Russia Media Claims Truck Delays at Kazakhstan–Russia Border

Inspection times for trucks crossing from Kazakhstan into Russia have increased significantly, reaching up to three days since mid-June, Orda.kz reports.

According to RBK, nearly all cargo shipments headed to Russia are now subject to full inspections at border checkpoints. 

Russian transport companies say Kazakh customs officers are especially thorough when checking consolidated cargo, i.e., shipments that combine goods from multiple companies, and often require certificates issued by Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Industry and Infrastructure Development.

Stricter controls also apply to goods such as medical supplies, food, equipment, industrial items, and chemicals.

This is how Kazakhstan’s customs service monitors compliance with the requirements for the mandatory execution of accompanying invoices for goods and restrictions on the transportation of certain groups of goods without special permits,
RBK reports. 

Technical issues have also added to the delays — limited infrastructure and malfunctions in electronic queuing systems have reportedly contributed to the backlog.

Supposedly, the average delivery time from Almaty to Moscow has increased by about one-third, while transportation costs have risen by 25%. Long lines have formed at major border points, including Petukhovo–Jana Jol, Bugristoe–Qayraq, and Veseloyarsk–Auyl.

A similar situation occurred a year ago when Russian trucks arriving from the EU were held up at Kazakh customs.

Orda.kz has sent an inquiry to the State Revenue Committee for further clarification.

Original Author: Nikita Drobny