Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 27 December 2024, the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan approved a resolution titled "Measures to Further Develop the E-Commerce Sector in the Republic of Uzbekistan."

This initiative is part of the government’s broader strategy to improve digital technologies and support e-commerce in the country. It aims to protect the rights of consumers of digital products and combat crimes committed using digital technologies.

In November 2023, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev approved a decision that designated the National Agency for Prospective Projects as the authorized body to regulate and develop e-commerce in Uzbekistan. In accordance with the new resolution, several new terms and concepts will be introduced into national legislation to improve regulation in the e-commerce sector. This includes the creation of a classification system for businesses engaged in e-commerce and ensuring the collection of complete statistical data on the market.

Under the new regulations, only legal entities that are residents of Uzbekistan can act as e-commerce operators. It is important to note that entities that merely provide users with information about products and services without entering into electronic contracts will not be considered e-commerce operators.

Starting from 1 July 2025, new requirements will apply to e-commerce operators. A notification procedure will be introduced for conducting business and creating a register of e-commerce entities. New requirements for electronic payments will also be established: operators will be required to use separate bank accounts for transactions, and the income of self-employed individuals in this sector will need to be recorded in separate accounts.

The resolution also includes exceptions for self-employed individuals engaged in passenger transportation or goods delivery. They will be allowed to accept cash payments and deposit money into a separate bank account for individual entrepreneurs to transfer funds to suppliers.

Additionally, the document provides for the simplification of procedures for exporters, allowing them to send contracts without registration in a unified electronic information system when exporting goods through electronic trading platforms. E-commerce platforms will be required to integrate with the information systems of the Tax Committee and the Customs Committee of Uzbekistan.