Business Inspections in Uzbekistan: Your Rights as an Entrepreneur

When a Regulatory Authority Has the Right to Conduct an Inspection

Business inspections in Uzbekistan take two forms: scheduled (included in an approved calendar and requiring advance notice to the entrepreneur) and unscheduled (initiated following a complaint, upon detection of violation indicators, or in cases explicitly provided by law).

In my practice, entrepreneurs most frequently encounter tax, sanitary-epidemiological, fire safety, and environmental inspections. The key principle: every inspection must have a lawful basis—a formal order (resolution) from the head of the regulatory authority specifying the purpose, timeline, scope of issues to be examined, and composition of the inspection team.

Key Points

• Scheduled inspections are included in an annual calendar and published in advance; entrepreneurs have the right to request an extract from this calendar.
• Unscheduled inspections require a reasoned decision and, typically, approval from a higher authority or the prosecutor's office (depending on the grounds).
• The inspector must present official identification and a copy of the inspection order before commencing any inspection activities.
• Inspection duration is limited by law; exceeding the timeframe without formal extension provides grounds for challenging the results.

Entrepreneur Rights During Inspections: What You Can and Should Demand

Uzbek legislation grants business entities a number of rights that are often ignored in practice—both by entrepreneurs themselves and by inspectors.

You have the right to:

• Demand presentation of documents. Before the inspection begins, the inspector must show official identification and provide (or familiarize you under signature with) a copy of the inspection order. If documents are absent, you have the right to deny inspectors access to your premises.
• Be present during all inspection activities or appoint a representative under power of attorney. Premises inspection, document seizure, sealing—all must occur in your presence or that of an authorized person.
• Provide explanations and objections. Any comments you make during the inspection must be recorded in the inspection report or attached to it in writing.
• Review the inspection report and receive a copy. The timeframe for review and signing typically comprises several business days; exact procedure depends on the inspection type.
• Challenge the results with a higher authority, the prosecutor's office, or court if you believe the inspection was unlawful or the report unfounded.

I recommend documenting the inspection process: maintain a log (date, time, team composition, documents requested, actions taken), take photo-video recordings (unless prohibited by specific regulations in your industry). Such documentation significantly simplifies subsequent appeals.

Typical Violations by Inspectors and How to Respond

| Inspection without an order or with an order not meeting legal requirements | Deny access in writing; document the refusal with witnesses or video | Admitting the inspector