Authorities to block Temu marketplace in Uzbekistan

Starting March 20, Uzbekistan will restrict access to the Chinese marketplace Temu. The country’s officials have advised customers to stop ordering goods from the platform, cancel existing orders and request refunds, as reported by Gazeta.uz.

«The decision has been made in accordance with a resolution by the country’s cabinet, which requires that only Uzbek residents operate e-commerce platforms,» Gazeta.uz reported.

Uzbek officials are allegedly unhappy with international platforms violating the country’s legislation regulating e-commerce, retail, data privacy and consumer rights.

According to Gazeta.uz, new rules for international online platforms will take effect in Uzbekistan on July 1, 2025. By this date, entities must complete the necessary registration as e-commerce operators. The key requirement is to be registered as a private entity and a resident of Uzbekistan.

Temu has been among the most popular apps in Uzbekistan since late 2024, ranking second on the App Store and first on Google Play.

In late February, Azat Peruashev, leader of Kazakhstan’s Aq Jol Democratic Party, stated that international marketplaces operating in Kazakhstan are not truly held liable for failing to pay the 12% tax on digital goods sold online. According to him, the country’s current legislation does not impose sanctions for such infractions.

Meanwhile, Kazakhstan is working to enhance the protection of consumers purchasing goods online. In mid-January, Kazakhstan’s Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov instructed the cabinet to strengthen efforts aimed at protecting consumer rights. He also noted that marketplaces frequently offer counterfeits and low-quality items, posing risks to both consumers and manufacturers.