Bonded warehouse regime for e-commerce in Uzbekistan: An ex-ante regulatory impact assessment
Description
This policy brief examines the need for a dedicated bonded warehouse regime for cross-border e-commerce in Uzbekistan. The current system relies mainly on direct international mail and fragmented customs procedures. As online trade expands, this model creates delays, raises logistics costs, increases pressure on customs, and limits transparency. The brief assesses three possible scenarios: maintaining the current system, introducing a limited pilot regime, and moving to full-scale implementation. The analysis suggests that a bonded warehouse model would allow goods to be imported in bulk, stored under customs control, and cleared at the unit level when sold to final consumers. This could shorten delivery times, reduce administrative costs, improve compliance, and support the growth of local marketplaces and SMEs. The brief concludes that a dedicated e-commerce bonded warehouse regime should be treated as more than a technical customs reform. It can become an important part of Uzbekistan’s digital trade infrastructure, help formalize cross-border e-commerce flows, and strengthen the country’s potential as a regional logistics hub.