Uzbekistan’s Customs Committee responded to social media reports regarding the requirement to complete a customs declaration when bringing new mobile devices into the country.
This was revealed by some users when they tried registering their phones with UzIMEI, a system of mandatory (paid) registration of mobile devices' IMEI codes, introduced in 2019 with the stated purpose of protection of devices from illegal use. In many countries, similar registration is automatic and free of charge.
Despite public disagreement, calls for its abolishment and scandals with improper use of personal data, the system continues operating. The requirement to register applies to all devices 30 days after crossing the border, otherwise the device’s SIM card is blocked.
Telegram channel Kurbanoff.net wrote that simply traveling abroad was no longer sufficient for registering a phone’s IMEI code. “If the device is not listed in the [Customs Committee’s] database, a duty of 30% of the phone’s customs value must be paid,” the channel stated.
Gazeta.uz reported back in October 2023 that the government eased restrictions on importing new phones into Uzbekistan. Previously, individuals were allowed to bring in only one phone without duties every six months. From 28 January 2024, travelers may bring up to two phones per each border crossing.
The total value of one or two phones must not exceed $2,000 when entering via an airport ($1,000 by train and $300 by car). If the total value exceeds the limit — for example, reaching $2,300 — the 30% duty applies only to the excess $300.
At the same time, mandatory declaration of new phones was introduced. The declaration must be completed regardless of duty-free import limits. Failure to do so results in a 30% customs duty.
The Ministry of Digital Technologies previously also explained that completing a customs declaration was a prerequisite for legally importing and registering a phone in the UzIMEI system.
In response to a Gazeta.uz inquiry, the Customs Committee said that last October, customs authorities and the UzIMEI had completed integration of their systems, allowing to detect undeclared phones during IMEI registration.
The committee advised consumers purchasing phones on local markets, retail stores or online to verify registration in the UzIMEI system. If a phone is unregistered, customs duties must be paid independently.
“To avoid unnecessary expenses, travelers should indicate the number of phones in their passenger customs declaration, whether it is one phone or several,” the committee recommended.
Which devices to declare
The devices that need to be declared are mobile phones and smartphones, tablets and portable devices with SIM modules (including eSIM).
Wearable devices such as smartwatches and fitness bands, modems, computers, communication modules, terminals, vehicles and other SIM-enabled devices do not require declaration on the border.