Importing Personal Effects into Uzbekistan: Documents & Customs Rules

Source: FIDI Customs Guide · Updated 2024 · Download the Uzbekistan Import Guide (PDF)

Removal goods

• Waybill
• Packing list
• Copy of the passport
• Copy of the valid Uzbek visa
• Accreditation card / work permit (whatever is available)
• Registration in Uzbekistan
• Copy of PINFL (personal identification number of an individual)
• Electronic digital signature
• Valued inventory in English or Russian
• Power of attorney
• Confirmation of employment
• Letter to Customs
• For non-diplomatic shipments – detailed proforma-invoice

• The valued inventory is only for customs purpose (different purpose than valued inventory for the insurance). It is recommended to under declare the value of the goods in order to avoid unnecessary problems with the local customs authorities.
• Consignee should be present at the destination and should have a valid visa.
• Consignee should be employed by a registered company in Uzbekistan.
• Expatriates arriving for work in foreign mission and having accreditation card from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan, considered as diplomats, are permitted to import household goods and personal effects duty free.
• All non-diplomatic shipments and shipment belonged to Uzbek citizens are liable to pay full tax and duties.
• Customs duties vary from 60% to 110% of CIF value depending on nature of goods. Approx. amount of customs duties and taxes can be calculated on case per case basis upon receipt of packing list, normally it is USD 5/-per kg.
• Expatriates having diplomatic status are permitted to import limited amount of foodstuff and other consumable items duty and tax-free. Non-diplomats are liable to
• pay full taxes and duties.
• All kind of electronic and electrical appliances should be clearly marked on the packing list along with their serial numbers and manufacturer names.

• Mark the waybills very clearly “Used Household goods and personal effects”.
• Packing list should be in English or Russian.
• Pro-forma invoice should be attached to the shipment.
• Do not attach the inventory list used for the insurance purposes with the documents enclosed with the shipment.
• Under declared valued inventory for customs purposes should be attached to the documents enclosed with the shipment.
• Such items as books, CD’s, audio and videotapes should not be mentioned on the packing list. However, if it is necessary to include these items on the packing list, make sure to list the name of the author, year of publication and the topic of each item separately.
• Pre-alert along with the copies of the waybill, packing list, valued inventory and shipping schedule should be sent to the moving agent well in advance.

Wine & spirits

• The allowance limit for the import of wine and spirits for personal consumption is two liters per shipment.

• All in excess is subject to duties and taxes as following: US $ 1.00/- per litter excise duty up to 60 % of value customs duty (depending on the % of alcohol) 20 % of value VAT 0.2 % of value customs procedures duty

Vehicle

• Vehicles and motorcycles can be imported duty and tax-free on temporary import basis only for diplomats. Sale of the temporary imported vehicles and motorcycles is not permitted and vehicle must be exported out of Uzbekistan at the end of expatriate’s tenure.
• Permanent import of vehicles and motorcycles are subject to the tax and duties as per customs tariff.

• For the new vehicles with the engine no larger 1,500 cubic cm the customs duty is 60% of customs cost or US $ 4.00/-per cubic cm (whichever is greater). VAT is 20%. Excise-duty is US $ 2.50/- per cubic cm.
• For the cars with the engine larger than 1,500 cubic cm the customs duty is 60% of customs cost of US $ 5.00/- per cubic cm (whichever is greater). The greater amount is calculated. The excise-duty is US $ 2.60/- per cubic cm for engines 1500 – 1800 cubic cm and US $ 2.9 for engines 1800 – 3000 cubic cm.
• For used cars (3 years or older) the customs duty is 60% plus US $ 2.40/- per cubic cm. Excise- duty is US $ 2.50/- per cubic cm. VAT is 20%.
• Please advise technical data of the car for your moving agent to calculate duties and taxes precisely.

Prohibited items:

• Weapons of all kinds
• Pornography
• Narcotics
• Toxic material
• Radioactive material
• Soil
• Import of antiques, such as carpets, paintings, books, icons or any other items.

• Precious jewellery, stones and currency can be imported only as accompanied baggage and must be declared with the customs at the airport. The declaration should be kept in the safe custody because the same will be required for presentation to the customs authorities at the time of departure.

Exporting Personal Effects from Uzbekistan: Documents & Customs Rules

Source: FIDI Customs Guide · Updated 2024 · Download the Uzbekistan Export Guide (PDF)

Removal goods

• Waybill
• Packing list
• Copy of the passport
• Copy of the valid Uzbek visa
• Valued inventory in English or Russian
• Power of attorney
• Confirmation of employment
• Letter to Customs
• For non-diplomatic shipments – detailed proforma-invoice

• The consignee should be present at the destination and should have a valid visa.
• The consignee should be employed by a registered company in Uzbekistan.
• All kinds of electronic and electrical appliances should be marked on the packing list along with their serial numbers and manufacturer names.
• The valued inventory is only for customs purposes therefore the value does not have to be the same as used for insurance purposes. It is recommended to underdeclare the value of the goods to avoid unnecessary problems with the local customs authorities.

• Helpful tips:
• Mark the waybills very clearly “Used Household goods and personal effects”.
• The packing list should be in English or Russian.
• Do not attach the inventory list used for insurance purposes with the documents enclosed with the shipment.
• Under-declared valued inventory for customs purposes should be attached to the documents enclosed with the shipment.
• Such items as books, CDs, audio, and videotapes should not be mentioned on the packing list.
• However, if it is necessary to include these items on the packing list, make sure to list the name of the author, year of publication, and the topic of each item separately.
• Pre-alert along with copies of the waybill, packing list, valued inventory, and shipping schedule should be sent to our office well in advance.

Wine & spirits

• The allowance limit for the export of wine and spirits for personal consumption is two liters per shipment.

• All in excess is subject to duties and taxes as follows: US $ 1.00/- per litter excise duty up to 60 % of value customs duty (depending on the %
• of alcohol) 20 % of value VAT 0.2 % of value customs procedures duty

Vehicle

• Vehicles and motorcycles can be exported duty and tax-free on a temporary export basis only for diplomats.
• Sale of the temporary exported vehicles and motorcycles is not permitted and the vehicle must be exported out of Uzbekistan at the end of the expatriate’s tenure.
• Permanent export of vehicles and motorcycles are subject to the tax and duties as per customs tariff.

• For the new vehicles with engines no larger than 1,500 cubic cm the customs duty is 60% of customs cost or US $ 4.00/-per cubic cm (whichever is greater). VAT is 20%. Excise duty is US $ 2.50/- per cubic cm.
• For cars with an engine larger than 1,500 cubic cm the customs duty is 60% of the customs cost of US $ 5.00/- per cubic cm (whichever is greater). The greater amount is calculated. The excise duty is US $ 2.60/- per cubic cm for engines 1500 – 1800 cubic cm and US $ 2.9 for engines 1800 – 3000 cubic cm.
• For used cars (3 years or older) the customs duty is 60% plus US $ 2.40/- per cubic cm. Excise- duty is US $ 2.50/- per cubic cm. VAT is 20%.
• Advise technical data of the car for your moving agent to calculate duties and taxes precisely.

Carpets, paintings, artifacts and antiques

• Duty-free export is allowed only on a temporary export basis and it is strongly recommended that all the carpets, paintings, art effects and antiques in the shipment should be photographed and registered in the Ministry of Culture.
• This will help the owner tremendously to avoid problems with the customs authorities at the time of export of these items out of Uzbekistan.
• Export of locally purchased carpets and paintings is allowed unless the items are not considered antique and of cultural value. Permission from the Uzbek Ministry of Culture is required.

Prohibited items

• Weapons of all kinds
• Pornography
• Narcotics
• Toxic material
• Radioactive material
• Export of antiques, such as carpets, paintings, books, icons, or any other items that are considered to be of Uzbek cultural and historical value.

• Precious jewellery, stones, and currency can be exported only as accompanied baggage and must be declared with the customs at the airport. The declaration should be kept in safe custody because the same will be required for presentation to the customs authorities at the time of departure.

Uzbekistan Moving Guide: Documents, Duties & Shipping Notes

Source: IAM Country Guide · Updated 2026-09-05 · Download the Uzbekistan Country Guide (PDF)

Documents

Documents required for importing used household goods, personal effects, and related shipments.

• Copy of passport
• Copy of visa
• Original bill of lading (OBL) or air waybill (AWB)
• Packing list

• Copy of accreditation card

• Ticket or travel documentation from the origin country
• Customs declaration (showing the goods were originally exported from Uzbekistan, or proof the shipment is being re-imported)
• Copy of AWB with Uzbek Customs stamps (if re-importing goods previously exported)

• Copy of diplomatic card
• Letter to the Customs Committee

Specific Information

Duties on Non-Diplomatic Shipments: All non-diplomatic household goods shipments are subject to customs duties and taxes. Duties range from approximately 60% to 110% of the CIF (cost, insurance, freight) value, totaling approximately USD 5 per kilogram as a practical working estimate. This is significantly higher than in most countries and is a critical cost factor to communicate to clients before booking.

Returning Citizens — Re-Import Proof: For returning Uzbek citizens, a copy of the AWB with Uzbek Customs stamps must be presented to prove the shipment is a re-importation of goods originally exported from Uzbekistan. If this documentation is unavailable, the shipment is treated as a new import subject to full duties.

Value Declaration Warning: Insurance documents or other paperwork showing the true market value of goods should not be included with the shipment, as these may trigger assessment of higher duties and taxes.

Customs Code Update: Uzbekistan's Customs Code is the primary legislation governing goods movement. Cabinet of Ministers Decree No. 418 (July 13, 2024) governs the import license process. As of May 1, 2025, customs value controls apply to 70 product categories — declared prices cannot be below 80% of the average value over the preceding 90 days.

ISPM 15: All wooden packing materials must comply with ISPM 15 phytosanitary treatment standards.

Practical Note: Uzbekistan has a complex and at times unpredictable customs environment. The destination agent in Tashkent is essential for managing clearance. Costs are substantially higher than in most of the region. Advise clients in writing of the duty exposure before the shipment departs.

Prohibited & Restricted Items

The following goods are prohibited from import into Uzbekistan:

• Narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, and drug precursors
• Printed materials, manuscripts, photographs, films, audio/video materials that aim to undermine the state or social system, violate territorial integrity, promote war, terrorism, violence, national extremism, religious hatred, racism, anti-Semitism, fascism, or pornography
• Portable laser emitters
• Explosives and pyrotechnics
• Weapons of all kinds (without the required license)
• Toxic and radioactive materials (without the required license)

Alcohol (personal use): 1 liter of wine or spirits per person. Items in excess are subject to duties and taxes.

Precious jewelry: Maximum 30 grams per person. Jewelry, precious stones, and currency may only be imported as accompanied baggage and must be declared to Customs at the airport upon arrival.

Firearms and weapons: Require a license from the Analytical Department of the Cabinet of Ministers. [PERMIT REQUIRED]

Military equipment and dual-use production machinery: Require a license from the Analytical Department of the Cabinet of Ministers. [PERMIT REQUIRED]

Uranium, radioactive substances, and related equipment: Require a license. [PERMIT REQUIRED]

Precious metals and goods made from them (except Central Bank silver/gold bars exported by individuals): Require a license. [PERMIT REQUIRED]

Cultural property: Requires permission from relevant authorities. [PERMIT REQUIRED]

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs/drones): Require permission from relevant authorities prior to import. [PERMIT REQUIRED]

Wild plants and botanical collections: Require permission from the State Committee for Ecology and Environmental Protection. [PERMIT REQUIRED]

Wild animals, parts, zoological collections, and eggs: Require permission from the State Committee for Ecology and Environmental Protection. [CITES / PERMIT REQUIRED]

Substances harmful to the ozone layer: Require permission from relevant authorities. [PERMIT REQUIRED]

Environmentally hazardous items and waste: Require permission from relevant authorities. [PERMIT REQUIRED]

Special Categories

• Dogs: distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvovirus
• Cats: feline viral rhinotracheitis, panleukopenia, feline leukemia

Consignment Instructions

Contact the destination agent to ensure all requirements have been met prior to import, especially for differences between air and sea shipments.

Duties Are Substantial. Non-diplomatic household goods shipments are subject to customs duties of approximately 60%–110% of CIF value (approximately USD 5/kg). This is not a duty-free import regime. Clients must be informed in writing of the likely duty exposure before the shipment is booked.

Value Documentation. Do not include insurance certificates, purchase receipts, or other documents showing the market value of goods in the shipment. These can trigger higher duty assessments. Retain such documents at origin or with the owner separately.

Re-Import Documentation. Returning Uzbek citizens re-importing goods or vehicles must present original customs stamps and AWB copies from the original export to prove re-importation. Without this, full import duties apply. Ensure these documents are obtained and retained before the goods are returned.

Diplomatic Procedures. Diplomatic shipments require a letter to the Customs Committee and a copy of the diplomatic card. The destination embassy should be contacted to initiate the customs facilitation process.

Routing. Uzbekistan is landlocked. International household goods shipments typically route via air to Tashkent International Airport, or by road/rail through Kazakhstan, Russia, or other neighboring countries. Confirm routing and transit requirements with the destination agent. Sea freight to the Caspian Sea via Azerbaijan or Russia, then onward by rail, is also used for larger shipments.

ISPM 15. All wooden packing materials must comply with ISPM 15 phytosanitary standards.