Uzbekistan plans to change the rules for importing passenger cars, restricting their import by individuals. The reform is being prepared on the basis of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev's decree of December 10, and the new rules are expected to come into force in the spring of 2026. The main goal of the initiative is to redistribute imports in favor of legal entities, primarily official dealers and importing companies, as well as to expand non-cash payments and reduce the share of the shadow economy.
The authorities expect that the transition from private to corporate imports will make the market more transparent and predictable in terms of taxes and control. To this end, it is planned to complicate the procedures for independent import of cars by citizens and, at the same time, soften non-tariff and administrative requirements for business. According to the government's plan, this approach should accelerate the development of official supply channels and dealer networks.
Uzstandard, the Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade, and the Customs Committee will be involved in the development of the new rules. A draft resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers should be prepared by March 1, 2026. Experts note that private imports are often attributed to the informal market, where cars often remain without a factory warranty. If the changes are adopted, the structure of the car market may change significantly as early as 2026, and the role of official suppliers will become decisive.