Customs Regulation and VAT
Starting from 1 October 2026, a mechanism for the mutual offset of VAT amounts payable on the import of goods will be introduced for certain participants in foreign economic activities.The offset mechanism applies to importers that have a low tax risk level and a valid VAT registration certificate.
In addition, certain fees and charges related to the export of goods, including customs clearance, obtaining a phytosanitary certificate, fumigation and obtaining a certificate of origin, will be reduced by 30%.
Legal basis: Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan No. UP-174 dated 27 August 2026.
What This Means for Businesses
Companies regularly importing goods into Uzbekistan are advised to check their current tax risk level and the status of their VAT registration certificate to determine whether they are eligible to apply the new offset mechanism.
Construction
Registration in the Uy-joy System Becomes Mandatory for Obtaining a PermitStarting from 1 October 2026, a permit to commence construction cannot be issued without obtaining a construction project identification number in the Unified Uy-joy System.
Thus, obtaining an identification number effectively becomes an additional mandatory step preceding the commencement of construction.
Legal basis: Resolution of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan No. PP-252 dated 7 July 2026.
What This Means for Businesses
Developers are advised to take the new requirement into account when planning project implementation timelines.
Particular attention should be paid to projects for which obtaining a permit to commence construction is scheduled for October 2026 or later.
State Assets and Securities
Starting from 1 October 2026, rights to securities owned by business entities in which the state holds more than 50% of shares or participation interests, as well as by their subsidiaries in which they hold more than a 50% participation interest, will be recorded by the Central Securities Depository.Legal basis: Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan No. UP-177 dated 28 August 2026.
What This Means for Businesses
When conducting legal due diligence of companies with state participation, the new procedure for recording rights to securities owned by such companies should also be taken into account.
Employment Relations
New Measures to Prevent Harassment and Discrimination in the WorkplaceIn September 2026, a new set of measures aimed at creating a safe and respectful working environment was adopted.
By 1 December 2026, the Ministry of Digital Technologies must launch the “Safe and Respectful Working Environment” portal within the information systems of the Agency for Management Efficiency for government bodies and organisations.
The portal will enable the online submission of complaints concerning cases of harassment and violence, their automatic escalation in prescribed cases, the conduct of investigations and exchange of information, the retention of materials and review results, as well as the referral of complaints indicating signs of an administrative offence or crime to the competent authorities through “112”.
Regular online training sessions on the prevention of harassment and violence are also envisaged.
Similar facilities must be established for non-governmental organisations by the same date, with their use expected to be voluntary.
Legal basis: Resolution of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan No. PP-345 dated 21 September 2026.
What This Means for Businesses
Employers are advised to review their existing internal regulations to verify the availability and adequacy of measures aimed at preventing discrimination and harassment.
Electrical Engineering Industry
Starting from 1 October 2026, enterprises operating in the electrical engineering industry will have the opportunity to obtain additional working capital financing.Loans funded by JSC Trade Development Company will be provided through commercial banks for a term of up to two years, with a three-month grace period.
The interest rate will be 6% per annum, with a maximum financing amount of up to USD5 mln per entrepreneur. If the debt is repaid within the first year, the interest rate will be recalculated to 4% per annum.
Legal basis: Resolution of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan No. PP-325 dated 12 September 2026.
What This Means for Businesses
The new mechanism may be of interest both to existing enterprises in the electrical engineering industry and to foreign investors considering the localisation of production in Uzbekistan.
Real Estate and Vehicle Transactions
Starting from 1 October 2026, individuals and legal entities will be able to impose and lift restrictions on the pledge, mortgage and disposal of real estate and vehicles owned by them through the Single Portal of Interactive Public Services.What This Means for Businesses
The new mechanism may facilitate processes related to real estate transactions, the structuring of secured financing and the conduct of legal due diligence of assets.
Companies and financial institutions are advised to take the new electronic mechanism into account when developing internal procedures related to the disposal of real estate and vehicles.
