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A presidential decree from 2021 provides for the abolition of 70 out of 266 types of licenses and 35 out of 140 permits. The procedures for obtaining a number of documents will be simplified, and the processes for issuing them will be completely digitalized. The launch of the "License" system is also expected.

On August 24, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed a decree on measures to radically improve licensing and permitting procedures. The purpose of the document is to create conditions for the work of entrepreneurs by eliminating bureaucratic barriers.

The decree at the first stage (in 2020) provides for the reduction and transfer to alternative methods of regulation of certain types of licenses and permits that do not harm the health of citizens and society. In addition, it is planned to simplify procedures in order to minimize the reclamation of unnecessary documents and reduce the time and money spent by entrepreneurs. The processes for issuing the relevant documents are fully digitalized for transparency.

At the second stage (in 2020-2021), it is planned to systematize acts of legislation in the field of licensing and issuance of permits, develop passports for the provision of public services and radically reduce the number of regulatory legal acts. Standard administrative regulations for the issuance of certain types of licenses and permits will be introduced.

From January 1, 2021, 37 licenses and 10 permits will be canceled, including by merging - 16 licenses and 11 permits, by introducing a notification procedure - 17 licenses and 14 permits. The terms of registration of 14 types of licensed activities and permissive documents are reduced, the procedure for obtaining 115 licenses and permits is simplified. Gazeta.uz will publish the full list later.

From the same date, certification of services of tour operators in the licensing of tourism activities will be voluntary. Also canceled:

requirement of documents confirming consent to exchange credit information with at least 10 commercial banks when licensing credit bureaus;
the practice of issuing a separate license for branches of legal entities that are engaged in the retail sale of drugs and medical products. The address of each branch will be indicated in the main license;
the procedure for requesting letters of guarantee from local government bodies from the applicant when obtaining a license for the right to use subsoil plots.
The document establishes that, by way of notification, those types of activities are carried out in which a decision is not required from the side of the authorized body to start work or take an action. At the same time, entrepreneurs must accept obligations to comply with the requirements and conditions prescribed in the legislation.

By the decree, the authorized bodies are prohibited:

refuse to provide public services due to the presence of arrears in the license applicant for mandatory payments for the supply of electricity, natural gas, water supply and sewerage services, for the collection and removal of solid household waste, as well as executive documents for the issuance, extension and renewal of licenses;
replace licenses and permissive documents with contracts concluded between government agencies and entrepreneurs;
directly or indirectly coerce entrepreneurs to use other types of paid services or obtain permits that are not provided for in licensing and permitting requirements and conditions, in the process of considering applications for the issuance of licenses and permits and issuing these documents.

All licenses and permits expiring in 2020 are renewed until January 1, 2021. It is prohibited to prosecute and apply other measures in connection with the expiration of their term.

From the same date, state unitary enterprises and non-state organizations that are engaged in licensed activities and created by decisions of the President or the Cabinet of Ministers are prohibited from working without obtaining a license.

By the beginning of next year, the information system "License" with a special mobile application should also be developed and launched. It will cover all processes related to licensing, issuing permits and notifications.

From January 1, 2021, the procedure is established according to which:

- licensing, permitting and notification procedures are gradually carried out completely in electronic form through the "License" system. Exceptions will be permits issued to subjects of foreign economic activity using the customs information system "Single Window", as well as procedures that contain state secrets and information, access to which is limited;
- applications for the issuance of licenses and permits, as well as notification of the authorized body and the documents attached to them are accepted in electronic form through the Single portal of interactive state services;
- all types of licenses and permits, as well as letters of acceptance of notifications and their inclusion in the register are drawn up by affixing a QR code (matrix bar code), which will allow online verification of the authenticity of these documents. In addition, the procedure for their issuance on special forms is canceled, with the exception of documents that require registration on special paper forms in accordance with international treaties;
individuals who have identified facts of work without a license or permit or without sending a notification, as well as cases of violation of the law when considering applications, issuing licenses and permits or refusing to issue them, and who reported them to authorized bodies, are encouraged by a monetary reward of 10% from the amount of the levied fine upon confirmation of the offense;
- upon notifying the authorized body of the commencement of activities, a fee is charged in the amount of up to 50 percent of the base calculated value, with the exception of notifications of the beginning of construction and installation work and retail trade in alcoholic beverages.