Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) – The Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan has adopted a resolution “On the Regulation of Retail Trade of Goods Subject to Mandatory Digital Labeling”.

According to the resolution, the Tax Committee has been instructed to ensure the registration of entities engaged in the retail trade of alcoholic beverages, tobacco, beer, household appliances, and pharmaceuticals in the national information system "Asl belgisi" by 1 September 2024, and to ensure compliance with digital labeling requirements.

By 10 August 2024, the Tax Committee must publish an official notice in the media and on social networks regarding the inventory of retail entities dealing with labeled products.

In collaboration with authorized bodies, a draft regulatory act will be developed and submitted to the Cabinet of Ministers by 1 August 2026, which will provide for criminal liability for counterfeit digital labeling and/or smuggling of goods, with subsequent seizure of such goods from importers, manufacturers, and retail and wholesale traders.

A separate structural unit for monitoring compliance with digital labeling rules will be established within the Tax Committee within a week. Training and exhibition seminars for entrepreneurs on digital labeling rules and system operation will be organized in 2024 in cooperation with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry. These events will receive broad media and social network coverage.

Detailed information about the mandatory digital labeling procedure, including details about companies printing labeling codes and suppliers of necessary equipment, will be posted on the official website and the Soliq mobile app within a month.

By 1 November 2024, a draft regulatory act will be developed with authorized bodies, establishing the requirement for cashless payments in wholesale trade of goods subject to digital labeling.

In collaboration with the Ministry of Investments, Industry, and Trade, and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and with the involvement of international experts, a draft Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan "On Trade" will be developed and submitted to the Cabinet of Ministers by 1 December 2024. This law will regulate wholesale and retail trade and establish rules for digital labeling.

Additionally, a procedure will be established requiring businesses engaged in retail trade of digitally labeled goods to notify district (city) tax inspections of their business cessation one month in advance.

Tax inspectors will conduct an inventory within three days of notification to monitor the payment of retail trade fees and determine the stock of alcoholic beverages, tobacco, and beer products in warehouses. The resolution also approves a roadmap to expedite the processes of mandatory digital labeling.