New restrictions could reduce car imports to Uzbekistan by four times. How will this happen?

Three out of every four cars imported by Uzbekistanis may remain in customs warehouses. This is due to the introduction of new vehicle compliance assessment requirements and the insufficient capacity of the only laboratory available, resulting in prolonged electronic queues.

https://kun.uz/ru/news/2025/01/13/novyye-ogranicheniya-mogut-sokratit-import-avtomobiley-v-uzbekistan-v-4-raza-kakim-obrazom2025-01-13 08:51:45

Starting from November 1, 2024, vehicle testing in Uzbekistan has become mandatory, based on 16 criteria, along with obtaining a conformity certificate. While authorities justify this as a measure for ecological and technological safety, serious issues have actually arisen.

Firstly , the capacity of the sole laboratory does not meet the actual demand. Testing a single vehicle takes 30-35 minutes, allowing the laboratory to service up to 50 vehicles per day, or approximately 18,000 annually. This is four times less than the volume of passenger car imports projected for 2024 (74,525 units). Consequently, long electronic queues have formed. Additionally, some laboratories are temporarily closed, exacerbating the situation.

Secondly , the laboratory is located only in Pskent. Importers are required to transport vehicles from customs warehouses to the laboratory using tow trucks or trailers, which incurs additional costs. If the waiting time in the electronic queue extends, fees for storing the vehicle at the warehouse must be paid. Although authorities plan to open additional laboratories in various regions, the establishment of these facilities in the near future seems unlikely.

Thirdly , the new restrictions are driving up prices and deteriorating the competitive environment. For instance, the cost of vehicle testing has risen to 9.1 million soms, but after numerous complaints, it was reduced to 5.6 million for vehicles with internal combustion engines and to 4.8 million for electric cars. However, the certification process, which should take 1-2 days, is extending into dozens of days.

Since the beginning of 2024, various non-tariff barriers have been introduced, limiting the import of electric vehicles by individuals or entrepreneurs. There were plans to prohibit the import of vehicles by individuals for commercial purposes and to sell new foreign brands only through official dealers. These measures were temporarily lifted due to criticism, but discussions resumed in April 2024.

Previously, the company BYD reached out to the government of Uzbekistan, requesting restrictions on the "chaotic" import of its vehicles, claiming that the models being imported are unsuitable for the local climate and roads and lack official warranty.