Entrepreneurs in Uzbekistan are experiencing difficulties with importing elevators since March 20. Their products are not passing through customs due to the revocation of previously issued certificates of conformity. According to the Agency for Technical Regulation website, after March 20, 2024, the validity of certificates of conformity for 17 elevator suppliers in Uzbekistan was temporarily suspended one after another. These include importers of Finnish KONE, Swiss Schindler, Japanese Sharp, British P&P elevators, and others.
Business owners who reached out to the publication stated that this situation is affecting all importers. Olimjon Alimov, the deputy director of Lifton, the official dealer of Chinese Fuji brand elevators in Uzbekistan, explained that additional restrictions on imports were introduced in August 2023 to prevent substandard products from entering the Uzbekistan market.
He mentioned that their imported products are now being held at customs without clearance, citing the annulment of their certificates of conformity, even though these certificates are valid for three years with the condition of undergoing additional checks annually.
Another importer, Olimjon Rakhimov, acknowledged the need for stricter import requirements but questioned the government's decision to suspend the issued certificates without providing clear explanations.
Importers are being forced to halt new contracts, impacting not only importers but also construction companies. Olimjon Rakhimov highlighted the importance of competition and expressed concerns that limiting trade and imports would lead to price hikes and hinder the construction sector.
The authorities at the Inspection of Mining, Geological, and Industrial Safety stated that the certificates of conformity were suspended by the government. They mentioned that elevator activities in Uzbekistan are regulated according to technical regulations approved by Cabinet resolutions and safety regulations.
The Inspection did not respond to inquiries about why entrepreneurs were not informed of these changes in advance. The Agency for Technical Regulation has proposed improvements to elevator certification, with the Industrial Safety institution conducting corrective studies to address existing deficiencies.
The uncertainty surrounding the revocation of certificates of conformity has not only impacted importers but has also raised concerns among potential investors, affecting the business climate in Uzbekistan.
