Practical sharing: How to achieve safe trade transit through Kazakhstan

I. Product classification and declaration strategies

1. HS code dual matching mechanism
   • Must simultaneously comply with Kazakhstans Harmonized Convention codes (15% variance items exist compared to Russian EAC codes)
   • Key sensitive categories to avoid: electromechanical equipment (requires pre-application of GOST-K certification), chemical products (requires MSDS in Russian-Kazakh bilingual version)
   • Practical tool: Use Kazakhstan Customs 2025 Sensitive Goods Warning List for dynamically updated restricted categories (e.g. machine tools containing over 10% US technology)
2. Origin management innovation
   • Apply for a Processing Trade Certificate: Complete value-added processes exceeding 30% in Kazakhstans free trade zone (e.g., repackaging, adding Russian labels).
   • Case: A ChineseAutomotive partscompany successfully circumvented EU sanctions on Russian auto parts by changing origin to Kazakhstan through reassembly in Almaty Free Trade Zone
   • Risk warning: Must retain production logs, processing videos and other evidence chains for potential inspection

II. Customs Data Collaboration

1. Electronic Seal and Manifest Linkage
   • Adoption of blockchain seal system mutually recognized by China, Kazakhstan, and Russia (Recommended: KTZ Expresss Smart Border solution)
   • Data synchronization requirements: Upload container GPS coordinates + high-definition seal images to FCS system within 2 hours after goods enter Kazakhstan
   • Error tolerance mechanism: Allow 3 data re-upload attempts, exceeding limit triggers manual inspection (adding 5-7 days processing time)
2. Dynamic declared value calibration
   • Reference Kazakhstan Customs third-party audit prices (AI valuation model introduced from January, 2025), recommended declared value fluctuation within ±8% of benchmark price
   • Special handling: Adopt a split declaration strategy for controlled goods (e.g., separating machine tools into mechanical components + control systems for individual customs declarations).

III. Fund Flow Compliance Path

1. Dual-channel transit settlement design
   • Channel A: Complete settlement in local currency (KZT) through Kazakhstans Forte Bank (requires 20% risk reserve deposit)
   • Channel B: Direct connection with VTB Kazakhstan branch via Cross-border Interbank Payment System (CIPS) in RMB
   • Cost comparison: Channel A comprehensive fee 1.2%-1.8%, Channel B enables T+0 settlement but bears 0.9% currency swap cost
2. Document desensitization technology
   • Key field obfuscation: Replace supplier information with Kazakhstan agent company, substitute technical parameters with range values instead of exact figures
   • Tool used: Kazakhstan nationally certified TradeMask software (automatically generates clean documents compliant with Russian-Kazakh customs review standards).

As a crucial trade transit hub, Kazakhstans 2025 new policies bring both opportunities and risks. Ensure logistics monitoring and fund flow compliance.