In Uzbekistan, duty-free import norms for goods imported into the country for personal use are being completely reassessed. This step is another major change in state policy, because in the future, crossing the border should be convenient and understandable for everyone, not like a "paper-to-paper quest."
The decree signed by the head of state on November 25 brought this issue to the agenda. The document was approved by a presidential decree on eliminating legal gaps in legislation and reducing the regulatory burden. This initiative is also reflected in the "roadmap" developed by the Ministry of Justice, including tasks related to duty-free limits, approved by this decree.
What do the new regulations mean?
The current duty-free import limits were set from May 1, 2025 as follows:
- Air transport - $1000 (previously $2000).
- By rail and river - 500 dollars (previously 1000 dollars).
- For automobile and pedestrian checkpoints - $300 (without change).
- By international courier - $200 per month (previously $1000 per quarter).
- By international mail - $100, almost a constant limit.
In addition, from July 20, another "mini-patch" has been added: duty-free norms do not apply if a citizen has been abroad for less than 2 days (for land and rail transport) or less than 3 days (for air travel). That is, most of us return as if we had come on an "examination mission" instead of a vacation: if you bring an item, you have to pay a duty regardless of the price.
Restrictions on household appliances still exist
According to the rule in effect since 2018, there is also a quantitative limit on household appliances, such as refrigerators and air conditioners. According to it, retail equipment sold to a citizen from the LLC's balance sheet is not duty-free, but when imported as personal household appliances, a refrigerator or air conditioner can be transferred duty-free once every 6 months. Previously, this norm was once a month, then the limit was "restricted" and extended for 6 months.
What do we expect in the future?
Since the decree aims to "close gaps" and "lighten the burden of order," it means that duty-free border rules will become clearer in the future, and limits may become closer to real life. This means:
- Product categories and sum limits are rebalanced.
- The rules will be simpler and more logical (a citizen is not an enemy, nor a challenge player).
- "Quantitative limits" and "periodic limits" in border inspections will also be optimized in the future.
- There is a suggestion that no-limit conditions for personal goods will transition to more humane conditions, but this is not yet a guarantee, the verification process is ongoing.
Conclusion
Even if you drink coffee and research for 10 years, you can't pass without paying the fee - that's how it is for now. But the good thing is: the state is trying to transition the system to a format in a language we understand in the future, without challenges. So, in the future, the rules may receive a convenient update, and we will observe and draw conclusions.
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