Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — As of this date, the mandatory registration of declarations of conformity with certification bodies will be abolished. The formation and registration of these declarations will be carried out exclusively through the Technical Regulation Information System.

Updated Duty-Free Import Limits
Beginning from 1 May, new duty-free import limits will apply for goods brought in by individuals for personal use:
— Air transport: up to US$1,000
— Rail and river transport: up to US$500
— Road (pedestrian) checkpoints: up to US$300
— International courier shipments: up to US$200
— International postal shipments: up to US$100

Expanded Powers of Banks
Banks with 50% or more state ownership, as well as their subsidiary investment companies, will be authorized to independently sell assets taken on their balance sheets to cover debts if those assets remain unsold at auction. These sales may occur via credit agreements, installment plans, or leasing contracts.

Contract-Based State Control in Construction and Utilities
If an agreement is concluded between an entrepreneur and the territorial inspections for construction and housing and utilities control, short-term inspections will be conducted on a contractual basis and will not require mandatory registration in the “Unified State Control” information system.

Certification of HR Managers in State Bodies
From 1 May, the activities of republican and local executive bodies in human resource management will be assessed by an authorized state body. Heads of personnel development and management departments in these bodies will undergo mandatory certification.

Restrictions on the Use of Phonograms
The following measures will be introduced:
— A gradual phase-out of phonograms at concerts funded by the state budget or off-budget resources
— Mandatory indication of performance format in advertising: “Live Performance,” “Live Voice with Phonogram,” or “Concert with Phonogram”
— When considering candidates for state awards, priority will be given to performers demonstrating live performance

Compensation for Energy Costs for Low-Income Families
Until 1, 2027, families registered in the Unified Social Protection Register or those meeting low-income criteria will be reimbursed for:
— The cost difference for electricity consumption exceeding the basic norm by up to 150 kWh
— The cost difference for natural gas: up to 250 cubic meters during the heating season, and up to 150 cubic meters during other months

Tax Incentives for Creative Park Residents
Until 1 January 2031, the following benefits will apply:
— A 50% reduction in social tax and personal income tax rates
— The ability to pay turnover tax regardless of revenue volume, with the option to voluntarily switch to the general taxation system

Support for Business Expansion
When self-employed individuals register as sole proprietors or legal entities, no state fee will be charged.
Preferential unsecured loans are provided as follows:
— Up to 50 million soums for becoming a sole proprietor
— Up to 150 million soums for transitioning into a micro or small enterprise
Entities that move up to the medium and large business category will be eligible for accelerated VAT refunds within 7 days, valid for one year

“Hamroh” Women Entrepreneur Support Program
Under this program:
— Mentor entrepreneurs will receive grants of up to 50 million soums for assisting at least five women in launching green or IT projects
— Women with a positive credit history will receive unsecured loans of up to 100 million soums
— Until equipment purchased with the loan is delivered, the Entrepreneurship Development Company JSC will provide guarantees

New Procedure for Tax Audits
The requirement for a 10-working-day prior notice will not apply to audits initiated based on tax base concealment detected through the automated tax risk analysis program.

Launch of “Clean Hands” Program
The program includes:
— Provision of hygienic handwashing facilities
— Improvement of sanitation facilities in educational and healthcare institutions

Environmental Restrictions on New Projects
Starting from 1 May, the implementation of projects in the following areas will be prohibited in Tashkent, Nukus, and regional centers:
— Production of asbestos, cement, sludge, slag
— Tanneries, poultry farms
— Coal incineration without effective filtration systems
— Metallurgical and glass manufacturing with toxic impurities
— Class I and II hazardous waste processing and incineration enterprises

Halal Product Labeling
Mandatory halal labeling is planned for products and services certified according to the standards of the Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries.

Authority of Tax Bodies to Suspend Operations
In cases of identified tax violations, tax authorities will be empowered to suspend the banking operations of the business entity.

New Requirements for Water Transport
The use of water transport (with internal combustion or electric engines) will be permitted only if the vessels are equipped with GPS, automatic speed-reduction systems, and connected to the national monitoring and navigation system.