Uzbekistan Strengthens Regulation of Notarial Enforcement Inscriptions

Uzbekistan has adopted a comprehensive regulatory framework governing the procedure for making enforcement inscriptions by notaries. The new rules significantly modernize the enforcement mechanism by expanding digital formats, introducing biometric identification, and clarifying procedural safeguards, while preserving the principle of uncontested enforcement. These reforms aim to improve efficiency in debt recovery, reduce court caseloads, and strengthen legal certainty for creditors and debtors alike.

Legal Nature and Purpose of Enforcement Inscriptions

 

An enforcement inscription is a notarial act that confirms an undisputed monetary or property obligation and serves as a basis for compulsory enforcement without recourse to court proceedings. It allows creditors to initiate enforcement directly, provided that statutory conditions are met.

The updated framework reinforces the role of notaries as quasi-judicial actors, entrusted with verifying the legality, clarity, and uncontested nature of claims prior to issuing enforcement inscriptions.

Forms and Modes of Making Enforcement Inscriptions

 

The regulation significantly expands the permissible formats for performing enforcement inscriptions. They may now be carried out:

  • At the premises of a notary office;
  • Remotely via videoconferencing;
  • In electronic form;
  • At a location chosen by the applicant, through mobile notarial services.

This flexibility improves access to notarial services and reflects broader digital transformation efforts in the justice system.

Electronic Documents and Non-Participation of Applicants

 

Documents establishing debt obligations in favor of legal entities may be prepared by a notary in electronic form. In such cases, the applicant is not required to participate in the drafting or approval of the enforcement document, provided that the underlying obligation is duly confirmed by the submitted materials.

This approach reduces procedural friction, particularly in standardized commercial claims.

Videoconference-Based Enforcement Inscriptions

 

Where enforcement inscriptions are made via videoconference:

  • This fact must be explicitly indicated in the notarial certification text;
  • The entire process must be recorded through mandatory audio and video recording;
  • Both the notary and the participating party must be clearly visible on video.

During the session, the notary is required to:

  • Explain the type of notarial act being performed;
  • Clarify its content, legal meaning, and consequences;
  • Ensure that the applicant is fully familiarized with the document text.

These requirements are designed to protect parties’ rights and prevent abuse in remote procedures.

Identification and Biometric Verification

 

The framework introduces differentiated identification methods depending on the mode of execution:

  • When performed at a notary office or through mobile services, the applicant’s fingerprints are scanned and recorded in the automated notarial information system.
  • When performed via videoconference or in electronic form, confirmation is carried out using Face-ID biometric verification.

The use of biometric tools strengthens identity verification and minimizes fraud risks.

Conditions for Issuing an Enforcement Inscription

 

An enforcement inscription may only be made if both of the following conditions are met:

  • The submitted documents unequivocally confirm the debtor’s obligation or indebtedness to the claimant;
  • No more than three years have elapsed since the creditor’s right to bring a claim arose due to non-performance or improper performance of the obligation.

Failure to meet either condition precludes issuance of an enforcement inscription.

Types of Claims Eligible for Enforcement Inscriptions

 

Notaries are authorized to issue enforcement inscriptions for certain uncontested civil-law claims up to a specified statutory monetary threshold. These include, in particular, claims:

  • Based on notarized transactions;
  • Seeking enforcement against movable property pledged as security under a notarized agreement;
  • Related to the recovery of rent, mandatory contributions, and payments from owners of premises in multi-apartment buildings;
  • Related to outstanding debts for utility and communication services.

This list reflects areas where disputes are typically formal rather than substantive.

Legal Effect and Enforcement Period

 

An enforcement inscription may be submitted for compulsory enforcement within three years from the date of its issuance, unless legislation provides otherwise.

Once issued, it has the same legal force as an enforcement document and may be executed through enforcement authorities without judicial involvement.

Procedural Safeguards and Accountability

 

The regulation emphasizes procedural integrity and accountability by requiring:

  • Mandatory recording and storage of video materials for remote procedures;
  • Detailed explanation of rights and consequences by the notary;
  • Use of automated information systems for traceability and audit purposes.

Notaries remain personally responsible for ensuring compliance with the legal requirements governing enforcement inscriptions.

The updated procedure for making enforcement inscriptions by notaries represents a major step in the modernization of Uzbekistan’s enforcement and notarial systems. By integrating digital technologies, biometric verification, and remote participation while maintaining strict conditions for uncontested claims, the framework strikes a balance between efficiency and legal protection.

These reforms enhance creditor confidence, reduce pressure on courts, and strengthen the overall effectiveness of civil enforcement mechanisms, while aligning notarial practice with contemporary standards of digital justice.