Uzbekistan Tightens Rules on Arbitration Courts

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Uzbekistan has adopted amendments to several legislative acts aimed at further improving the functioning of arbitration courts and strengthening legal regulation in this area.

According to changes introduced to the Law “On Arbitration Courts,” the list of disputes that cannot be considered through arbitration proceedings has been expanded.

In particular, arbitration courts are no longer permitted to hear cases related to land disputes, determination of ownership rights over buildings and structures, as well as recovery of funds from state budget systems.

The restrictions also apply to disputes involving state bodies, organizations and institutions, state-owned enterprises, and citizens’ self-governing bodies.

A separate provision introduces mandatory professional training requirements for arbitrators. They are required to complete specialized courses under a program approved by the Ministry of Justice and continuously improve their qualifications and professional knowledge.

Amendments have also been made to the Code of Administrative Responsibility. It establishes fines for the illegal establishment of arbitration courts for officials in the amount of five to ten base calculation units.

In addition, administrative liability has been introduced for participation of state bodies, organizations, and state-owned enterprises in arbitration agreements in the absence of criminal elements. Officials involved in such violations are also subject to fines in the same range.

The adopted measures are aimed at increasing transparency in arbitration proceedings, preventing abuse, and strengthening legal safeguards in the field of alternative dispute resolution.