The Tax Committee of Uzbekistan has published a draft decision aimed at expanding the mandatory digital marking system to include vegetable oil. However, local analysts and business representatives argue that the potential consequences of this policy on prices, consumer purchasing power, and manufacturing sectors require a thorough preliminary assessment.

Prominent economist Otabek Bakirov pointed out that the initiative lacks proper economic justification, noting the absence of official calculations regarding the shadow economy's scale or the actual volume of counterfeit goods in the sector. He emphasized that any product addition must be preceded by an independent evaluation of costs versus expected outcomes.

Tax consultant Murod Muhammadjonov highlighted ongoing technical issues within the existing marking infrastructure, citing production line interruptions caused by laser errors and logistical complications involving duplicate identification codes. According to him, expanding the flawed system to new categories is premature.

Experts warn that imposing additional regulatory burdens before resolving foundational technical and administrative problems will either restrict corporate growth or drive up retail prices, disproportionately affecting low-income households.

Source: kun.uz