Uzbekistan to Mandate QR Code Registration for All Business Inspections

Starting August 1, a new system requiring all business inspections in Uzbekistan to be registered via a digital QR code will come into force. The reform, enacted by a presidential decree from Shavkat Mirziyoyev, aims to curb unauthorized interference in entrepreneurial activities and enhance the transparency of state oversight.

The cornerstone of the new procedure is the mandatory use of the "Unified State Control" (Yediniy Gosudarstvenniy Kontrol) mobile application by all government officials when interacting with businesses. This requirement applies not only to formal inspections but also to any official conversations with business representatives.

Under the new rules, paper-based certificates authorizing inspections are being abolished. Instead, these documents will be issued and verified exclusively in digital format through the Unified State Control system.

The practice of maintaining an electronic logbook for inspections is also being eliminated. Registration of any control measure will now be conducted by scanning a special "Business Himoya" (Business Protection) QR code. This process ensures that all actions are recorded in real-time within the centralized digital system.

A key provision grants entrepreneurs significant leverage: if an official fails to register an inspection via the QR code in the system, the business owner has the right to deny them entry to the premises. Similarly, a company can refuse to participate in an official conversation if it is not properly logged in the Unified State Control system.

In a related move starting July 1, a personal entrepreneur's account within the "Unified State Control" system will be created automatically upon registration of any new business entity.