Significant reforms are expected in Uzbekistan aimed at strengthening financial regulation, reducing the share of the shadow economy, and introducing modern payment infrastructure. According to a presidential decree signed on December 10, starting from April 1, 2026, a number of payments will only be made in cashless form—via bank cards or electronic payment systems. This information was officially disclosed by the Ministry of Justice.
Which payments will be exclusively cashless?
Under the new regulations, beginning April 1, the following areas will only accept funds in non-cash form:
— services provided by government agencies;
— payments for electricity, gas, and drinking water;
— sales of alcohol and tobacco products;
— purchases of fuel and electricity at filling and charging stations;
— goods and services worth over 25 million soums;
— transactions involving real estate or vehicles produced less than 10 years ago, as well as special machinery sales and purchases.
These restrictions aim to ensure transparency within the population and businesses, reduce fraud risks, and popularize modern payment systems.
The shadow economy is projected to significantly decrease by 2030
According to the objectives outlined in the decree:
— The share of illicit economic activities relative to GDP will be reduced by 1.3 times;
— Non-cash payments in the trade and service sectors will reach 75%.
These targets are part of strategic tasks designed to enhance the transparency of the country’s economy.
All entrepreneurs will be required to use a unified QR code
By January 1, 2026, all legal entities engaged in trade and services in Uzbekistan must have a unified QR code generated by banks to accept electronic payments.
Starting from January 1, payments via QR codes will be introduced,
and from July 1:
— The use of QR codes will become mandatory;
— Failing to use QR codes will be considered a violation of trade regulations.
These requirements are intended to eliminate dependency on unlimited POS terminals, simplify payment processes, and strengthen consumer rights.
New procedures for certification and declarations will also be implemented
From January 1, 2026:
— An ecological and conformity certificate for the same type of imported goods will be issued once for a period of 1 year.
Starting March 1, 2026:
— Tax authority officials,
— as well as individuals residing in Navoi and Chirchik cities
will participate in a trial process of submitting annual income declarations.
These changes aim to streamline taxpayer registration and enhance digital control mechanisms.
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