🇰🇿 Import Customs & Duties: Kazakhstan
Quick Facts
Duty-free threshold
$200
Packages under $200, duty free
VAT / Sales Tax
16%
CIF value + duty. Flat 12% rate for most goods. Some food items and medical supplies zero-rated.
Clearance Time
3-10 days
typical processing
Note: EAEU member. VAT raised to 16% from Jan 2026. Duty-free threshold €200 per parcel. Above: 15% duty min €2/kg
Duty Rates by Category
| Category | Duty Rate | HS Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 0-10% | HS 85 |
| Clothing | 10-20% | HS 61-62 |
| Footwear | 10-15% | HS 64 |
| Food products | 0-20% | HS 01-24 |
| Machinery | 0-5% | HS 84 |
| Cosmetics | 5-15% | HS 33 |
| Books | 0% | HS 49 |
| Toys | 10-15% | HS 95 |
Rates shown are for standard goods. Exact rate depends on the HS code of your item.
Import Duty Calculator
Below de minimis threshold, no duty!: $200 USD
Customs Clearance Process
State Revenue Committee (KGD) under Ministry of Finance handles customs. EAEU (Eurasian Economic Union) Common Customs Tariff applies. Electronic declaration through ASTANA-1 information system. Goods from EAEU members (Russia, Belarus, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan) move freely.
What to Actually Expect
Modernizing rapidly. ASTANA-1 system improving efficiency. EAEU membership means no customs for Russian/Belarusian goods. Almaty and Nur-Sultan customs relatively efficient. Remote border posts can be slow. Express couriers 3-5 days.
Required Documents
Commercial Invoice
Item description, quantity, value, sender and receiver details
Packing List
Detailed description of contents in each package
Customs Declaration (CN22/CN23)
Required for postal shipments
Air Waybill (AWB)
Generated by the carrier when booking the shipment
Certificate of Origin
May be required for reduced duties (FTA/preferential rates)
Export/Import License
For restricted goods (electronics, medicines, chemicals)
Import License Requirements
EAEU unified licensing for controlled goods. National permits for pharmaceuticals, weapons, radioactive materials. EAC conformity declaration/certification for consumer goods. Ministry of Trade for quota goods.
Certificate of Origin
EAEU certificate CT-1 for trade within the union. Form A for GSP. Atameken (National Chamber of Entrepreneurs) issues certificates. EAC conformity mark for EAEU technical regulations.
Learn more →Prohibited & Restricted Items
Prohibited
- xNarcotics and illegal drugs
- xExplosives and flammable materials
- xWeapons and ammunition
- xCounterfeit goods
- xCounterfeit currency and documents
Restricted (permit required)
- !Medicines and pharmaceuticals
- !Food and beverages
- !Plants and seeds
- !Electronics (lithium batteries)
- !Perfumes and cosmetics (volume limits)
Useful Links
Duty & Tax Estimate
Estimated import charges when shipping goods to Kazakhstan:
| Goods Value | Duty | VAT/Tax | Total Charges |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50 | $0 | $0 | Free |
| $100 | $0 | $0 | Free |
| $200 | $0 | $0 | Free |
| $500 | $45 | $87 | $132 |
| $1000 | $120 | $179 | $299 |
Estimates only. Actual duties depend on product category and HS code.
Popular routes to Kazakhstan
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duty-free threshold for Kazakhstan?
The duty-free (de minimis) threshold for imports into Kazakhstan is $200. Goods valued below this amount are exempt from customs duties.
What is the VAT rate on imports to Kazakhstan?
The VAT/tax rate on imports to Kazakhstan is 16%. VAT applies to: CIF value + duty. Flat 12% rate for most goods. Some food items and medical supplies zero-rated.
How long does customs clearance take in Kazakhstan?
Typical customs clearance in Kazakhstan takes 3-10 days. Express shipments usually clear faster.
What documents are needed to import into Kazakhstan?
To import into Kazakhstan, you typically need: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading/airway bill, and customs declaration. Some goods may require a certificate of origin or import license.
What items are prohibited from import into Kazakhstan?
Kazakhstan prohibits the import of narcotics, weapons, counterfeit goods, certain animal products, and hazardous materials. Restrictions may also apply to alcohol, tobacco, pharmaceuticals, and certain electronics.