The State Tax Committee of Uzbekistan has submitted a draft government resolution for public discussion, proposing the introduction of mandatory digital labeling for vegetable oil products. If approved, the new regulatory requirements are purportedly scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2027. The initiative is officially claimed to digitalize the production and sales sectors while allegedly preventing illegal import and distribution activities.

According to the draft document, the marking requirement will apply to various oils falling under HS codes 1507 through 1515, encompassing soybean, peanut, olive, palm, sunflower, cottonseed, coconut, and other plant-based oils. Manufacturers, importers, as well as wholesale and retail entities, will be required to connect to the 'Asl belgisi' national tracking system, operated by CRPT Turon. Tax authorities are reportedly designated to oversee compliance, and selling products without the required digital codes will be penalized under current regulations.

Critics and business observers note that while the digital tracking system has been progressively expanded since 2020 to cover tobacco, beverages, pharmaceuticals, and household appliances, such sweeping mandates often impose substantial administrative and financial burdens on local enterprises. The public discussion phase for the newly proposed vegetable oil regulation is set to run until October 24.

Source: kun.uz