Presidential Decree UP-25, enacted in early 2026, introduced a monumental shift in the certification process, designed to streamline international trade while drastically increasing safety standards for end consumers.

• Transition to the CUz Mark: The legacy OZST logo, long associated with Uzbek standards, is being completely phased out. Starting January 1, 2026, the new national conformity mark, “CUz” (Conformity Uzbekistan), began its mandatory implementation phase. The CUz mark signifies full compliance with the updated technical regulations.
• Application Rules: The CUz mark must be applied clearly and indelibly to the primary packaging. If the primary packaging is too small (e.g., eyeliner pencils, small lipsticks), the mark must appear on the secondary packaging and the accompanying leaflet.
• Deadlines and Enforcement: The CUz mark will become the sole legal indicator of conformity by 2027. Products bearing the old OZST mark imported after the deadline will be considered non-compliant and subject to seizure.
• Voluntary vs. Mandatory Standards: As of May 1, 2026, many secondary, outdated technical standards (GOSTs detailing specific manufacturing methods) have become voluntary. However, the core Technical Regulations (TR) concerning human health, microbiological safety, and environmental impact remain strictly mandatory.

The most significant operational impact on product formulation is the complete adoption of an annex-based ingredient system that closely mirrors the European Union’s Regulation (EC) 1223/2009. By August 3, 2026, all products on the market must meet these updated chemical safety thresholds.

• Prohibited Substances (Annex II): The negative list now encompasses over 1,600 banned substances. This includes many compounds that were previously permitted or overlooked under older regional standards, requiring brands to carefully audit their current formulations.
• Restricted Substances (Annex III): Specific, non-negotiable concentration limits are enforced for active ingredients like salicylic acid, hydrogen peroxide, and various exfoliating acids.
• Authorized Additives (Annexes IV-VI): Only pigments, preservatives, and UV filters explicitly listed in these “positive lists” may be used. The use of any unlisted colorant or preservative is grounds for immediate certification denial.
• CMR Substances: There is a strict, zero-tolerance prohibition on substances classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic for reproduction (CMR Categories 1A, 1B, and 2).
• Nanomaterials and Allergens: The 2026 regulations require separate, pre-market notification for all nanomaterials. Furthermore, the labeling of fragrance allergens has been expanded drastically. The declaration requirement has shifted from the traditional 26 allergens to 81 specific allergens, which must be listed in the INCI if they exceed 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products.
• Microbiological and Clinical Testing: Samples must be tested in accredited Uzbek laboratories for heavy metals (lead, arsenic, mercury), microbiological purity (absence of E. coli, P. aeruginosa, S. aureus), and physical-chemical stability.

Uzbekistan has implemented a mandatory, highly sophisticated digital tracking system known as “Asl Belgisi” to combat counterfeit goods, gray market imports, and ensure complete supply chain transparency.

• DataMatrix Labeling: For cosmetic products under HS code 3304 (beauty, make-up, and skin care preparations), digital labeling using unique, cryptographically secured DataMatrix codes has been mandatory since October 1, 2025. These codes cannot be printed generically; they must be generated by the central CRPT Turon system and applied to each individual unit of sale.
• Electronic Document Management (EDM): Beginning July 1, 2026, all participants in the supply chain—from the initial importer down to the final retail pharmacy or beauty store—must use electronic document management systems. Every time a product changes hands, the DataMatrix code must be scanned and registered in the national database, concluding only when the product is sold to the end consumer and a digital receipt is generated.

Current regulations extend far beyond the liquid or cream formula; the safety of the container and the accuracy of the consumer information are heavily scrutinized.

• Packaging Safety Regulation: A strict regulation concerning the safety of packaging and closure materials, effective since August 26, 2025, requires that all cosmetic containers (glass, plastic, metal) be certified. This ensures they do not migrate toxic substances (like bisphenol A or heavy metals) into the cosmetic product over its shelf life.
• Language Requirements: All mandatory consumer information on the label—including the product name, purpose, usage instructions, warnings, and the importer’s contact details—must be provided in the Uzbek language. While Russian is often included, Uzbek is the legal requirement for compliance.
• Product Information File (PIF): Manufacturers must now compile and maintain a comprehensive PIF, accessible to Uzbek authorities upon request. This file must include:
  • A Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR) signed by a qualified toxicologist or safety assessor.
  • Clinical or instrumental evidence supporting all product claims (e.g., “reduces wrinkles by 20%”, “provides 24-hour hydration”). Unsubstantiated claims violate consumer protection laws.
  • Cosmetovigilance data to track, record, and report any adverse allergic reactions or health events post-market.

To encourage industrial development and localization, the government has introduced several powerful economic incentives for the cosmetics sector in 2026.

• Customs Exemptions: Since April 1, 2026, foreign companies establishing local production facilities or R&D laboratories in Uzbekistan may import raw materials, advanced manufacturing equipment, and spare parts under a total customs duty exemption.
• Raw Material Incentives: Effective January 2026, import duties were completely eliminated on 82 categories of raw materials. This includes specific chemical agents, surfactants, and premium pigments used in cosmetic manufacturing, making local production highly competitive.
• Tariff Reform: Certification fees are now strictly calculated based on the actual man-hours and laboratory costs incurred by the certifying body. This anti-corruption measure is aimed at optimizing the financial burden on exporters and ensuring a transparent, predictable cost structure regardless of the assessment outcome.