In accordance with the new resolution adopted by the Cabinet of Ministers of Uzbekistan, the rules in the field of retail trade in the country have been updated and adapted to modern requirements. Now sellers will have a number of new obligations to avoid misleading consumers when offering discounts or promotions.
According to the decree, new terms such as "incentive promotion," "price list," "discount price," and "up to discount price" have been introduced into the trading system. These changes are aimed at further clarifying sales processes and strengthening trust between seller and buyer.
According to the new procedure, it is considered a real "discount" only if the seller indicates the price of the goods before the discount. If there is no such instruction, then the price reduction is considered simply a reduction in prices.
Also, the price of the product before the discount - that is, the "old price" - must be the lowest price within 30 days before the start of the promotion. This requirement will put an end to cases of customer deception by artificially inflating the price and then presenting it as a "discount."
Clear rules have also been established for promotional campaigns. Now, when announcing each promotion, its term, types of goods, quantity, and conditions must be clearly stated. Most importantly, after the start of the promotion, it is strictly forbidden to change its terms or provide false information about the price.
Also, if the promotion or discount is held in the form of a public event, entrepreneurs will have to comply with the established legal procedures and obtain permission from authorized bodies.
The Resolution also provides for a special procedure:
- announcement of a discount or promotion on alcohol, tobacco, and nicotine products is prohibited;
- artificially inflating the price and then advertising in the form of a "discount" is prohibited;
- all information about the promotion or discount must be submitted to the tax authorities no later than 10 days in advance;
- and entrepreneurs who violate the rules will be held liable in the prescribed manner.
Experts emphasize that these innovations ensure transparency in the market, protect consumer rights, and contribute to the development of a business environment based on healthy competition.
In turn, representatives of the Center for Economic Research and the Chamber of Commerce assess this step as "an important step towards the formation of a reliable and modern retail market system."
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