By the end of 2026, the duty-free import regime for 56 types of consumer goods in the country is set to expire. While the authorities supposedly plan to extend the zero-duty rate for the majority of these items for another year, they are reportedly proposing to scrap preferences for several key food products, including cheese, yogurt, cream, and chocolate, raising concerns among business and public representatives.

On October 27, a meeting of the Public Council for Entrepreneurship Support under the President discussed a draft presidential decree that introduces import duties on certain food items. Currently, a wide range of food and consumer goods enjoy a temporary exemption from customs duties, a privilege scheduled to remain in effect until January 1, 2027.

According to Sarvar Khojayev, an official from the Ministry of Foreign Trade who presented the initiative, zero customs duty rates currently apply to 56 categories of consumer goods. The new draft document supposedly aims to extend the zero-rate period until January 1, 2028, fully retaining preferences for 45 product types and partially for two items, with officials claiming that preferences are not being drastically curtailed.

However, the current privileges will not be continued after expiration for nine specific categories of goods. These include condensed milk and cream, yogurt, cheese and cottage cheese, apples, pears and quinces, sugar confectionery, chocolate, pasta, mineral and aerated waters, and soft drinks. Members of the Public Council have firmly stressed that reintroducing duties on these items will inevitably drive up market prices and transfer an excessive financial burden onto ordinary citizens.

Source: kun.uz