On January 16, the Kurbanoff.net channel reported that registering a new phone’s IMEI code would no longer be as simple as it was previously. Now, mobile devices brought into Uzbekistan must be declared upon entry. The SUE "Telecommunication Network Management Center" and the Customs Committee issued clarifications.
It is noted that this procedure has been in effect for several months.
Now, bringing a new mobile device into Uzbekistan requires completing a customs declaration. If this step is skipped, the device owner will need to pay a customs fee equal to 30% of the device’s customs value when registering it in the UzIMEI system. This new regulation was introduced at the beginning of 2024, and the integration between the Customs Committee and the UzIMEI system was finalized in October 2024.
What does this mean for users?
For instance, if you own a mobile phone of a specific brand (Samsung, Xiaomi, or iPhone) manufactured abroad and want to register its IMEI code in the UzIMEI system, you need to input the device’s IMEI number on the uzimei.uz website. The system will then check the customs database. If no record is found, you will need to pay a customs fee of 30% of the device’s value since the phone is classified as an imported product.
Under the simplified rules implemented in 2023, individuals could bring up to two mobile devices each time they crossed the border starting January 28, 2024. The combined value of one or two phones brought in via air travel must not exceed $2,000, via train $1,000, and via road or on foot $300. If the value of phones brought via air travel exceeds $2,000 (e.g., $2,300), a 30% customs duty is applied to the excess amount ($300). For international courier shipments, the customs-free limit for each individual is $1,000 per calendar quarter.
Thus, new mobile devices must be declared. Declaring a phone — informing customs that you are bringing in a new device — exempts it from taxes (if you bring up to two devices). However, if you bring in a new phone but fail to declare it, you will need to pay a 30% customs fee on the device’s customs value when registering it in the UzIMEI system.
When crossing the border, mobile phones, smartphones, tablets, and portable devices with SIM modules must be declared. Devices such as modems, computers, communication modules, terminals, vehicles, and other equipment with SIM modules are not subject to declaration.
Officials, particularly the SUE "Telecommunication Network Management Center," have urged individuals to check devices before purchasing them.
