Uzbekistan Cuts Import Duties on Coffee

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has approved a decree lowering customs duties on imported branded goods. Coffee imports will now face a 0% duty, down from 10%.

Other products affected include household candles at 10%, plastic and wooden tableware at 10%, carpets and flooring at 10%, blankets and throws at 5%, and home textiles at 5–10%. Porcelain and ceramic tableware will carry a 10% duty, as will glassware and decorative items, and metal kitchen utensils and cutlery. Previous duties on these goods ranged from 15 to 20%.

The aim of the changes is to increase investor interest in international cooperation, integrate Uzbekistan into global value chains and attract major global retailers.

The decree specifies that the reduced tariffs apply only to goods imported directly from brand owners or their authorised distributors, dealers and licensees.

Kursiv also reports that Uzbekistan has introduced amendments to its Customs Code. Under the new rules, customs duties will be applied at the standard rates if the goods are produced in countries that enjoy most favoured nation status, regardless of their point of shipment.