EU–Uzbekistan trade pact: tariff relief and market access
The EU and Uzbekistan have signed an Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, effective 29 April 2026. The deal establishes preferential trade terms, removes tariffs on key sectors, and creates a framework for customs cooperation. Shippers moving goods between the EU and Uzbekistan will benefit from reduced duties on eligible products, though origin rules and certificate-of-origin requirements will apply.
Photo: Gabriele Niek / PexelsEU and Uzbekistan Sign Enhanced Trade Partnership
On 29 April 2026, the European Union and its Member States concluded an Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement with the Republic of Uzbekistan, published in the Official Journal (CELEX:22026A00918). The pact establishes a new preferential trade framework replacing previous bilateral arrangements and modernises customs procedures between the two regions.
Who's Affected
Exporters shipping from the EU to Uzbekistan and Uzbek suppliers sending goods to EU markets will now operate under reduced or eliminated tariffs on numerous product categories. The agreement covers goods originating in either party's territory, subject to rules-of-origin verification.
Key sectors benefiting from tariff elimination or reduction include:
- Agricultural and food products (HS chapters 1–24)
- Textiles and apparel (HS chapters 50–63)
- Machinery and electrical equipment (HS chapters 84–85)
- Transport equipment (HS chapters 86–89)
- Chemicals and minerals (HS chapters 25–38)
Freight forwarders and customs brokers must familiarize themselves with the agreement's certificate-of-origin (CoO) requirements and cumulation rules, which determine whether goods qualify for preferential treatment.
Implementation and Compliance
The agreement includes provisions for:
- Duty-free or reduced-duty entry for qualifying products
- Simplified customs clearance procedures
- Rules of origin based on substantial transformation and value-added thresholds
- Certificates of origin issued by recognized authorities in each jurisdiction
Shippers must ensure goods are properly declared with a valid CoO and comply with harmonized tariff classifications. Non-compliance results in forfeiture of preferential rates and application of Most Favored Nation (MFN) duties.
What this means for shippers
All EU exporters and Uzbek importers must obtain certificates of origin and verify HS classifications under this agreement immediately. Shipments lacking proper CoO documentation will pay full MFN tariffs—often 10–40% higher. Audit your current Uzbekistan supply chains now, confirm origin eligibility with your customs broker, and ensure your invoice and shipping documents carry the correct CoO endorsement before shipment. Delays or errors will add weeks and cost thousands in duty recovery. Use our tools to validate HS codes and landed-cost impact under the new preferential rates.
