Microchip Cargo Reportedly Turned Back at Kazakh–Russian Border Amid Stricter Checks and Mutual Accusations

Long lines of freight trucks continue to clog the Kazakhstan–Russia border, with thousands of vehicles backed up at multiple checkpoints, Orda.kz reports, citing Kommersant.

Shipments containing microchips and machine tools from China are being turned back, Orda.kz reports, citing the Kommersant newspaper.

Trucks continue to sit in kilometer-long queues at the Kazakh–Russian border, with thousands of freight vehicles stuck at the checkpoints.

A Kommersant source said customs officials are conducting thorough inspections of Chinese cargo. They are specifically targeting microchips and machine tools that could fall under sanctions or be used for dual purposes. Market participants claim such shipments are “turned back 100% of the time.”

Kazakh authorities, however, say the main reason is stricter control by Russian customs. This includes checks for gray imports. Raids are being carried out on both sides to identify unscrupulous shippers and obtain accurate information about the nature and content of cargo,
 the outlet writes.

The backlog has worsened due to the closure of Chinese checkpoints from October 1 to 8 for national holidays.

Earlier, it was reported that businesses were stunned by the massive delays at the Kazakhstan–Russia border. At three major crossings—Zhelkuar–Bugristoye, Jaisan–Veseloyarsk, and Mamlyutka–Petukhovo—at least 5,000 trucks were stuck on each side. 

Drivers complained of being held up for hours during inspections.

Original Author: Ruslan Loginov