1. Before you buy
Most import problems start before anything is shipped. Before you place an order, make sure you know exactly what you're buying and what it will cost to bring in.
- Describe the product precisely: materials, specifications, quantity and packaging.
- Find its HS code (the international product code used by customs). The code determines duties, taxes and certification requirements.
- Estimate the landed cost: product price, freight, insurance, customs duty, VAT, fees and local delivery.
- Check whether the product needs a certificate of conformity, a licence or other permits in Uzbekistan.
- Check the supplier: registration, production capacity, references and samples.
2. Contract and payment
Imports are based on a foreign trade contract between the buyer in Uzbekistan and the foreign supplier. It should state the goods, price, currency, Incoterms, payment terms, delivery date and what happens if something goes wrong.
Common payment terms are prepayment, partial prepayment with the balance before shipment, and documentary letters of credit for larger orders. The contract must meet Uzbek currency regulation requirements, and the bank handling the payment will ask for it.
3. Transport
Uzbekistan has no access to the sea, so goods arrive by rail or road, often crossing one or two other countries in transit.
| Rail | Road | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Large, heavy or bulk cargo | Small and medium loads, urgent goods |
| Door to door | Usually needs a truck at each end | Yes, factory to warehouse |
| Cost | Lower per tonne over long distances | Higher per tonne, more flexible |
| Main documents | Railway waybill (SMGS or CIM/SMGS) | CMR consignment note, TIR carnet where used |
Choose Incoterms that suit overland transport, such as FCA, CPT or DAP. Sea-only terms like FOB and CIF are not designed for rail and road shipments.
4. Customs clearance
When the goods arrive, a customs declaration is submitted with the supporting documents. Customs checks the documents, may inspect the goods, and releases them once duties and taxes are paid.
- Customs duty: depends on the HS code and origin of the goods; rates vary by product.
- VAT on imports: charged on the customs value plus duty (and excise, if any). The standard rate is currently 12%.
- Excise tax: applies to certain goods only.
- Customs fees: charged for clearance.
- Certificates: conformity certificates and other permits must be ready before release.
Goods from countries in the CIS free trade area, such as Russia, may qualify for preferential duty rates with a valid certificate of origin (form ST-1).
5. Delivery and records
After release, the goods are delivered to your warehouse or site. Keep the customs declaration, invoices, transport documents and certificates together: your accountants will need them, and customs can check them after release.
If you import regularly, a simple database of orders, shipments and documents saves a lot of time. We can build one for you.