Covid-19. Force Majeure Mode For Contracts In Uzbekistan

In connection with the pandemic triggered by the spread of the COVID-19 virus (coronavirus) in the world and for mitigation of the negative impact on the economy, the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan adopted a number of decisions for introducing a force majeure mode for business in the country.

The mode implies that if it is impossible to execute the contract due to circumstances of insuperable force (force majeure), legal entities (enterprises or companies) can receive a confirming certificate from an authorized body.

According to the presidential decree "On priority measures to mitigate the negative impact on the economy of the coronavirus pandemic and global crisis" No. UP-5969 of March 19, 2020, the Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade ("MIFT") and the Chamber of Commerce were appointed as authorized bodies ("CCI") of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

The certificates issued by MIFT apply only to contracts of foreign economic activity (FEA). To obtain a certificate, the company submits an application for a certificate in the order prescribed by the Regulation on the procedure for confirming circumstances of insuperable force (Appendix to the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers No. 63 of February 15, 2005).

At the same time, the certificates issued by the CCI apply to all types of contracts. To obtain a certificate, the company should apply for a...