Temu may be blocked in Uzbekistan — authorities require registration

The Chinese marketplace Temu may be blocked in Uzbekistan if it does not meet the registration requirements. This was announced on February 27 by Kamronbek Mukhammadiev, head of the e-Commerce Department of the National Agency for Advanced Projects (NAPP), Spot reports.

From July 1, 2025, new rules for international online platforms will come into force in the country. Companies must register in the notification register and register in a special register of e-commerce entities. The main requirement is "landing", i.e. registration of a resident legal entity in Uzbekistan. This rule is effective from December 28, 2024, according to the resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers (PCM-885).

According to Mukhammadiev, Temu is actively entering foreign markets with an aggressive marketing strategy. In 2024, the marketplace spent $ 4 billion on promotion and price reduction, and in 2025, these costs may reach $ 10 billion.

He cited the example of the situation in Turkey, where Temu dealt a serious blow to the local marketplace Trendyol. In response, the country's authorities blocked access to the Chinese platform.

"We are ready to protect their rights and interests of legal business, we are ready to help them officially enter the Uzbek market, but they should contact us. Temu has not yet shown such [interest], but there is already progress. Earlier, we said that in case of non-fulfillment of the conditions, their activities will be stopped-up to blocking, " Mukhammadiyev said.

When asked about a possible blocking date, he said that it could happen "soon". He also clarified that the regulator does not conduct a direct dialogue with representatives of Temu, but observes "small movements" from the platform.

First Deputy Director of NAPPE Vyacheslav Pak noted that the activity of foreign marketplaces without registration harms the economy of Uzbekistan. They do not pay taxes or customs fees, and their operations, including transportation and payment, are carried out through third-party companies. In 2024, the volume of currency withdrawal from the country through Temu exceeded $ 10 million.

"Either they register in Uzbekistan and open a subsidiary here, or they register for tax purposes and become VAT payers," Pak said.

In addition, the lack of local representative offices makes it impossible for Uzbek buyers to return or exchange goods in the event of a defect. According to Park, NAPPE already has "extensive experience" working with such companies and intends to achieve compliance with new requirements.