How does customs clearance work for international online orders?

We hear questions like "How many products can I order by mail from abroad without paying customs duty and tax?", and "How much can I bring with me if I travel abroad and bring things back myself?" almost every day. For reference, Uzbekistan doesn't have just one, but four different limits for four different channels, which is why many people confuse them with one another. Let's look at each one separately, with exact figures. Four Channels — Four Different Limits This table reflects the new figures that came into effect on May 1, 2025, in accordance with the resolution dated April 19, 2025, reduced from the previous quarterly limits of $2,000/$1,000. Details for Each Channel If you bring items via regular mail (China Post, EMS, Uzpost, etc.) The lowest duty-free import threshold applies to regular mail: you can only bring in orders worth up to $100 through regular mail. If you order a small, inexpensive item from Aliexpress or Taobao (such as a phone case or a small accessory), it usually doesn't exceed this threshold. Via courier service (iPost, Tez-Tez, Temu/Pinduoduo delivery systems) Starting May 1, 2025, the limit for courier services was reduced to $200 per month (previously it was $1,000 per quarter). This is a monthly limit, not a quarterly one — if you place several small orders within a month, their total value must not exceed $200. According to the official explanation, the actual reason for this change was that 5.7 million shipments entered Uzbekistan in 2024, and more than 90% of them had a value of around $200 — meaning the new threshold was adjusted to match the size of the "average shipment." It's worth noting here that, unlike many other countries, incoming shipments to Uzbekistan are not subject to value-added tax (VAT), and customs duty is charged only on the portion that exceeds the established limit. If you bring items yourself (crossing the border in person) If you personally travel abroad and bring back purchased goods, the limit varies depending on the mode of transport: up to $1,000 by air, up to $500 by rail/river, and up to $300 by car or pedestrian crossing point — all without customs duty. It's important to note here that, starting July 20, 2025, duty-free import of goods for personal needs requires having spent a certain amount of time abroad (approximately 2–3 days or more, depending on the mode of transport) — meaning a one-day "shopping tour" no longer automatically qualifies for the duty-free limit. In addition, if an individual has been abroad three or more times during one calendar month, the duty-free allowance does not apply. What Happens If You Exceed the Limit? If the value of the shipment or the goods being brought in exceeds the established limit, a flat customs duty of 30% is charged on the amount exceeding the limit. For example, if a shipment arriving via courier is worth $250 ($50 above the $200 limit), the 30% duty is calculated only on the excess $50 (not on the entire $250). How Are Personal Use and Commercial Purposes Distinguished? If you bring in a quantity of the same type of product that exceeds reasonable personal needs (for example, 10 identical phones), the law automatically classifies this as commercial purpose. In this case, the general customs procedure established for business activities (with a significantly higher rate) applies to your goods. Legal Basis These norms are regulated by the following official documents: Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan dated April 19, 2025, No. 244 (effective from May 1, 2025) — establishes duty-free import limits; Presidential Resolution dated July 19, 2018, PP-3873 — regulates the control of international postal and courier shipments; President's Decree No. PQ-4508 (current edition; also indicating rate changes for 2027): Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers dated November 6, 2025, No. 700 (effective from February 8, 2026) — establishes the procedure for customs clearance of courier shipments. Conclusion As you can see, there's no single answer to "how much will customs duty be?" — the answer depends on the delivery method you choose. For small, inexpensive items, regular mail applies ($100); for regular online purchases, courier service applies ($200/month, up to 30 kg); and for larger purchases you bring yourself, limits ranging from $300–$1,000 apply depending on the mode of transport. Most importantly, these figures have changed several times in recent months, so if you're planning a large purchase, we recommend confirming the current limit with EMU Express operators before shipping.