Uzbekistan to shut down Piskent vehicle testing ground

Starting September 2, Uzbekistan will discontinue the practice of testing cars at the Piskent vehicle testing complex, according to the Agency for Technical Regulation.

The agency noted that since November 1, 2024, vehicle testing at the Piskent site has been carried out in accordance with Cabinet of Ministers-approved technical regulations. The initiative was introduced to protect consumer interests, ensure the quality of imported cars, and prevent road accidents.

Analysis showed that passenger cars imported without type approval documents in line with technical regulations were tested individually at the facility.

Until 2024, only three dealerships operated in Uzbekistan and had type approval for 15 car models. Today, 21 official dealers of foreign car manufacturers are active, and type approval documents have been issued for over 100 models.

Authorities say this growth has improved the system for supplying consumers with vehicles that meet quality and safety standards. Buyers can now purchase a wide range of vehicles directly from official dealers.

“In this regard, given the sharp increase in the number of official dealers and service centers in our republic, and the shift toward consumers working with authorized dealers, the practice of testing cars at the Piskent testing ground will be discontinued from September 2, 2025,” the agency stated.

Officials stressed that the quality and safety of imported cars will continue to be closely monitored. If non-conformities or consumer complaints are identified, measures will be taken against the offending vehicles. Consumers are encouraged to buy cars through official dealers to avoid risks.

The Piskent testing site has been at the center of controversy in the past. A blogger once posted a video alleging that no proper checks were conducted on electric vehicles at the site and that cars were being released after delays. In response, the Uzbekistan Center for Scientific Testing and Quality Control said the footage dated back to November 2024 and was unrelated to current inspections, dismissing claims of inadequate testing as unfounded and false.