Phone importation in Uzbekistan: New regulations and potential fees explained

Importing mobile phones into Uzbekistan may now come at a higher cost for some individuals. If the value of the phone exceeds established norms or if the passenger fails to declare the item properly, customs duties of 30% of the phone’s value will apply. This information was shared by Husan Tangriev, the press secretary of the Customs Committee.

According to Tangriev, individuals arriving by plane are allowed to bring up to two phones without paying customs duties. However, if traveling by train, car, or on foot, only one phone can be brought in every six months without incurring fees.

In terms of value, phones imported by individuals must comply with the following customs exemptions:
- Goods valued up to $2,000 can be brought in duty-free when arriving by plane.
- Goods worth up to $1,000 are allowed when arriving by train or car.
- Those arriving on foot can import goods worth up to $300 without customs charges.

It’s important to declare the phones being brought into the country in the passenger customs declaration. This declaration is crucial for the mandatory registration of phones in the UzIMEI system. Phones that exceed the customs limits must be declared, as customs and registration fees for phones imported beyond the set norms will be processed through the UzIMEI system, which is integrated with the Customs Committee's database.

If the phone you import is not registered in the UzIMEI system, you will be required to pay customs duties amounting to 30% of the phone's value before it can be used. Only after clearing these duties will the phone be allowed to function in the country.

Tangriev also advised that when purchasing phones from retail outlets or online stores, consumers should verify whether the phones are already registered in the UzIMEI system. If not, individuals will need to handle the customs payments themselves.