Türkiye and Uzbekistan Launch a New Era in Energy Efficiency with a Joint Webinar

The “Uzbek Technical Regulation Agency Webinar,” organized in collaboration with the Air Conditioning Industry Exporters Association (İSİB) and the Turkish Trade Office in Uzbekistan, addressed energy efficiency policies and practices. Speaking at the opening of the webinar, İSİB Board Chairman Mehmet Şanal emphasized Turkey's critical role as Uzbekistan's fourth largest trading partner and stated that energy efficiency is a strategic priority for both countries.

During the meeting, it was announced that a decree has come into effect allowing only products labeled as “Class A” to enter the market, following the ban on 18 imported products with low energy efficiency ratings. It was emphasized that many consumer electronics and heating and cooling products, ranging from household washing machines to televisions and dishwashers, boilers, and air conditioners, will be subject to the new regulation. The decision aims to raise the overall efficiency level of products offered on the market and reduce consumer costs.

Authorities were informed that performance tests for central heating boilers and air conditioning and ventilation units require both high-cost and time-consuming processes. Therefore, it was emphasized that products with internationally recognized performance declaration certificates and certifications should not be subject to additional testing at Uzbekistan customs entry points. Additionally, it was shared that all countries have adopted similar procedures in international trade practices worldwide.

Throughout the webinar, the status of the testing and accreditation infrastructure and the challenges encountered were also evaluated. The necessity of increasing laboratory investments for the reliability of performance tests, ensuring the continuity of calibration standards for technical teams, and accelerating international accreditation processes was emphasized. Participants stated that the processes could be further simplified with the support of the Turkish Standards Institute.

The e-declaration system, which will be implemented simultaneously with the new regulation, will enable product responsibility declarations to be made through a digital platform. This system, which will be integrated with customs and tax platforms, will enable seamless data tracking and approval processes, and is expected to speed up operations. This collaboration is anticipated to create significant long-term gains for both countries in terms of raising energy efficiency standards and increasing sustainable trade volume.