Uzbekistan has introduced mandatory cashless payments for around 28,000 types of goods and services starting April 1, aiming to increase transparency and reduce the shadow economy.
According to the State Tax Committee of Uzbekistan Deputy Chairman Jakhongir Abdiyev, the new system requires certain categories of products and services to be sold exclusively via bank transfers or payment cards. The announcement was made during a press briefing in Tashkent.
Of the total, around 22,000 product types fall under tobacco and alcohol categories, which can no longer be purchased with cash. In addition, 561 types of real estate and vehicles, as well as 56 types of government services, are subject to mandatory cashless payments. A further 5,000 product categories priced above UZS 25mn ($2,060) must also be sold in non-cash form.
The system allows mixed payment depending on the product. For example, customers can pay cash for general goods but must use non-cash methods for restricted items such as cigarettes, with point-of-sale systems automatically disabling cash payment options for those products.
The new regulation also applies to utilities, fuel stations, and electric vehicle charging points. Transactions involving vehicles less than 10 years old across M, N, O, and G categories must also be conducted in cashless form.
Earlier, Uzbekistan has seen rapid growth in digital payments. A survey by the Central Bank of Uzbekistan conducted with the Asian Development Bank found that 72% of respondents used digital payments in 2025, up from 39% in 2021.
At the same time, bank card circulation exceeded 68mn by early 2026, supported by the expansion of ATMs, payment terminals, and digital banking services. Uzbekistan is also introducing a bank-notary electronic system from April 2026 to ensure verified cashless payments in real estate and certain vehicle transactions.
