According to the law "On Consumer Rights Protection," buyers have the right to use any available methods of cashless payment, such as bank cards, electronic wallets, or QR payments, and sellers cannot prevent this.
Aitieva also reminded that according to government resolution No. 869 dated December 23, 2015, there is a list of 18 types of activities in which enterprises are required to use cashless payment instruments, including pharmacies and catering establishments.
She emphasized that the current moratorium on inspections of entrepreneurs in markets does not imply a ban on cashless payments. The tax service has not recorded significant cases of refusal to accept cashless payments.
“Our goal is not to ban QR payments, but to establish clear boundaries regarding which of them are permissible in commercial activities,” she added.
If a seller refuses to accept cashless payment, the buyer can contact the Antimonopoly Regulation Service of the Ministry of Economy and Commerce. Such violations are subject to an administrative fine of 5,000 soms according to Article 317 of the Code of Offenses.
The inspector also noted that the growing popularity of cashless transactions is linked to the decision of the National Bank to abolish fees for transfers between individuals, which was made in 2025, making electronic wallets more convenient for entrepreneurs.
However, she stated that the use of business accounts is associated with bank fees ranging from 1% to 3%, as well as delays in crediting funds, while transfers between individuals are processed faster.
