Uzbekistan plans over 30% cut in customs fees after export cost concerns

Deputy PM Jamshid Khodjaev has instructed authorities to cut overall customs fees by more than 30% after businesses raised concerns over rising costs following the alignment of export and import rates.

The directive was announced during an open dialogue between a government commission and entrepreneurs in Navoi region, Spot reported.

Export-related fees rose in 2025 after a 50% concession was abolished, participants said. The move to align export and import rates was aimed at bringing legislation into line ahead of Uzbekistan’s accession to the World Trade Organization.

Participants said exporters had previously benefited from a 50% concession due to high import costs, but fees increased after rates were equalized, prompting a proposal to cut overall fee rates now under government and presidential review.

An accountant at a producer of knitted and crocheted garments called for concessions, citing growing export potential.

Khodjaev said the issue would be resolved within a month.

In January 2025, the government approved new customs fee rates for exports and imports. The resolution took effect in May that year, while the revised overall rates came into force in 2026.