Kazakhstan Introduces New Rules for Parcels Ordered from Foreign Marketplaces

Kazakhstan is introducing new rules for goods ordered by citizens from foreign marketplaces and delivered by mail or courier. The State Revenue Committee has clarified the details, Orda.kz reports

Such purchases will no longer be treated as «goods for personal use». Instead, they will be classified in a separate category of e-commerce goods, and a special declaration will be required.

How will duties change?

Currently, if a parcel’s value exceeds €200 (about 120,000 tenge), a duty of 15% applies to the amount above that threshold, or at least €2 per kg if the parcel weighs more than 31 kg. After the amendments take effect, the rules will change.

Duty will be charged at:

• 5% of the total value of the goods (if the value exceeds €200);
• at least €1 per kg;
• whichever is higher (based on value or weight).
• In addition, 16% VAT will apply.

The €200 threshold will remain, but the weight limit will be removed.

Who are e-commerce operators?

E-commerce operators are companies that handle the end-to-end processing of parcels ordered through cross-border online marketplaces. They are responsible for delivery, storage, customs clearance, and handing parcels over for final delivery to the customer.

A separate chapter has been added to the Customs Code of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), setting out the procedure for adding such companies to the official register, as well as their rights, obligations, and liability.

Tokayev has signed amendments to the EAEU Customs Code. The changes will enter into force once all ratification procedures are completed. The protocol has now been ratified by all EAEU member states except the Russian Federation.

Earlier, we reported on the ratification of the protocol amending the treaty on the EAEU Customs Code. The new rules are expected to simplify cross-border trade, increase transparency, and create uniform conditions for all e-commerce participants across the EAEU.

Original author: Asel Turar