Kazakhstan tightens personal car import rules from Sept 26

September 27, 2026 at 04:54 PM2 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

Kazakhstan will restrict personal car imports starting Sept 26, 2026, limiting vehicles to those under 5 years old and Euro-5 standard. The new rules require customs clearance rates from 48% for individuals and 15% for legal entities. The changes come as part of a broader regulatory overhaul ordered by the prime minister in June.

Key Facts

From Sept 26, 2026, laboratories issuing electronic vehicle passports (EPTS) will accept documents only for cars under 5 years old imported for personal use.
Vehicles older than 5 years imported from Eurasian Economic Union states will receive 'incomplete' EPTS status and will not be accepted for primary registration in Kazakhstan.
Individuals importing cars for personal use will face a customs rate of at least 48% or a combined payment of 1.5 euros per cubic centimeter.
Legal entities importing vehicles under type approval (OTTS) will pay a 15% customs rate.
A government decree effective Sept 22, 2026, requires recycling fee payment documents to be processed before filling out the passenger customs declaration.

Import Restrictions

The Ministry of Industry signed an order requiring EPTS laboratories to accept documents only for vehicles under 5 years old imported for personal use under a passenger customs declaration. The order takes effect on Sept 26, 2026. Electronic passports issued for cars older than 5 years imported from Eurasian Economic Union countries will be marked as 'incomplete'. Such vehicles will no longer be accepted for primary registration in Kazakhstan.

Customs Rates

The 2024 import norm for individuals allows one car per year, with an optional trailer up to 3.5 tonnes or a motorhome, under SBKTS certification. The customs rate for personal use is at least 48% or a combined payment of 1.5 euros per cubic centimeter. Legal entities importing under type approval (OTTS) pay a 15% customs rate.

Regulatory Changes

A government decree published on Sept 11, 2026, and effective Sept 22, 2026, amended the rules for extended producer obligations. The decree requires recycling fee payment documents to be processed before filling out the passenger customs declaration, within the customs control zone. The Ministry of Transport is preparing changes to Order No. 342 to set a Euro-5 environmental standard and a 5-year age limit for vehicles and motorcycles imported by individuals for personal use. The Ministry of Internal Affairs will amend vehicle registration rules (Order No. 862) to allow primary registration only in the name of the importer listed in customs documents. The Ministry of Trade will update the rules for filling out SBKTS certificates.