Starting July 1, Uzbekistan will launch a two-year legal experiment allowing the creation of a new type of bonded warehouse. These warehouses are designed for temporary storage of imported goods, which will be sold to individuals for personal use exclusively through online marketplaces.

Goods are divided into two groups. The first group includes smartphones, laptops, and tablets – subject to a single customs payment of 5% of the sale price excluding VAT. The second group covers unbranded clothing and footwear – with 12% VAT and a 3% customs duty.

According to Komronbek Muhammadiev, head of the department at the National Agency for Advanced Projects, the mechanism aims to develop e-commerce and reduce the shadow economy. Currently, e-commerce accounts for about 5% of retail in Uzbekistan, compared to 15–20% globally.

Goods imported through bonded warehouses are prohibited from being resold at retail. This is strictly controlled by the Customs Committee, Tax Committee, warehouse operator, and e-commerce platform operator.

Within three months, two temporary regulations will be developed: one on bonded warehouse operations and another on selling goods through special electronic platforms. Requirements will be public and transparent. The agency expects institutional investors ready to invest in logistics infrastructure. Construction of a multifunctional warehouse covering 100,000 square meters is estimated to cost around $100 million.

Source: kun.uz