UzTest Vehicle Compliance System Faces Backlogs and Public Backlash
The surge in demand for vehicle compliance testing at Uzbekistan’s Piskent testing facility has caused frustration among importers and vehicle owners as lengthy electronic queues continue to plague the system. The delays are a result of recent changes that now require technical inspections to be conducted at Piskent rather than at customs checkpoints, as well as the introduction of new electromagnetic compatibility tests for privately imported vehicles.
Adding to the problem is the temporary closure of some testing laboratories at the Piskent facility for unspecified reasons, which is expected to extend wait times for inspections into February. Reports have indicated that appointments are currently booked out for 12 days, with the earliest availability after January 20.
Despite operating around the clock, the center can only process approximately 50 vehicles per day, or 18,000 annually, meeting just 28% of the actual demand. Efforts to alleviate delays through an electronic queue system have not been effective, with critics pointing out that the relocation of customs testing requirements to Piskent without adequate infrastructure has led to logistical bottlenecks.
Economist Otabek Bakirov has called for UzTest to be classified as a monopoly and subjected to stricter regulatory oversight due to concerns over arbitrary fees, wait times, and lack of transparency. He emphasized the need for procedural constraints to regulate the organization’s operations and ensure fair competition.
Calls for systemic reforms to improve efficiency and address public discontent have grown louder, with demands for transparency and accountability from both the Technical Regulation Agency and UzTest. The current capacity issues at the Piskent facility have highlighted the need for better planning and coordination to meet the increased demand for compliance testing brought on by recent regulatory changes.
As of November 1, 2024, imported vehicles are required to undergo compliance testing exclusively at the Piskent facility in an effort to standardize assessments. However, the overwhelming demand for testing services has underscored the need for improvements in the system to better serve the needs of vehicle importers and owners in Uzbekistan.
