Please find information on barriers (tariff and non-tariff) that the U.S. companies face when exporting to Kazakhstan at: USTR’s 2025 National Trade Estimate Report on Foreign Trade Barriers. Kazakhstan is gradually implementing Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) regulations on mandatory digital labeling. Since 2018, mandatory labeling has been introduced for several products, including fur, tobacco, footwear, pharmaceuticals, alcohol, and, as of July 2024, dairy products. Imported goods must be labeled before entering Kazakhstan, and the requirement applies equally to domestic and imported products, except for dairy products produced and consumed domestically. The government is considering subsidizing local companies by reimbursing their labeling costs.
Kazakhstan’s new Tax Code, set to take effect on January 1, 2026, introduces changes that could impact U.S. businesses operating in the country. The revised code raises the value-added tax (VAT) to 16 percent and lowers the VAT registration threshold to 40 million tenge, potentially increasing compliance costs for smaller U.S. firms. It also extends the statute of limitations for tax audits to five years for large businesses and those benefiting from investment incentives, which may affect long-term planning and risk management. While the government frames the reforms as a move toward greater transparency and fairness, U.S. companies should prepare for stricter reporting requirements and closer scrutiny from tax authorities.
For more information or assistance with trade barriers, please contact the Commercial Section of the U.S. Mission in Kazakhstan at office.almaty@trade.gov.