Starting November 1, a comprehensive package of legislative amendments and regulatory changes came into force across Uzbekistan, significantly impacting both citizens and the business community. Notably, strict requirements were introduced for promotional phone calls and SMS notifications transmitted via mobile networks, requiring prior written or electronic consent from subscribers before any commercial messaging can be dispatched. Furthermore, the authorities have prohibited commercial calls and notifications between 6:00 PM and 9:00 AM, while mandating that mobile network operators fully or partially block unsolicited promotional communications upon a subscriber's request.
Significant updates were also implemented within the social welfare sector, introducing proactive, application-free assignment of old-age pensions for specific categories of citizens. This mechanism applies to individuals recognized as unemployed due to enterprise liquidation or staff downsizing, allowing them to receive pensions two years prior to the standard retirement age. Additionally, the processing of preferential pensions for workers engaged in hazardous and arduous labor conditions has been transitioned into an interactive format, enabling applications to be submitted seamlessly through Public Services Centers or the unified interactive state services portal. The business sector experienced targeted relief measures, particularly regarding utility payments and reporting procedures for entrepreneurs. Businesses utilizing automated utility metering systems equipped with remote control capabilities are now required to make only a 15 percent advance payment for electricity and natural gas consumption, down from the previous 100 percent requirement, provided their payment discipline remains sound. Moreover, the cumbersome obligation to submit written utility consumption reports to regional supply enterprises has been formally abolished, alongside the mandatory paper-based execution of supply contracts. To support greenhouse farming, the regime has instituted a subsidy covering 50 percent of electricity costs incurred during the autumn and winter months for facilities utilizing energy-efficient heating technologies.
In parallel, customs clearance fees for international courier shipments were reduced by 20 percent, lowering the rate per gross kilogram to 1.6 percent of the baseline calculation unit. The nationwide 'Yashil Makon' tree-planting campaign also commenced its autumn season across the regions, supported by localized municipal greening programs. Meanwhile, the integration of international payment platforms such as Apple Pay and Google Pay with domestic bank cards continues to expand gradually, marking another step in the digital transformation of the financial ecosystem.
Source: www.gazeta.uz