ADM Jizzakh CEO proposes reinstating import duties on electric vehicles

According to him, the car market in Uzbekistan is "oversaturated and overheated," and he suggested regulating the import of cars by individuals. While automakers must comply with more than 60 technical requirements, imported vehicles do not meet local standards and are certified under a simplified procedure.

The CEO of ADM Jizzakh also proposed returning to the practice of importing vehicles through official dealers. At the end of March, it was reported that from April 1, stricter import rules would be introduced for cars. However, the Cabinet of Ministers' decree was not officially published.

Additionally, the factory representative lamented the necessity of paying duties on imported components and goods. At the same time, suppliers of electric vehicles do not pay similar duties, he noted.

"Currently, there is no feasibility in producing pure electric vehicles in Uzbekistan because there are no duties. Production will be more expensive, as we must pay import duties on parts and components for production and import — we cannot localize everything 100%," said Davletiyarov.

In turn, he proposed formalizing the electric vehicle import market and introducing "certain duties," including new certification requirements for new imported electric cars, mainly coming from China and not meeting local standards, emphasized the plant's CEO.

Starting in 2026, ADM Jizzakh plans to produce hybrid and electric vehicles. Over the next three years, the automobile plant will invest $550 million in new projects and double the number of employees from 4,500 to 10,000 people.

At the end of June, the BYD plant in the Jizzakh region began producing electric vehicles. The joint venture aims to bring its products to regional markets and increase production to 500,000 cars.

In 2019, imported electric vehicles in Uzbekistan were exempted from customs duties, excise, and vehicle taxes. In November 2021, the Main Department of Traffic Safety began issuing "green" license plates for electric vehicles.