Uzbekistan grants customs benefits for truck imports

Uzbekistan has set a zero rate for customs duties and recycling fees on the import of certain trucks. This is provided for in the presidential decree “On additional measures to support the activities of business entities engaged in freight transportation by road,” signed on July 7 this year.

It was noted that the decision was adopted to create favorable conditions for renewing and modernizing the country’s truck fleet, increase the competitiveness of local carriers in the international transport services market, reduce transport costs in export-import operations, and shorten delivery times for goods to foreign markets.

According to the decree, until December 31, 2027, zero rates of customs duty and recycling fees will apply to the import into Uzbekistan of the following vehicles intended for freight transportation, provided they were manufactured no more than five years ago, excluding dump trucks:

• vehicles that meet Euro-5 and higher environmental standards, with commodity codes 8701 21, 8701 22, 8701 23 and 8701 24;
• semi-trailers with a gross weight of more than 15 tons or an internal cargo compartment volume of at least 76 cubic meters, with commodity code 8716 39.

If these vehicles are sold for export within three years from the date of customs clearance and/or if their re-equipment leads to a change in the commodity code, except for cases involving a change in fuel type, the benefits provided for in Paragraph 1 of the decree will be canceled and the relevant payments will be collected in the established manner.

In addition, within 10 days, the Interagency Commission on Cooperation with the World Trade Organization will adopt a relevant decision on temporarily exempting freight vehicles that meet European standards and are covered by Paragraph 1 of the decree from mandatory certification when imported into Uzbekistan.

Earlier, it was reported that broad benefits had been introduced for Uzbekistan’s jewelry sector until February 1, 2029. In particular, discounts of 1-4% were granted on the purchase of precious metals and gold in the jewelry industry, depending on the number of jobs created.