Uzbekistan Introduces Three-Year Moratorium on Small Business Inspections
Business
Uzbekistan is introducing a three-year moratorium on inspections of small businesses, with limited exceptions explicitly provided for by law. The measure was established by a presidential decree signed on August 27, 2026, following the President’s sixth open dialogue with entrepreneurs.
Under the decree, the restrictions do not apply to inspections conducted as part of criminal proceedings, inspections related to the impact on human health or compliance with labour legislation, or inspections initiated in response to citizens’ complaints. Checks connected with VAT refunds or reimbursements and the liquidation of a business entity are also exempt.
During the moratorium, inspections of small businesses carried out in violation of the established procedures will be considered illegal. Individuals responsible for such violations will face liability in accordance with the law.
Additional oversight of compliance with the new requirements will be carried out by the Commissioner under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan for the Protection of the Rights and Legitimate Interests of Business Entities, known as the Business Ombudsman. As part of the “Samarali nazorat” initiative, inspection records compiled by supervisory authorities over the past three years will be reviewed, including through on-site examinations.
The review may lead to measures against violations of the law committed by supervisory authorities. Where unlawful inspections are identified, steps will be taken to restore the rights of businesses affected by such checks.
The decision forms part of a broader policy to reduce administrative pressure on businesses, outlined by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev during the sixth open dialogue with entrepreneurs on August 18. At that meeting, the President announced plans to introduce a three-year restriction on inspections of small businesses.
During the moratorium, inspections of small businesses carried out in violation of the established procedures will be considered illegal. Individuals responsible for such violations will face liability in accordance with the law.
Additional oversight of compliance with the new requirements will be carried out by the Commissioner under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan for the Protection of the Rights and Legitimate Interests of Business Entities, known as the Business Ombudsman. As part of the “Samarali nazorat” initiative, inspection records compiled by supervisory authorities over the past three years will be reviewed, including through on-site examinations.
The review may lead to measures against violations of the law committed by supervisory authorities. Where unlawful inspections are identified, steps will be taken to restore the rights of businesses affected by such checks.
The decision forms part of a broader policy to reduce administrative pressure on businesses, outlined by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev during the sixth open dialogue with entrepreneurs on August 18. At that meeting, the President announced plans to introduce a three-year restriction on inspections of small businesses.
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