Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed a decree on December 27 aimed at creating a "fair competitive environment" for businesses. The document was published by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The decree outlines measures discussed during the president's meeting with entrepreneurs on December 20. According to it, VAT and profit tax rates will not increase until the beginning of 2028.
Additionally, the zero rates on customs duties for 36 categories of food and other goods are extended for another year—until January 1, 2026. These rates were introduced in March 2023.
The decree covers the following categories of products:
- pork and other meats (excluding poultry), as well as pork fat and poultry fat;
- canned meat and other products;
- canned fish and caviar;
- kefir, yogurt, buttermilk, condensed milk (with and without additives);
- cheeses and cottage cheese;
- shell-less eggs, egg yolks;
- onions, garlic, leeks, and other bulb vegetables;
- lettuce, chicory;
- legumes;
- canned vegetables;
- fruits (dates, figs, pineapples, avocados, garcinia, guava, mangoes, apples, pears, quinces) and nuts;
- jams, marmalades, fruit purees, and canned goods;
- flour (excluding wheat and wheat-rye flour);
- potato flakes;
- grain cereals;
- breads, bakery products, and pasta;
- coconut and palm kernel oil;
- starch, inulin;
- chocolate, confectionery, molasses;
- jams, marmalades, fruit and nut purees (paste);
- sauces and seasonings;
- ready-made soups and broths;
- bottled water and beverages;
- hair care products;
- deodorants, shaving products, perfumes;
- children's clothing;
- shoes with insole lengths up to 24 cm.
In May 2022, a presidential decree exempted 22 types of food products from customs duties. Korzinka founder Zafar Hashimov called the decision "effective" and urged the removal of duties on all types of food products to increase imports.
The businessman also highlighted the role of reducing duties in combating the shadow economy and inflation. For instance, according to him, after the reduction of duties on banana imports, their supply increased by 90%, partly due to the legalization of "grey" imports, and prices decreased.
Earlier, Spot reported on how and in what cases goods would be assigned a conditional HS code.