It takes 4–5 months to register a simple thermometer in Uzbekistan

In Uzbekistan, it takes four to five months to register even a basic thermometer with the Pharmaceutical Committee—a delay that has drawn frustration from importers. This issue was raised on April 18 during a videoconference chaired by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, focused on mitigating the effects of global economic shocks on Uzbekistan’s industries and sectors.

According to the President, private clinics have complained that the cost of registering certain medical devices being imported for the first time into Uzbekistan is up to ten times higher than the value of the device itself. The registration of both simple thermometers and complex equipment like MRI machines reportedly takes four to five months.

The head of state questioned whether such payment demands and lengthy procedures had been properly considered by officials.

“Is this approach correct? Of course not,” the President stated. “Depending on the complexity and risk level, there should be separate timelines for the registration of medical equipment, medical supplies, and medicines.”

Additionally, entrepreneurs involved in the production of soft drinks reported that the certification process for imported display refrigerators can take up to three months.

Another example highlighted at the meeting concerned courier companies that import mopeds and employ local workers. While a moped itself may cost $300, the cost of obtaining certification is equally high, effectively doubling the price.

In response to these and other concerns, President Mirziyoyev outlined a series of measures to overhaul the certification and standardization system.

A separate decree will clearly define the responsibilities of several regulatory agencies, including the Agency for Technical Regulation, the Sanitary-Epidemiological Committee (Sanepid), the Veterinary Committee, and the Quarantine Agency, in terms of issuing product certificates.

This reform will eliminate overlapping and duplicate procedures. For instance:

- The Sanepid Committee will become the sole authority responsible for monitoring the quality and safety of food products.
- The mandatory nature of technical regulations and standards for food will be abolished.
- The committee will update sanitary norms and rules for key food items to align with international standards, specifically the Codex Alimentarius.

Similar revisions will be made across other regulatory systems as well.