Uzbekistan is discussing the introduction of the "One Stop" principle at selected border customs posts with Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, Farhod Olimjonov, head of a department at the Customs Committee, announced at a press conference on November 11. The initiative aims to streamline border controls by allowing goods to undergo customs procedures at a single checkpoint rather than repeated stops on both sides of the border. The move is part of broader efforts to simplify trade and reduce crossing times.
Key Takeaways: Uzbekistan is considering three models for joint customs control with neighbors; negotiations are underway with Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, with a target to launch joint control at five checkpoints with Kyrgyzstan by December 2026; current cargo vehicle traffic at border posts has risen 70% over three years to over 5,100 per day, with plans to reach 10,500 per day by 2030.
The existing system requires cargo vehicles to stop separately on each side of the border and repeat customs procedures, creating delays and increasing costs. The "One Stop" principle is intended to eliminate these redundancies. It is included in a presidential decree on improving customs operations dated August 27, 2026, which approved the "New Uzbekistan Customs – 2030" strategy. The strategy focuses on simplifying customs procedures, developing digital technologies, and expanding cooperation with neighboring countries.
Olimjonov outlined three possible models. The first envisions customs officers from both countries working together in a single building, allowing all necessary procedures to be completed at one checkpoint. The second model has customs authorities operating in separate buildings but dividing functions: one side handles exports, the other imports. The third model involves mutual recognition of customs inspection results. "For example, if we inspect a cargo exported from our country, the neighboring country, say Kazakhstan, will not re-inspect it upon import. Or vice versa: if they have inspected it, we will not repeat the inspection," Olimjonov explained.
The Customs Committee has been tasked with introducing this principle at several border posts. Negotiations are being conducted jointly with the Foreign Ministry and the Transport Ministry. However, implementation requires agreement from the other side, as Uzbekistan cannot unilaterally establish joint control procedures. "This is not an issue that can be resolved solely by Uzbekistan's desire. During negotiations, we must agree on exactly what form the One Stop principle will take," Olimjonov emphasized.
Under the strategy, by December 2026, Uzbekistan plans to negotiate the organization of joint control based on the One Stop principle at five checkpoints with Kyrgyzstan. The responsible bodies include the Customs Committee, the Border Troops of the State Security Service, the Foreign Ministry, and Uzbekistan Railways. Earlier in July, Customs Committee Chairman Akmalhoja Mavlonov announced plans to gradually introduce One Stop with neighboring countries, while his advisor Rustam Kobilov explained that the current system forces cargo transport to stop separately in Uzbekistan and then repeat the same processes in the neighboring country.
The introduction of One Stop is expected to reduce the number of stops and allow document processing and inspections to be carried out jointly. According to Customs Committee estimates, this could halve border crossing time. Over the past three years, the number of cargo vehicles passing through Uzbekistan's border posts has increased by 70%, exceeding 5,100 per day. By 2030, officials aim to increase throughput to at least 10,500 vehicles per day. To achieve this, eight border customs posts are to be reconstructed and other measures taken. The next step is to conclude negotiations with Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan on the specific format of the One Stop principle.
Source: www.gazeta.uz