Importing to Kazakhstan from Turkey and China: company, EAEU customs and certification

Turkey and China are important suppliers to Kazakhstan, but beginners tend to make the same mistake: they count only the purchase price. The true cost includes delivery, duty, VAT, certification and intermediaries. Here is what to do before your first shipment.

Scale of trade

The exact picture depends on the source. Kazakhstan's trade with Turkey in 2025 was USD 5.4 billion according to Kazakh statistics. Estimates for China vary widely: USD 34.1 billion in data cited by the Kazakh press, and more than USD 48 billion in a statement by the prime minister. Such figures cannot be compared directly.

Step 1. Who will be the importer

You need a company or another suitable status in Kazakhstan. Foreigners usually consider an LLP and need an IIN for most formalities. Filing a declaration requires a digital signature. Sort out your bank account early, since supplier payments go through it.

Under DDP terms, confirm who counts as the importer: cheap delivery does not remove tax or customs duties.

Step 2. Code and permit requirements

Start with the EAEU HS code. It determines duty, bans, licences and mandatory conformity assessment. The code follows the product's characteristics, not its trade name. There is no single duty rate for China or Turkey.

Step 3. Payments

Finance.kz's example: with a customs value of KZT 1,000,000 and a hypothetical 10% duty, the duty is KZT 100,000 and VAT KZT 176,000. This is only an illustration.

Understating the invoice is risky, as customs may review the value and assess additional payments. VAT-registered importers have an offset method for certain goods not produced in Kazakhstan, but only if the conditions are met.

Step 4. Declaration

According to Finance.kz, since 11 April 2026 goods declarations have been filed in Keden instead of Astana-1. You will need the contract, invoice, packing list, transport documents, proof of payment and a technical description. You can declare yourself or through a customs representative.

Step 5. Conformity

If a product falls under a Technical Regulation of the Customs Union (TR CU), it needs a certificate or a declaration of conformity. Which one depends on the regulation. Certificates are issued by recognised bodies in EAEU countries. Check this before ordering, as relabelling a shipment costs more.

Goods released in another EAEU country follow a different path: the tax procedure uses form 328.00, with a deadline of the 20th of the following month.

If you travel in person

Turkish citizens may stay without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180, and Chinese citizens for up to 30 days per visit and no more than 90 in 180. Long-term work needs a separate status, such as the C5 visa. Business trips may involve B-category visas.

Where to start

Choose one product, identify its code and calculate the full cost of a shipment. Visa Navigator helps with company registration and immigration documents; customs clearance is handled by a customs representative or the importer. Tell us about your product and we will suggest which company structure to discuss.

This material is for information only and does not constitute legal advice. Rules and practice change — verify the current requirements as of the date you apply.