Kazakhstan is a major gateway to Central Asia and the EAEU. However, imports require a local entity to handle ASTANA-1 filings and EAC/GOST K certifications. We act as your legal IOR, managing customs declarations, 12% VAT settlement, and regulatory compliance so you don't need a local entity.
Kazakhstan operates its customs regime under the Customs Code of the EAEU and applies the EAEU Common External Tariff (CET). All import declarations are filed electronically through the ASTANA-1 system by a locally registered entity holding a BIN (Business Identification Number). Foreign companies without a BIN cannot appear on the customs declaration.
Every customs declaration filed via ASTANA-1 requires a valid BIN (Business Identification Number), the 12-digit identifier issued to all legal entities registered in Kazakhstan. Foreign companies cannot obtain a BIN without incorporating a local entity. As a result, every non-resident company shipping goods into Kazakhstan must engage a locally registered IOR. TFTIOR holds an active Kazakhstan-registered entity with a BIN, acting as the official declarant on all import entries.
ASTANA-1 is Kazakhstan's unified electronic customs information system, operated by the State Revenue Committee (SRC) of the Ministry of Finance. All customs declarations, including import, transit, and re-export filings, must be submitted electronically through ASTANA-1. The system integrates with the EAEU's common customs information space. TFTIOR is the official declarant in every ASTANA-1 submission, managing the full filing and responding to any customs authority queries through to release.
Products imported into Kazakhstan that fall within EAEU technical regulation scope require an EAC (Eurasian Conformity) certificate or declaration bearing the EAC mark. Key technical regulations (TR CU) applicable to IT and industrial imports include:
Products outside EAEU TR CU scope may require a national GOST K conformity certificate issued by a Kazakhstan-accredited body. TFTIOR verifies applicable certification requirements (EAC, GOST K, or both) before the shipment leaves origin. An EAC certificate issued in Kazakhstan is valid for circulation across all EAEU member states including Russia, Belarus, Armenia and Kyrgyzstan.
Kazakhstan applies the EAEU Common External Tariff (CET). Import duty rates typically range from 0% to 20% depending on the HS code. Most IT hardware including servers, switches and routers attracts 0% under IPA commitments; consumer electronics and some industrial goods attract 5–20%. VAT is 12%, applied on the customs value plus applicable duties, and is paid to the State Revenue Committee at the point of customs clearance.
Kazakhstan has preferential duty arrangements under the EAEU's free trade agreements with Vietnam, Serbia, Iran and Singapore. For eligible goods, a Certificate of Origin in the applicable FTA format reduces or eliminates customs duty. TFTIOR prepares origin documentation where applicable.
IT hardware (servers, switches): 0% customs duty
Consumer electronics: 5–20% (HS-dependent)
VAT: 12% on customs value + duty
Customs system: ASTANA-1 (electronic)
BIN required: Yes (held by TFTIOR)
EAEU CET rates apply. Always confirm HS code before shipping.
Air: Almaty International Airport, Astana International Airport (NQZ), Aktobe Airport
Road/Rail (China border): Khorgos–East Gate SEZ, Dostyk, Altynkol
Sea (Caspian): Aktau seaport
Delivery cities: Almaty, Astana, Shymkent, Aktobe, Karaganda
Standard import (documentation complete): 1–3 working days
Physical customs inspection: add 2–5 working days
EAC certificate required (pre-shipment): 5–15 working days
GOST K conformity assessment: 7–20 working days
*Certifications must be obtained before shipment departs origin.
Commercial invoice (customs value, HS code, country of origin)
Packing list
Bill of lading or air waybill
ASTANA-1 customs declaration (filed by TFTIOR)
EAC certificate or declaration (TR CU-regulated goods)
GOST K certificate (goods outside TR CU scope)
Certificate of Origin (EAEU FTA preferential claims)
End-use certificate (dual-use or controlled goods)
Strict EAEU regulations require a local legal entity to handle declarations, certifications, and tax payments.
Foreign companies cannot self-declare imports in Kazakhstan. The Importer of Record (IOR) must be a locally registered entity responsible for compliance with Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) regulations and national laws.
Without a local IOR, shipments will stall at customs. We remove this barrier by managing the entire process, including filings through the ASTANA-1 system and handling complex certifications.
We submit declarations via the unified electronic customs platform, acting as the official declarant.
We ensure products meet EAEU technical regulations, including obtaining necessary EAC (TR CU) certificates.
We calculate and pre-pay import duties and the 12% VAT, providing complete proof of payment.
For goods not covered by EAEU regulations, we manage national GOST K conformity assessments.
We verify Harmonized System (HS) codes to ensure accurate duty calculation and compliance.
We screen IT and telecom equipment for dual-use status under EAEU regulations.
We provide end-to-end management of the Kazakhstan customs process, ensuring efficiency and full compliance.
Our Kazakhstan-IOR service enables international companies to import equipment legally without opening a local business presence. We act as the responsible party throughout the import process so your project can proceed without delays or administrative complications.
We conduct full pre-arrival checks to ensure all documentation and certifications are in order.
We manage communication with the State Revenue Committee to secure customs release.
We provide official customs documentation and proof of tax payments for your internal records.
We support the compliant importation of high-value technology, industrial systems, and medical devices.
Servers, switches, firewalls, and cloud infrastructure. We ensure EAEU compliance for IT equipment deployments. For pre-shipment review of servers, AI hardware and research equipment, see Kazakhstan IOR for technology and research equipment.
Capital machinery, industrial sensors, and factory automation parts requiring TR CU certification.
Clinical analyzers, imaging components, and laboratory devices. We handle health-related registrations. Learn more about medical IOR.
Enterprise Wi-Fi, routers, and communication hardware subject to national security reviews and encryption controls. Wireless and telecom equipment requires additional pre-shipment review — see Kazakhstan IOR for technology and research equipment.
Transformers, power supplies, and technical components critical for infrastructure projects.
Accurate preparation and regulatory checks are key to navigating Kazakhstan's customs successfully.
Global technology providers, industrial manufacturers, and medical companies expanding into Kazakhstan without a local entity.
Post-clearance, you receive proof of tax payment, customs release documents, and delivery confirmation.
Clarifications on entity requirements, VAT, and EAEU rules.
TFTIOR provides Importer of Record services in multiple countries. Explore active coverage below or view the full overview page.
