Kazakhstan's Atameken asks EAEU court to rule on Russian duties

September 11, 2026 at 04:24 PM2 min

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Kazakhstan's Atameken chamber has filed a request with the Eurasian Economic Union court seeking clarification on Russia's application of higher customs duties to goods already cleared in Kazakhstan. The chamber argues the practice violates EAEU rules on free movement of goods. The court has accepted the application and confirmed Atameken's right to represent Kazakh business.

Key Facts

Atameken filed the request with the EAEU court after Russia began charging higher duties on goods cleared in Kazakhstan from late 2025.
The court confirmed Atameken's right to represent Kazakh business and accepted the application, with the ruling not subject to appeal.
This is Kazakhstan's second EAEU complaint against Russia, following a Eurasian Economic Commission decision that Russia's blocking of certificates from partner countries was a trade barrier.

The Dispute

Since late 2025, Russian customs has imposed higher duties on goods from third countries that have already cleared Kazakh customs and obtained EAEU Union goods status. Under EAEU rules, such goods should move freely between member states without additional payments. Atameken states that Russia's practice creates additional financial burdens, raises product costs, disrupts logistics chains, and reduces the competitiveness of Kazakh suppliers in the Russian market.

Court Request

Atameken asks the court to clarify whether goods cleared in one EAEU country can move freely throughout the Union and whether Russia may apply higher national duties to them. The chamber also seeks rulings on whether Union goods status can be lost and whether EAEU rules permit trade restrictions between member states. The court confirmed Atameken's right to act on behalf of Kazakh business and accepted the application, with the ruling not subject to appeal.

Broader Context

This is Kazakhstan's second EAEU claim against Russia in recent months. The Eurasian Economic Commission previously found that Russia's blocking of certificates issued in partner countries, including Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, constituted a trade barrier. Russia was ordered to remove that barrier within 60 days.