Business Ombudsman challenges EV import restrictions in Uzbekistan

On April 2, the Business Ombudsman’s press service announced via its Telegram channel that it had reviewed an appeal from entrepreneurs engaged in EV sales, which had circulated on social media. The office also examined the matter in terms of its compliance with current legislation.

The statement included a reference to a Facebook post from a year ago, which had been republished earlier in the week. The post featured an appeal to the President on behalf of “more than 400 car dealership owners,” calling for the removal of restrictions on the import of electric vehicles into Uzbekistan and for support of a “free market.”

In addition, Deputy Business Ombudsman Jamshid Urunov held discussions with representatives of the Technical Regulation Agency to explore possible solutions to the issue of import restrictions on vehicles in the country.

“To fully clarify the legal aspects of the issue, an official inquiry has been submitted to the Technical Regulation Agency of Uzbekistan,” the statement said.

In December 2023, Gazeta.uz reported on a draft government resolution aimed at tightening rules for importing both conventional vehicles and EVs. Under the proposal, from 2024, individuals would be prohibited from importing cars for commercial purposes, and a rule would be reinstated requiring new foreign-made cars to be sold only through official dealers.

In March 2024, Chinese automaker BYD urged the Uzbek government to limit the “unregulated” import of EVs that do not meet local climate and road conditions and are not covered by an official warranty.

The President has instructed the Ministry of Economy and Finance, the Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade (MIIT), and Uzavtosanoat to submit relevant proposals to the Cabinet of Ministers by July 1, 2024, taking into account the Law on Competition and WTO principles.