The key facts

  • The Tax Committee proposed mandatory digital labeling of vegetable oil; entry into force — July 1, 2027
  • Oils of HS codes 1507–1515 are covered; the system is “Asl belgisi”, operator CRPT Turon
  • Sale of unlabeled oil will become a violation of trade rules; discussion until October 24

Draft submitted for discussion

The Tax Committee of Uzbekistan has published for public discussion a draft resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers on introducing digital labeling of vegetable oil. According to the preamble of the document, the initiative is aimed at digitalizing the production and sale of vegetable oil, as well as preventing its illegal import, production and sale. If the draft is adopted, mandatory labeling may come into force on July 1, 2027. The public discussion will last until October 24.

Which oils will be covered by labeling

The requirements are proposed to extend to oils included in groups 1507–1515 under the HS codes. These include soybean, peanut, olive, palm, sunflower, safflower (keso), cottonseed, coconut, rapeseed and other vegetable oils.

How the system will work

Labeling is proposed to be done using a sticker with a barcode, which is applied to the consumer packaging — outer or inner. Manufacturers, importers, as well as organizations engaged in wholesale and retail trade will have to connect to the national system of labeling and traceability of goods “Asl belgisi”. The operator of the system is CRPT Turon. The system will track the introduction of labeled products into circulation, their circulation and withdrawal from circulation.

Liability and control

The sale of vegetable oil subject to mandatory labeling without a labeling code will be considered a violation of trade rules and will entail liability in accordance with the legislation. Control over compliance with the requirements is proposed to be assigned to the tax authorities.

Context

Currently in Uzbekistan, mandatory digital labeling is already applied to tobacco products, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (including drinking water), medicines and household appliances. The digital labeling system has been gradually expanded since 2020. Earlier, the introduction of aggregation for water and non-alcoholic beverages was postponed until April 1, 2027.