UzTest pursues legal action over misleading electric vehicle inspection claims (video) 117336

A video regarding electric vehicle inspections at the Piskent testing site has been circulating on social media, along with claims suggesting that no actual inspections are conducted, and vehicles are let through without checks. In response, the Uzbekistan Agency for Technical Regulation and the State Scientific-Testing and Quality Control Center (UzTest) have issued a statement.

The leaked video reportedly shows conditions from November 2024 and is not related to current inspections. Claims that inspections are not carried out are baseless and untrue.

"The State Scientific-Testing and Quality Control Center intends to refer the blogger who misrepresented this video and spread misleading information to the appropriate authorities for legal evaluation," the statement reads.

According to the Cabinet of Ministers' resolution No. 237 dated April 25, 2017, the technical regulations for the safety of wheeled vehicles stipulate that compliance assessments for M1-category vehicles regarding electromagnetic compatibility are conducted as per UN standards.

M1-category vehicles entering Uzbekistan must undergo testing for electromagnetic compatibility to obtain certification. The documentation required includes approval certificates for vehicle types (for serial production) or compliance certificates (for individual vehicles). These requirements align with EU and Eurasian Economic Union standards.

Currently, the state registry lists 81 approved types of M1-category vehicles, including 10 from domestic manufacturers and 71 imported types. These include vehicles from China, South Korea, Germany, Japan, Russia, the U.S., and Uzbekistan.

Specific brands for imported vehicles include Chevrolet, BYD, Volkswagen, Changan, Chery, Haval, Kia, Hyundai, Porsche, Toyota, and others.

Additionally, the sale of vehicles in Uzbekistan is regulated by rules outlined in the Cabinet of Ministers' resolution No. 75 dated February 13, 2003.

Buyers are advised to purchase certified, safe vehicles from official dealers. Unofficial imports may lack warranties and pose safety risks.

Consumers are warned about informal practices, including the submission of electronic keys and registration of vehicles through non-transparent means, often involving previously used cars.

"Stay alert and protect your consumer rights as stipulated by Uzbekistan's law on consumer protection," the agency cautioned.

Earlier, it was reported that Leapmotor's C16 model vehicles were found to produce electromagnetic noise levels 16 times higher than UN standards during inspections, leading to their import ban in Uzbekistan.

Following this, entrepreneurs involved in electric car sales addressed the President via social media, advocating for an open market and the removal of restrictions. The Business Ombudsman later announced it was reviewing the legality of their complaints. Inspections for Leapmotor vehicles will reportedly be conducted again with the participation of the company’s specialists.