Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — New rules on duty-free imports for individuals will come into effect in Uzbekistan starting from 1 May.

At a briefing held by the Agency of Information and Mass Communications, Customs Committee spokesperson Khusan Tangriyev announced that the duty-free thresholds for individuals are being reduced under a new government resolution:

for air travelers: from US$2,000 to US$1,000,

for rail passengers: from US$1,000 to US$500.

Courier shipments will also be limited — instead of US$1,000 per quarter, individuals will now be allowed US$200 per month.

Tangriyev noted that despite the reductions, Uzbekistan’s duty-free limits remain higher than many international standards. Between 2023 and 2024, customs officials detected 1,100 violations totaling 8.3 billion soums. In 2023 alone, over 687,000 citizens received more than 5.7 million parcels — an average of 8 parcels per person, with some receiving up to 2,400 parcels annually.

Addressing criticism on social media, Tangriyev clarified that these violations were recorded primarily at Tashkent International Airport. Across the country, the number of customs violations via air transport alone reached 10,000. He emphasized that some individuals repeatedly travel abroad specifically to exploit the duty-free allowance for commercial purposes.

Many travelers also reportedly declare goods as personal belongings to avoid paying customs duties. For instance, if 3,000 people regularly brought in commercial goods, it could result in the duty-free import of up to 11,000 tonnes of goods worth US$720 million.

In 2024, the volume of incoming parcels surged to 22,300 tonnes worth US$167 million — a 1.4-fold increase in value and a 1.3-fold increase in volume compared to 2023.

Starting 20 July, new rules will also require a minimum stay abroad to qualify for duty-free privileges:

two days for those crossing by foot or vehicle,

three days for air travelers.

If these conditions are not met, the imported goods will be subject to a unified customs payment amounting to 30% of their value.