Uzbekistan may tighten the import of conventional and electric vehicles. This follows from the government’s draft Measures to further improve the import of passenger cars into the territory of the republic and the system for assessing their conformity Resolution, which is undergoing interdepartmental discussion.

According to the document, individuals may be restricted from importing cars. In particular, they may be allowed to import no more than one vehicle for their own use during a calendar year. While, from 2024 it has proposed to ban the import of cars by individuals for commercial purposes.

This move is probably aimed at those who, on customer orders, deliver cars from abroad - mainly from China. For example, an individual for 18-19 thousand dollars (including customs duties) can deliver a Chevrolet Monza with an engine capacity of 1.5 liters in 15-20 days.

Meanwhile, it has proposed to waive from mandatory certification vehicles that are imported by state-owned enterprises, manufacturing enterprises and business entities for their own use and not intended for sale in Uzbekistan.

It has also proposed to allow the issuance of vehicle type approval documents (VTA) on the basis of valid certificates or test reports provided by accredited laboratories of foreign countries for vehicles, electric buses and electric vehicles manufactured in Uzbekistan by large-unit assembly and imported into the country for commercial purposes, as well as based on opportunities of accredited laboratories in Uzbekistan.

VTA is a certificate that confirms the legality and safety of technical characteristics for a specific car model that has not previously been used in the country.

Note: From January 1, 2023, the sale of new imported cars was allowed not only to official dealers of manufacturers, but also to other importers. Dealers later pointed out the negative consequences of this decision. The draft resolution plans to restore the procedure for selling new imported cars only through legal entities - official dealers of manufacturing enterprises, with the condition of creating service centers.

It also proposed that businesses who have sold more than 50 electric vehicles in a year to be required to install charging stations, ensuring their uninterrupted operation.

In this case, the seller must ensure the organization of vehicle servicing.

If protocols of previously conducted tests are recognized, the statute of limitations for the protocols will not exceed three years (currently two years) from the date of their registration.