What's new coming into effect in Uzbekistan starting February 1, 2025?

Starting from February 1, 2025, several new regulations will come into effect in Uzbekistan. Among them...

In the Tashkent region, tariffs for hot water and heating will increase.

The heating supply companies in the Tashkent region will raise their tariffs for heating and hot water supply.

It is noted that the decision was made based on the conclusions provided by the heating enterprises of the region.

The tariffs for hot water per cubic meter will be as follows:

Passenger train fares will increase by 10%.

Ticket prices will be raised by 10.5% from the tariff portion. The decision was made "taking into account the level of inflation," the company stated.

The price increase is aimed at partially covering the costs of passenger transportation. This includes expenses for infrastructure, electricity, fuel, transportation needs, as well as updating rolling stock and improving the operation of railway stations.

Tickets for high-speed Afrosiyob trains will also become more expensive.

Prices for VIP and business class tickets on Afrosiyob trains will rise by 25%, and economy class tickets will increase by 20%. Travel on the express trains "Nasaf," "Uzbekiston," and "Shark" will see a 30% hike in fares.

The company explained that the decision is necessary to reform the railway infrastructure, cover expenses for fuel, electricity, logistics needs, as well as update rolling stock and maintain stations.

After February 1, the cost of tickets on Afrosiyob will depend on the route and class:

Some benefits will increase to 621,000 sums.

The amount of the following payments will be 621,000 sums:

• minimum pension amount for old age with incomplete work experience, including supplements;
• benefit for elderly citizens without the necessary work experience;
• benefit for the legal representative of a child caring for a disabled child under 18 years old requiring outside assistance;
• the amount of the benefit for one disabled family member of the beneficiary in the case of loss of the breadwinner (with an addition of 212 thousand sums for each subsequent disabled family member);
• minimum pension amount for one disabled family member of the pension recipient in the case of loss of the breadwinner.

Founders of exporting companies in IT Park will receive benefits.

Foreign founders of IT Park residents will pay personal income tax and profit tax at a rate of 5% when receiving dividends.

The benefit will be effective from February 1, 2025, until 2040 for residents whose exports account for more than 50% of their revenue.

Legal entities from countries that have not signed a double taxation avoidance agreement with Uzbekistan will be exempt from profit tax until the end of the calendar year when providing IT services to residents with export volumes exceeding $10 million. This provision is valid until the beginning of 2030.

A law on agricultural cooperatives will come into force.

Starting from February 12, 2025, a new law "On Agricultural Cooperatives" will replace the 1998 edition.

Cooperatives can grow, store, process, and sell agricultural products, including for export. Property contributed as a share contribution can be sold, used as collateral, or acquired.

Target programs, benefits, and tax incentives may be developed for cooperatives. At the same time, interference from state bodies in their activities is prohibited.

The new law establishes requirements for reporting, conducting meetings, the work of the board of directors and supervisory board, as well as the process of reorganization and liquidation.

General guarantees for customs payments will be introduced.

Starting from February 23, 2025, general guarantees can be used for the payment of customs duties and payments.

Types of guarantees:

• bank guarantee, insurance policy, or material collateral;
• the amount of the guarantee, policy, or value of the collateral must cover customs payments for the operation.

An application is submitted to the Customs Committee in paper form or through the website. It must be accompanied by documents regarding the bank guarantee, insurance policy, or valuation of the collateral.

Electric charging stations will be installed at hotels and shopping centers.

Starting from February 1, 2025, 5% of parking spaces (but no less than one) at parking lots near government institutions, shopping centers, gas stations, hotels, and other facilities must be equipped with charging stations for electric vehicles.

Electronic documents will be allowed in cross-border transport.

Beginning February 3, 2025, Uzbekistan will become a participant in the UN agreement on simplifying paperless trade in the Asia-Pacific region. The document aims to use electronic documents instead of paper to speed up international trade.

The Ministry of Investments, Industry, and Trade is responsible for fulfilling the conditions of the agreement.

The "Daut-Ota" checkpoint on the border with Kazakhstan will temporarily close.

The "Daut-Ota" ("Tazhen") checkpoint on the border with Kazakhstan will be closed for three months.

The passage of individuals, passenger cars, buses, and vehicles up to 3.5 tons will be suspended due to repair and equipment works on the Kazakh side to enhance safety.

Kazakhstan will close two checkpoints on the border with Russia.

According to the Committee for Road Transport and Transport Control under the Kazakh Ministry of Transport, the automobile border crossings Alimbet (from the Russian side - Orsk) and Syrym (Mashtakovo) will be closed. They belong to the West Kazakhstan and Aktobe regions, respectively.

Both checkpoints will cease operations from February 1. Planned reconstruction work may last up to 16 months.

The Uzbek Ministry of Transport has urged carriers to take this information into account when planning cargo transportation.

Bali will start charging a tourist fee from foreigners.

The authorities of the Indonesian island of Bali will begin collecting a tourist fee from foreign citizens starting February 14.

The fee will amount to 150,000 Indonesian rupiahs ($9.6 at the current exchange rate). It can be paid online through the Love Bali portal during registration before arrival.