As previously reported by Spot, starting from November 1, the procedure for technical inspections of imported vehicles in Uzbekistan has changed. Now, these inspections are conducted not on customs territory but at the automotive testing ground in Pskent.
According to "Gazeta.uz", this innovation has led to the formation of queues, as the process takes more time, and the average cost of the compliance certificate has increased by 3.5 times—from 2.6 million to 9.1 million sums.
Last week, the Uzbek Center for Scientific Testing and Quality Control (UzTest) reduced prices for vehicles with internal combustion engines to 5.6 million sums, and for electric vehicles to 4.48 million sums.
The changes affect individuals and grey dealers. UzTest noted that this is aimed at "ensuring equal competition conditions with official dealers" and "reducing risks for consumers".
Car owners report that the waiting process at the testing ground can last several days, forcing them to sleep in their cars. UzTest explains the queues as being due to "seasonality and an increase in import volumes".
According to UzTest, from November 1 to 12, over 600 vehicles were inspected. Meanwhile, the testing ground has the capacity to test 50-60 vehicles per day, amounting to up to 22,000 units per year.
However, this is significantly less than the volume of cars imported by individuals, which creates pressure on the testing ground. Over the past eight months of this year, more than 48,000 passenger cars have been imported into Uzbekistan.
Furthermore, the testing ground has switched to a round-the-clock operation mode (previously it operated from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM). Waiting areas have also been created, portable toilets installed, and plans for implementing an electronic queue are underway.
In December 2023, "Gazeta.uz" reported on the development of a government resolution project, which aimed to tighten the rules for importing cars and electric vehicles. Starting in 2024, individuals would be prohibited from importing vehicles for commercial purposes, and it was also proposed to restrict the sale of new foreign cars exclusively through official dealers.
In March, it became known that the Chinese automaker BYD asked the Uzbek government to limit the "unregulated" import of electric vehicles that do not meet local climate and road conditions, and that also lack official warranties.
The Competition Committee then advocated for a balanced solution to limit imports, promising to submit its proposals to the Cabinet of Ministers.
Previously, Spot reported that high taxes and duties in Uzbekistan hinder the development of the automotive market.