Uzbekistan's Mirziyoyev halves business fines, suspends SME inspections to 2029
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Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on Aug. 18 in Khiva halves business fines and suspends most small-business inspections through 2029. Medium and large companies will be audited once a year, and additional checks require the business ombudsman's approval. From 2027, entrepreneurs will be presumed innocent until a court proves guilt.
Key Facts
- Mirziyoyev announced a halving of all business fines at an Aug. 18 open dialogue with entrepreneurs in Khiva.
- A separate account described the planned fine cut as an average 50 percent reduction.
- More than half of entrepreneurs undergo tax inspections two to three times a year, and 21 percent face them four times a year.
- From 2027, entrepreneurs will be presumed innocent until a court proves guilt, and first-time violators can avoid sanctions by fixing the violation within 10 days if no harm was caused.
- A moratorium through 2029 bans most small-business inspections, while medium and large companies will be audited once a year and extra checks require the business ombudsman's permission.
Inspection Moratorium and Audit Limits
Mirziyoyev announced a moratorium through 2029 on any inspections of small businesses, except cases that harm health or damage other entrepreneurs. Medium and large companies will face scheduled inspections only once a year. An additional inspection will require permission from the business ombudsman. Currently, more than half of entrepreneurs undergo tax inspections two to three times a year, and 21 percent face them four times a year.
Presumption of Innocence and First Warning
From 2027, entrepreneurs will be presumed innocent in disputes with the state until a court proves guilt. No fine or other sanction can be applied before guilt is proven in court. A first violation that does not harm life, health, or property will trigger a warning rather than a penalty. The entrepreneur will have 10 days to voluntarily eliminate the violation.
Fine Reduction and Penalty Finance Reform
Mirziyoyev said all types of business fines will be cut in half. A second report described the reduction as planned in an average 50 percent cut. Fifty-one state bodies can impose financial sanctions, and Mirziyoyev criticised the practice of keeping part of the receipts. The return of deposits to entrepreneurs for goods purchased by state enterprises will be automated. Controlling agencies will be required to pay a state fee at each subsequent stage of court proceedings after a first-instance ruling.
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Uzbekistan's Mirziyoyev halves business fines, suspends SME inspections to 2029
