Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 19 April, the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan approved a resolution significantly tightening the rules for duty-free imports by individuals. In connection with this, the State Customs Committee published an explanation justifying the necessity of this decision.

According to the agency’s statement, the current international political and economic instability, along with various tariff and non-tariff restrictions, indirectly affects Uzbekistan, as it does other countries. This, in turn, is leading to a slowdown in global economic growth and a decline in world trade volumes.

Projections indicate that the total volume of international trade could decrease to US$3.5 trillion, while global inflation may rise to 7.5–8%. In this context, Uzbekistan is taking decisive action, placing greater reliance on domestic resources and its own potential.

To support local producers and exporters, protect the domestic market from unfair competition, create a favorable business climate, and improve the efficiency of customs administration, Resolution No. 244 “On measures to further improve the procedure for the movement of certain types of goods across the customs border” was adopted.

Under the new regulations, effective from 1 May 2025, individuals entering Uzbekistan by air may bring in goods duty-free up to a value of US$1,000 (previously US$2,000); by rail or river transport — up to US$500 (down from US$1,000); and through road or pedestrian checkpoints — up to US$300. For international courier shipments, the limit is set at US$200 per month (formerly US$1,000 per quarter), while the postal limit remains unchanged at US$100.

The Customs Committee emphasizes that, compared to global standards, the previously existing duty-free limits in Uzbekistan were relatively high. For instance, in the European Union, the limit is US$480 for air travel and US$330 for land or rail. Türkiye enforces a unified US$480 limit regardless of how the border is crossed. In China, the equivalent limit is US$722.

An analysis has revealed a significant rise in cases where individuals exploit these duty-free allowances for commercial purposes under the guise of personal use. Therefore, an additional restriction is being introduced: if an individual has spent less than two full calendar days in a foreign country before entering Uzbekistan by land or water, or less than three days by air, the duty-free allowances will not apply. Similar measures are already in place in countries such as Singapore, the United States, Türkiye, Brazil, and Argentina. In such cases, the goods will be considered to exceed the exemption limits and will be subject to a flat customs payment on their full value.

Customs authorities have also uncovered instances of individuals systematically transporting goods across the border that are not intended for personal use. Some people cross the border up to 100 times per month, transporting goods ordered by third parties and not belonging to them. As a result, large volumes of imported goods enter the domestic market in small batches without payment of customs duties, effectively circumventing customs regulations.

A similar situation exists in international airports. In recent years, the number of individuals making regular trips for commercial purposes has grown significantly. Some passengers make between 100 and 150 flights annually, each involving the import of goods disguised as personal items. At Tashkent Airport alone, over 500 such individuals have been identified, each importing an average of 2 to 3 tons of goods annually.

This naturally raises the question — can such volumes truly be classified as goods for personal use?

Uzbek legislation provides for administrative and criminal liability for the unlawful import of goods under the guise of non-commercial shipments. In 2024, around 600 individuals were identified as systematically violating border regulations, each doing so an average of 10–20 times per year.

It is worth noting that using the “green corridor” requires individuals to declare that they are not carrying any prohibited items or goods subject to mandatory declaration, including those intended for commercial use or exceeding permitted limits. However, in 2024, it was found that 1,190 individuals who passed through the green corridor ended up paying 21 billion soums to the state budget, with attempts uncovered to illegally transport goods worth about US$100,000.

Particular attention has been paid to international courier shipments. According to statistics, the duty-free import limits through courier services are US$288 in China, US$150 in South Korea, US$125 in Georgia, €100 in Ukraine, US$188 in the United Kingdom, between US$41 and US$175 in EU countries, and US$79 in Türkiye. Unlike many of these countries, Uzbekistan does not charge value-added tax (VAT) on such shipments.

Data from the Customs Committee shows a sharp increase in attempts to import commercial goods via courier services under the guise of personal deliveries. Between 2023 and 2024 alone, 1,100 violations were recorded, totaling 8.3 billion soums. For example, one individual, identified as K.A., received 408 parcels over the course of a year, while another received 381 — clear evidence of commercial intent.

In 2024, an average of 687,000 Uzbek citizens each received eight international shipments. The total number of delivered parcels reached 5.735 million — three times more than in 2023. The total weight of imported goods reached 22,300 tons, with a combined value of US$167 million, marking a 40% increase in value and 30% in volume.

Analysis also revealed that some shipments were addressed to deceased individuals or to people unaware they were recipients, further indicating abuse of the system. Based on the average value of a single shipment — US$200 — the new monthly duty-free limit was determined.