Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- A restriction on the import of electric vehicles has not yet been introduced and a decision on this issue will be made based on proposals that will be studied for compliance with World Trade Organization (WTO) standards. This was stated by Deputy Chairman of the Committee for the Development of Competition and Protection of Consumer Rights Farrukh Karabaev.

It was previously reported that Uzbekistan may impose restrictions on the import of BYD electric vehicles. The Chinese company has asked to reduce the “indiscriminate” import of electric cars that do not meet local climatic and road conditions, and also do not have an official guarantee.

Farrukh Karabaev noted that it is too early to draw clear conclusions about the introduction of restrictions, since the development of proposals has only just been announced. No one has the right to prevent companies from contacting the government, he added.

“Any business entity has the right to contact any government body and propose its ideas as part of its activities. However, the committee considers it necessary to develop balanced proposals,” he said.

Farrukh Karabaev noted that currently in Uzbekistan there is no control and regulation of imported cars in terms of warranty and compliance with technical regulations.

According to him, the current rules for importing cars are beneficial for consumers, since official dealers bear their costs. The Competition Committee plans to present its proposals to the government.

Karabaev explained that the purpose of regulation is aimed at protecting local producers and providing consumers with quality products accompanied by a guarantee. He noted that in many countries there is an increase in environmental, non-tariff and climate requirements, as well as technical regulation.

The committee representative stressed that it was important to view import restrictions not as a requirement that exceeds standards, but as a measure driven by compliance with the requirements of the regulatory environment. He also noted that the committee systematically studies these requirements and proposes appropriate measures. Even if a decision is made to restrict imports, the new competition law provides sufficient mechanisms to prevent abuse of a dominant market position, he noted.

The Deputy Chairman emphasized that the new competition law, adopted in mid-2023, aims to prevent high monopoly prices, discrimination against consumer interests and anti-competitive actions.

The Committee for the Development of Competition and Protection of Consumer Rights will study the issue of regulating the import of BYD cars and put forward its proposals, noted Deputy Chairman of the Committee Asadulla Kayumov.

“The resolution directs the proposal to be made based on existing competition laws and World Trade Organization norms. We will study this situation and, of course, make our proposals,” said a committee representative.

“We are for a free market. Our main task is to create conditions for delivering products to consumers at the most competitive prices and with the most optimal quality. From this point of view, we will prepare our proposals to the government to protect consumer rights and create an optimal competitive environment in the market for the supply of cars at reasonable prices and acceptable quality,” Kayumov noted.