businesses will have the option to defer or stagger customs duty payments for up to 120 days. An experimental mechanism will regulate the customs treatment of raw materials and inputs used in processing to prevent tariff distortions.

 

Modernized Customs Audits

 

The customs audit process will shift to a "consultant–auditor" model, allowing businesses to correct identified violations independently. Measures of liability will be differentiated and proportionate to the severity of non-compliance. Starting in 2028, financial penalties for customs violations will apply only to companies and individual entrepreneurs, excluding administrative liability for officials.

 

Simplifying Non-Tariff Regulations

 

The decree also aims to simplify non-tariff trade regulations. Permit issuance will be risk-based, while all prohibitions, restrictions, and fees must be pre-published in the “Single Window” system, ensuring transparency and predictability for businesses.

 

International Cooperation

 

Uzbekistan will enhance its international trade support by appointing customs advisors in several foreign embassies. These advisors will represent the interests of Uzbek exporters and importers abroad, helping to facilitate trade and protect national economic interests.

 

Conclusion

 

These reforms mark a major step toward modernizing Uzbekistan’s customs system, reducing red tape, and fostering an environment conducive to trade growth. By combining digital tools, risk-based management, and international cooperation, Uzbekistan is positioning itself as a more competitive and business-friendly trade hub in the region.