She emphasized that according to the legislation, specifically the law "On Consumer Rights Protection," buyers can use any available cashless payment methods, whether it be a bank card, electronic wallet, or QR payment, and sellers are obliged to provide this choice.
Aitieva also pointed to government resolution No. 869 dated December 23, 2015, which defines a list of 18 types of activities within which companies must implement cashless payment systems. This list includes pharmacies and catering establishments.
The inspector noted that the current moratorium on inspections of business entities in markets and mini-markets does not imply a ban on cashless transactions. According to her, the tax service does not observe mass refusals to accept such payments.
“We do not prohibit the use of QR payments; we only determine which of them can be used in business,” she added.
If a buyer encounters a refusal to accept cashless payment, they can contact the Antimonopoly Regulation Service of the Ministry of Economy and Commerce. For such violations, fines of up to 5,000 soms are provided for under Article 317 of the Code of Offenses.
Aitieva also noted that the growing popularity of cashless payments is due to the National Bank's decision to eliminate fees for transfers between individuals, which came into effect in 2025. This innovation significantly simplified the transfer process for entrepreneurs.
At the same time, she pointed out that the use of business accounts may be associated with banking fees ranging from 1% to 3%, as well as with technical delays in crediting funds, while transfers between individuals occur more quickly.
