Photo: avrupayolunda.com
As of March 20, access to the Chinese online marketplace TEMU has been restricted in Uzbekistan, Spot.uz reports.
When attempting to visit the TEMU website, users are met with a message stating that “access to this information resource is restricted based on Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 707, dated September 5, 2018.” The National Agency for Perspective Projects (NAPP) confirmed the blockage to the media outlet.
Despite the restrictions, the TEMU mobile app remains available for download on the App Store and Google Play. At the time of the blockage, the marketplace ranked 26th on the App Store and 33rd on Google Play. However, users have reported issues with the app: when adding items to the cart, it lags, displaying a notification about a slow internet connection and suggesting users check their network before retrying.
Although TEMU recently registered as a legal entity and was officially listed for tax purposes in Uzbekistan, the planned blockage on March 20 remained in effect due to the platform’s outstanding tax liabilities from before its registration. The Tax Committee and NAPP are currently in discussions with TEMU representatives, and a final decision regarding the platform’s future operations will be announced after the negotiations.
At the end of 2024, Uzbekistan introduced new regulations for international e-commerce platforms. As of December 28, all foreign platforms operating with Uzbek users are required to establish a legal entity in the country. Despite its aggressive expansion in the Uzbek market, TEMU failed to comply with this requirement.
NAPP, which oversees the e-commerce sector, had repeatedly warned TEMU about a potential blockage. After announcing plans to restrict access to the platform starting March 20, the agency advised users not to place new orders and to cancel existing ones.
In an interview with Spot.uz, Kamronbek Mukhamadiev, head of NAPP’s e-commerce department, explained that the restriction was necessary to protect local market interests. He emphasized that TEMU could avoid restrictions by meeting all legal requirements.
“The only requirement is that the initial storage of Uzbek citizens’ personal data must take place in Uzbekistan, on local servers, before being transferred abroad. This is standard practice and fully complies with our legislation,” Mukhamadiev stated.
According to Mukhamadiev, in December 2024, TEMU processed 45,000 orders per day from Uzbekistan, amounting to approximately 1.35 million orders per month.
“Even at a minimum purchase amount of 100,000 UZS per order, this adds up to 135 billion UZS per month—or approximately $10.5 million. Given that TEMU has been operating actively since October, at least $50 million has flowed out of Uzbekistan’s economy in five months, with no returns in the form of taxes or investments,” the NAPP representative noted.
The outcome of the negotiations between TEMU and Uzbek regulators is expected to be announced soon. In the meantime, users are advised to exercise caution when using the platform and to consider potential restrictions.
