iPhone prices spike in Uzbekistan amid new customs limits

At stores across Uzbekistan, prices for Apple smartphones have noticeably climbed. For example, at a shop in the Malika shopping center surveyed by Kun.uz, the prices for models supporting both traditional SIM cards and eSIMs have changed as follows (prices listed are for the “natural titanium” color variant):

As of June 20, 2025:

• iPhone 16: 128 GB – $769, 256 GB – $919
• iPhone 16 Pro: 128 GB – $1,009, 256 GB – $1,139, 512 GB – $1,399, 1 TB – $1,549
• iPhone 16 Pro Max: 256 GB – $1,239, 512 GB – $1,439, 1 TB – $1,679

As of July 20, 2025:

• iPhone 16: 128 GB – $849, 256 GB – $999
• iPhone 16 Pro: 128 GB – $1,139, 256 GB – $1,279, 512 GB – $1,499, 1 TB – $1,699
• iPhone 16 Pro Max: 256 GB – $1,399, 512 GB – $1,629, 1 TB – $1,799

A comparison of prices before June 20 suggests that the increase began in the second half of June.

Based on these figures, prices over the past month have increased by:

• iPhone 16: 9.5% or $80
• iPhone 16 Pro: 10.2% or $100–150 depending on storage
• iPhone 16 Pro Max: 10.8% or $120–190 depending on storage

Price data from another shop at the Malika center (tracked via social media from June 22 to July 22) showed similar trends:

• iPhone 16: 8% or $70
• iPhone 16 Pro: 10.8% or $130–150
• iPhone 16 Pro Max: 10.7% or $120–190

Policy change in effect since May 1

The surge in premium smartphone prices is largely attributed to recent changes in customs regulations. Effective May 1, the duty-free import limit for individuals was reduced from $2,000 to $1,000 for air travelers, and from $1,000 to $500 for those entering by train.

Now, if a person brings an iPhone 16 Pro Max purchased abroad (e.g., in the UAE) for $1200, they must pay $60 in customs duties at the airport. An additional UZS 75,000 must also be paid for UzIMEI registration.

If the device is not declared upon entry, this amount can increase significantly – up to $360 in customs duties. This is because when registering the phone’s IMEI at uzimei.uz, the system checks it against the customs database. If the record is missing, the user is required to pay 30% of the phone’s customs value, as the device is considered imported and not produced in Uzbekistan.

This 30% customs duty requirement for undeclared SIM-enabled devices was introduced in October 2024. It stirred public debate at the time, and Kun.uz pointed out two key ways this regulation could push up prices.

First, if authorities strictly prevent misuse of individuals’ personal data, entrepreneurs will be forced to pay full customs duties and taxes when importing new smartphones and officially register their IMEI codes. This would significantly affect retail prices. For instance, a $1,200 iPhone Pro Max would become approximately $1,470 after a 10% import duty, 12% VAT, and the UZS 75,000 IMEI fee – even before any markup is added by the seller.

Second, if a consumer buys a new phone but the seller fails to complete IMEI registration within the promised time (e.g., a week or a month), the buyer may end up paying the 30% customs fee themselves. For an iPhone Pro Max, that means $360, plus the UZS 75,000 IMEI registration fee.