AmCham and Government Align on Phased Approach to Track & Trace
9 Oct 2025, 18:27
AmCham News
AmCham and Government Align on Phased Approach to Track & Trace
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy of Kazakhstan Serik Zhumangarin met with of the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) in Kazakhstan on October 7 to discuss the implementation of the Track & Trace (digital labeling) system.
This meeting marked another milestone in the consistent and constructive dialogue between AmCham, its member companies, and the Government of Kazakhstan. Since the beginning of the year, the FMCG Committee has been established and identified Track & Trace as its key focus area, with AmCham actively advancing this issue. The Chamber held several internal meetings, developed and submitted an Issue Brief to the Government, and conducted a survey among its members to consolidate the industry’s position.
To broaden support for the AmCham position, a joint Round Table with the European Business Association of Kazakhstan (EUROBAK) was held on September 2, the first-ever joint event between the two chambers, dedicated entirely to Track & Trace. The topic was then elevated to the Prime Minister’s Council to Improve the Investment Climate on September 19, where it became the sole agenda item. The session included participation from the Head of the EU Delegation and representatives of the U.S. Embassy, underscoring the issue’s importance for the international business community.
As a result of this ongoing cooperation, the Government announced several important steps reflecting a balanced and phased approach to implementation:
- The adoption of a phased schedule for the rollout of the Track & Trace system.
- Consideration of compensation mechanisms for businesses’ capital expenditures related to Track & Trace.
- An adjusted timeline for the beer industry, extending the main implementation phase by 11 months – from February 2026 to January 2027.
Deputy Prime Minister Zhumangarin emphasized that the Government highly values the contribution of foreign investors and the American Chamber of Commerce to improving Kazakhstan’s investment climate.
AmCham Executive Director Jeff Erlich highlighted that FMCG companies represent the largest single group of AmCham members, collectively investing hundreds of millions of dollars in production facilities that will create thousands of sustainable jobs across Kazakhstan. He welcomed the Government’s decision as a positive step toward ensuring stability and predictability for long-term investors.
Efes Kazakhstan’s Corporate Affairs Director, Chingiz Kaskeyev, confirmed that businesses support the introduction of digital labeling and appreciate the Government’s step-by-step approach.
Deputy Prime Minister Zhumangarin reaffirmed that the Government has a clear implementation plan and stressed the importance of setting firm deadlines to allow market participants to prepare in advance.
“We are ready to postpone labeling of bottles and cans until January 2027, but given the seasonal nature of the brewing industry, labeling of kegs should begin in September 2026. Applying labels to kegs does not require automation and involves minimal costs,” he stated.
He further added that under the new Tax Code, the Government is ready to explore additional incentives for businesses through tax deductions that may exceed the actual costs of implementation. To develop this mechanism, the Ministry of National Economy and the Ministry of Finance have been tasked with preparing proposals to ensure that the labeling process remains economically beneficial for market participants.
AmCham thanks the FMCG Committee and its Chair Chingiz Kaskeyev Efes Kazakhstan JSC FE, and members from Coca-Cola CCI, Carlsberg Group, PepsiCo, Nestlé, Mondelēz International, Procter & Gamble, and Mary Kay Global for championing this issue. We will continue working with the Government to ensure that the voice of business is heard and that policies contribute to a strong and competitive investment climate in Kazakhstan.
