The Importance of the "Inward Processing" Customs Regime in The Production of Import‑Substituting Food Products
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55640/eijmrms-06-06-15Keywords:
Inward processing, food security, import substitutionAbstract
This study evaluates the inward processing customs regime's (IPCR) role in fostering import‑substituting food production in Uzbekistan. Analysing 2021–2025 customs data, the research finds that while IPCR users grew from 81 to 525 and processed values reached USD 1.22 billion, food imports rose 40% annually, and food products represent only a marginal share of processing. Key barriers include low awareness, complex identification rules, ambiguous yield standards, and re‑export bias. The paper proposes aligning IPCR with the EAEU domestic‑consumption model, introducing tax exemptions, standardising yield norms, and simplifying raw material identification to boost local food production and reduce import dependency.
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