CUSTOMS DUTIES: AFGHANISTAN TO KAZAKHSTAN

Overview of Customs Duties: Afghanistan to Kazakhstan

Trade between Afghanistan and Kazakhstan is subject to Kazakhstan's customs regulations and tariff framework. As a member of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and following its World Trade Organization (WTO) accession in 2015, Kazakhstan has implemented a modernized tariff system with gradually reduced rates. Exporters from Afghanistan should be aware that Kazakhstan applies Most Favored Nation (MFN) tariff rates to most trading partners, with an average applied rate of 7.1 percent as of 2018. Understanding the specific duty rates, documentation requirements, and regulatory compliance measures is essential for successful customs clearance.

General Duty Rates for Common Product Categories

Product Category	Duty Rate	Notes
Livestock and Meat Products	0% (certain products)	Subject to tariff-rate quotas (TRQs) on poultry and beef; pork subject to 25-30% rate
Fish Products	0%	Zero rate applies to most fish and fish products
Chemical and Pharmaceutical Products	0%	Pharmaceuticals benefit from zero tariff classification
Cotton and Textiles	0%	Zero rate on cotton; textile rates vary by HS code
Machinery and Equipment	0%	Most machinery imports classified at zero percent
Agricultural Products (General)	7.6% average	Reduced from 16.7% post-WTO accession; rates vary by product
Non-Agricultural Products (General)	6.4% average	WTO bound rate; actual applied rates may be lower
Most Favored Nation (MFN) Average	7.1%	Overall average applied tariff rate as of 2018
Other Products (Unspecified)	Varies by HS code	Contact customs authorities or trade experts for specific rates

Required Documentation for Customs Clearance

• Commercial Invoice – Detailed invoice with seller and buyer information, product descriptions, and values
• Packing List – Complete inventory of goods including weights, dimensions, and packaging details
• Bill of Lading or Airway Bill – Proof of shipment and transportation
• Certificate of Origin – Document certifying the country of origin of goods
• Import License – Where required for specific product categories
• Customs Declaration Form – Official declaration of goods being imported
• Health and Safety Certificates – For food, pharmaceutical, and agricultural products
• Product-Specific Certifications – Testing reports, quality certificates, or compliance documentation as applicable
• Insurance Documentation – Proof of cargo insurance if applicable

Important Regulations and Restrictions

Kazakhstan maintains several important regulatory requirements for importers. Tariff-rate quotas (TRQs) apply to poultry and beef imports, with specific allocation rules established in October 2017. These quotas limit the volume of imports at preferential rates, and exceeding quota volumes results in higher duty rates.

Prohibited and restricted imports include certain items that require advance licensing or permits. All imports must comply with Kazakhstan's labeling and marking requirements, which may specify product information in the Kazakh or Russian language. Additionally, Kazakhstan has implemented VAT obligations on foreign e-commerce transactions effective from 2022, which may apply to certain digital services and goods.

Products must meet Kazakhstan's standards for trade, which are often aligned with international standards but may include specific local requirements for food safety, environmental protection, and consumer protection.

Trade Agreements and Preferential Rates

Kazakhstan is a member of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), which includes Russia, Belarus, and Kyrgyzstan. This membership affects tariff treatment and may provide preferential rates for EAEU member countries. However, Afghanistan is not an EAEU member, so exports from Afghanistan are subject to standard MFN rates.

As a WTO member since 2015, Kazakhstan has committed to binding tariff rates and gradual reductions. The country applies approximately 1,900 tariff lines at zero percent rates across various product categories. Approximately 3,512 tariff rates have been reduced gradually, with an average target of 6.1 percent by 2020.

For specific duty rates on your products, consult Kazakhstan's customs authority or engage with a licensed customs broker familiar with Afghanistan-Kazakhstan trade flows.