The Republic of Uzbekistan has adopted the Resolution “On measures to implement pilot projects to expand the list of goods subject to mandatory digital labelling” No. 322 dated 20 May 2021 to prevent the illegal import and sale of certain types of consumer goods within the country.

Will it affect your business?

Your business will be affected if you produce in Uzbekistan or export to Uzbekistan the following goods:

• Tobacco and alcohol products
• Beer products
• Household appliances
• Drugs and medical products
• Drinking water and soft drinks

The scope of goods falling under this requirement is defined through Harmonized System (HS) Codes.

When will this requirement be effective?

The effective date depends on the types of goods as follows:

• Tobacco and alcohol products – as of 1 January 2021
• Beer products – as of 1 April 2021
• Household appliances – as of 1 December 2021
• Drugs and medical products – as of 1 February 2022
• Drinking water and soft drinks – as of 1 March 2022

How will it affect your business?

Import. Generally, you will not be able to import unlabeled products into Uzbekistan from the effective date, as listed above.

Domestic sales. Furthermore, unlabeled goods imported prior to the effective date can be sold in Uzbekistan within 12 months from the effective date – after that they cannot be sold in an unlabeled state.

What is the cost of a labeling code?

The fee for labeling codes for producers and importers is set at 68 UZS per code, excluding VAT (approximately US$0.0064).

How does the digital labeling system work?

The process is as follows:

1. First, you need to register as a member in the Digital Marking Information System (the “System”)
2. Then, you order the digital codes and apply the unique code to your goods
3. Next, the goods are traced through the entire logistics chain – from the plant in Uzbekistan or from the import of the goods to the consumer or otherwise, the final disposal of the goods.

The code is scanned at the point of sale and the information about sales is transmitted to the System.

Consumers can verify the legality of the goods offered for sale using a mobile application that allows them to scan the digital label of the good.

Dentons is continually monitoring the developments in this area and we will be happy to help you in navigating the changes, keep tracking the constant developments and planning ahead to be ready on time.