Committees

Trade, Transport and Logistics

The Trade, Transport, and Logistics Committee brings together logistics providers, manufactures, freight operators, and legal experts to address challenges in cross-border trade, customs procedures, and transport infrastructure. It focuses on removing practical barriers, improving supply chain efficiency, and advancing policy reforms that strengthen Kazakhstan’s position as a key regional transit and logistics hub.

Working Groups/Issues

Customs Valuation and Inclusion of DividendsCustoms authorities are including dividend payments to foreign shareholders in the customs value of imported goods, leading to unjustified additional duties and VAT without a legal basis in EAEU or Kazakh law.
Delays and Lack of Transparency at Central Customs Laboratory Prolonged processing times and lack of transparency at the Central Customs Laboratory delay cargo clearance for up to two months, creating inefficiencies and risks for importers.
Keden Customs Declaration System DeficienciesThe new Keden system lacks key functionalities, such as multi-shipment handling and currency visibility, complicating declarations and compliance for logistics operators.
Middle CorridorPort Congestion, Vessel Shortages, and Cost Inefficiencies – Severe congestion and limited vessel capacity at Caspian ports cause long delays and high costs, discouraging shippers from using the Middle Corridor route.
E-Queue System at China-Kazakhstan Border CrossingsThe e-queue system is heavily overbooked, forcing long waiting times and limiting truck utilization, while high-cost express slots create unfair access barriers.
E-System for Transit Permits (Dozvols) and Paper DelaysDespite partial digitalization, companies still face delays receiving physical permits and restrictive validity periods that reduce operational efficiency.
Disproportionate Allocation of Dozvols for Lithuania and LatviaKazakh carriers face shortages of transit permits compared to foreign operators, undermining competitiveness and efficient fleet utilization.
Transit Documentation Requirements and Permit Procedures in KazakhstanCustoms authorities continue to require unnecessary conformity certificates and issue unclear export control refusals, causing delays and duplication in transit processing.

Frequency of Meetings

  • Committee Meetings – on a quarterly basis
  • Working Group Meetings – by request, depending on the needs of members.

Key Achievements

Realization of the Trade Mission on the Middle Corridor covering Aktau, Baku, and Tbilisi in September 2025.

Upcoming Committee Meetings

Issue Briefs and Positions