Diaper imports plunge in Uzbekistan amid new certification rules

Certification requirement for imports

Following the introduction of mandatory compliance certification for baby diapers, their import into Uzbekistan has significantly declined.

A Kun.uz correspondent visited stores and markets in Tashkent to assess the situation. While there is no shortage of baby diapers at present, prices have risen.

Under a Cabinet of Ministers resolution dated August 14, 2024, a mandatory state registration procedure was introduced for high-risk products starting in November 2024.

According to the resolution, the list of high-risk products includes:

• Pacifiers for infants
• Headwear for children up to three years old
• Clothing for children up to three years old, including pajamas, underwear, pants, warm shirts, undershirts, vests, diapers, bonnets, sliders, short dresses, and other similar garments
• Tights, socks, knee-high socks, and other hosiery products for children under three
• Absorbent materials (diapers), as well as hygiene cotton swabs (for nose and ear cleaning) and other similar baby hygiene products
• Feeding utensils for children under three
• Toothbrushes

This requirement does not apply to products imported for personal use within established limits.

A sharp decline in imports

According to the State Customs Committee, in January–February 2025, imports of sanitary pads and diapers for women and children totaled 2,112 tons. This marks a significant drop from the same period in 2024 (3,826 tons), representing a decrease of 1,714 tons or 1.8 times.

In monetary terms, imports in this category have declined even more sharply, by 2.7 times: from $15.2 million in the first two months of 2024 to just $5.6 million in the same period of 2025.

For reference, since 2019, a 10% tariff or a minimum fee of $0.5 per kilogram has been imposed on these products.

"Obtaining certification takes too long"

Following reports on social media about difficulties in importing baby diapers, several industry entrepreneurs reached out to Kun.uz.

One entrepreneur noted that as of March 13, 2025, there was no information on which importers had successfully obtained certification under the Technical Regulation Agency’s new requirements.

"The agency's document review process takes too long. Additionally, imported products must be tested in local laboratories, with the entire process documented via photo and video. However, laboratories are unsure how to fulfill these requirements, leading to long waiting times for importers.

These inspections impose additional costs on businesses. Moreover, a separate laboratory test is required for each new batch of imports," the entrepreneur told Kun.uz.

He further argued that the government’s decision does not align with the stated safety objectives.

"Local manufacturers import all raw materials for diapers from abroad. If these restrictions are meant to protect children's health, why aren't the imported raw materials included in the regulation? After all, local manufacturers use the same imported materials to produce diapers. Competition should exist, and it should not be restricted by bureaucracy and artificial barriers," he stated.

Uncertainty over certification centers

In response to a Kun.uz inquiry, the Technical Regulation Agency stated that, according to the law, products that have not been officially registered and certified cannot be sold.

"Entrepreneurs can obtain compliance certification from any accredited certification body," the agency explained.

However, when Kun.uz asked, "How many certification centers are currently issuing certifications for baby diapers?" the agency responded, "We do not have precise information on this matter."