Kazakhstan is preparing to tighten requirements for importing used cars by individuals: they will be allowed to import vehicles no older than five years and with an environmental class of at least Euro-5. At the same time, legal entities and individual entrepreneurs will still be able to import Euro-4 and higher class cars without age restrictions, according to infohub.kz.
The upcoming amendments became known through a publication by Kolesa.kz. Thus, for ordinary citizens the bar on environmental friendliness and vehicle age will be noticeably stricter than for businesses.
The Ministry of Transport explains the amendments by the need to reduce harmful emissions, improve air quality in major cities and fulfill Kazakhstan's climate commitments. Another goal is to renew the country's vehicle fleet.
At the same time, the ministry does not explain why businesses, unlike ordinary citizens, retain the ability to import vehicles with higher emissions.
The procedure for determining the environmental class is not planned to be changed. It will continue to be established under the current requirements of Order No. 342 of the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Kazakhstan, which take into account the country of origin of the vehicle or engine, the vehicle category and the year of manufacture.
Therefore, the age of the car alone will not be enough: before importing, an individual will have to make sure that the vehicle meets Euro-5 or a higher class.
The amendments have passed public discussion. According to Kolesa.kz, the document is to be signed and published in the near future. After that, the new requirements will come into force.
Recall that since September 28, 2026, amended rules for importing cars have already been in effect for individuals, providing for restrictions on vehicle age and customs payments. The eco-class requirement will become an additional condition for import.
Earlier, experts speaking with Kursiv Auto explained how the new car import rules will affect private importers, official dealers and buyers.