Uzbekistan has increased customs inspections following a rise in attempts to smuggle jewelry into the country.
In one case, a passenger arriving from Bangkok hid 121 grams of jewelry, valued at more than 180 million Uzbek soums (UZS), inside sweets. The individual was caught trying to bring the items into Uzbekistan illegally.
In another incident, a traveler from a neighboring country on a Tashkent–Istanbul flight attempted to smuggle 370 grams of jewelry. The estimated value of this jewelry was 350 million UZS.
Additionally, customs officers found a passenger arriving from Baku carrying 74 grams of diamond-studded jewelry worth about 130 million UZS. The passenger did not declare these items when crossing the border.
All these cases are currently under investigation by customs authorities.
Since the beginning of the year, officials have recorded 252 violations of customs laws. Authorities have stopped the illegal import and hidden sale of nearly 40 kilograms of jewelry. The total estimated value of these seized items is 24.3 billion UZS.
Starting from July 20 this year, individuals can bring jewelry into Uzbekistan for personal use without paying customs duties, but only within certain limits:
- Up to $1,000 worth of jewelry via air transport
- Up to $500 via rail or river transport
- Up to $300 via road or pedestrian checkpoints
For exports, the following limits apply without needing a customs declaration:
- Up to 200 grams of silver jewelry
- Up to 65 grams of gold or other precious items
Any amounts exceeding these limits must be declared through a passenger customs declaration.
Customs officials urge travelers to follow these rules to avoid penalties and help prevent smuggling.
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