Referring to the law "On Consumer Rights Protection," she noted that buyers can use any available cashless payment methods—whether it be a bank card, electronic wallet, or QR payment. Sellers are required to provide such options.
Aitieva also reminded about Government Resolution No. 869, adopted on December 23, 2015, which mandates 18 types of activities, including pharmacies and catering establishments, to install tools for cashless payments.
Furthermore, she emphasized that the current moratorium on inspections of entrepreneurs in markets does not imply a ban on cashless transactions. The tax service does not record mass refusals of cashless payments.
“We are not banning QR payments; we are merely clarifying which of them can be used in business practice,” she explained.
If a seller refuses to accept cashless payment, the buyer has the option to contact the Antimonopoly Regulation Service under the Ministry of Economy and Commerce. For such violations, an administrative fine of 5,000 soms is provided based on Article 317 of the Code of Offenses.
The inspector added that the growing popularity of cashless payments is linked to the National Bank's decision to abolish fees for transfers between individuals, made in 2025. This decision made electronic transfers more convenient for entrepreneurs.
However, she noted that the use of business accounts involves banking fees that range from 1% to 3%, and there may also be technical delays in crediting funds, while transfers between individuals occur faster.
