CUSTOMS DUTIES: CHINA TO KAZAKHSTAN

Customs Duties and Import Regulations: China to Kazakhstan

Trade between China and Kazakhstan is governed by Kazakhstan's tariff system, which was significantly reformed following the country's accession to the World Trade Organization in 2015. As a member of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), Kazakhstan applies harmonized tariff rates and import regulations. Exporters from China should be aware that Kazakhstan has committed to gradually lowering tariff rates and has established a comprehensive framework for import duties, documentation requirements, and trade compliance standards.

General Duty Rates for Common Product Categories

Kazakhstan's Most Favored Nation (MFN) applied tariff rate averaged 7.1 percent as of 2018. The following table outlines typical duty rates for goods imported from China:

Product Category	Typical Duty Rate	Notes
Livestock and Pork	0% - 25%	Pork tariff expected to be 25% (reduced from 30%); subject to tariff-rate quotas for certain products
Fish Products	0%	Zero percent rate applied
Chemical and Pharmaceutical Products	0%	Zero percent rate applied
Cotton and Textiles	0%	Zero percent rate applied
Machinery and Equipment	0%	Zero percent rate applied
Medical Vehicles and Airplanes	0%	Zero percent rate applied
Agricultural Products (General)	7.6% average	Reduced from 16.7% as part of WTO commitments
Automobiles	Varies by HS code - contact our experts	Lower rates began January 2016
Alcoholic Beverages	Varies by HS code - contact our experts	Lower rates began January 2016
Jewelry	Varies by HS code - contact our experts	Lower rates began January 2016

Note: Kazakhstan's simple average WTO bound tariff rate is 10.6 percent for agricultural products and 6.4 percent for non-agricultural products. Maximum bound rates are 19 percent for industrial products and 50 percent for agricultural products.

Required Documentation

• Commercial Invoice (original and copies)
• Packing List with detailed description of goods and quantities
• Bill of Lading or Air Waybill
• Certificate of Origin (to verify eligibility for preferential rates if applicable)
• Import License or Permit (if required for the specific product category)
• Product-specific certifications (e.g., health certificates for food products, quality certificates)
• Customs Declaration Form
• Insurance documents (if applicable)
• Technical specifications and product standards documentation

Important Regulations

• Tariff-Rate Quotas (TRQs): Certain products including poultry and beef are subject to TRQs established under EAEU obligations. Quantities exceeding the quota face higher tariff rates.
• VAT Requirements: As of 2022, foreign e-commerce companies selling goods and providing electronic services must register for VAT obligations in Kazakhstan.
• Labeling and Marking: All imported goods must comply with Kazakhstan's labeling requirements, including information in the Kazakh language where applicable.
• Prohibited and Restricted Items: Certain goods are prohibited or restricted from import. Verify product eligibility before shipment.
• Standards Compliance: Products must meet Kazakhstan's technical standards and safety requirements.

Trade Agreements

Kazakhstan is a member of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), which includes Russia, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, and Armenia. This membership means that:

• Kazakhstan applies a common external tariff for EAEU members
• Trade preferences may apply depending on the origin of goods
• Rules of origin requirements must be met to qualify for preferential treatment
• Kazakhstan is bound by WTO commitments made during its 2015 accession, including gradual tariff reductions across 3,512 tariff lines

For specific information about your shipment, consult with a customs broker or contact the Committee on Customs Regulation of the Republic of Kazakhstan.