Zhumangarin Discusses Border Congestion and “Gray” Imports with Russian Ambassador

Kazakhstan’s Minister of National Economy, Serik Zhumangarin, met with Russian Ambassador to Kazakhstan Alexey Borodavkin to discuss the growing congestion at border crossings, Orda.kz reports.

The two officials addressed kilometer-long queues of trucks waiting to cross into Russia.

Separately, the issue of a comprehensive solution to the accumulation of trucks waiting to enter the Russian Federation near border checkpoints was raised, with an emphasis on the need for joint efforts to combat ‘gray’ imports, according to a statement from the Russian Embassy in Kazakhstan.

However, Russian customs authorities maintain that border checkpoints are operating normally, explaining that inspections are conducted inside the country, near the border.

The checks last no more than eight minutes and are aimed at preventing the illegal import of cheap and unsafe goods, the Russian Federal Customs Service stated.

Meanwhile, Kazakh truck drivers are voicing mass complaints about being added to Russia’s “Register of Controlled Persons,” which makes it difficult for them to re-enter the country.

According to Majilis Member Bolatbek Nazhmetdinuly, this situation is creating serious risks for Kazakhstan’s transport sector.

Tens of thousands of drivers and international companies are at risk,
 the lawmaker warned.

Nazhmetdinuly explained that the difficulties stem from migration regulations introduced in Russia in 2024, which limit Kazakh citizens’ stay in the country to no more than 90 days per year.

He stressed that these rules fail to take into account the specifics of international freight transport, effectively putting professional drivers in violation of Russian law.

He also noted that time spent in Belarus is counted cumulatively, further complicating compliance, while long queues at the border only worsen the situation.

Nazhmetdinuly cautioned, urging that the issue be brought before the Eurasian Economic Commission.

The problem at the Kazakh-Russian border has persisted since late September. The queues may have been caused by tighter inspections of cargo arriving from China. There is speculation that Kazakhstan's customs officials are turning back shipments of microchips and machine tools over concerns about potential violations of international sanctions.

Original Author: Ruslan Loginov