From September 26, 2024, updated rules for importing vehicles by individuals from other countries came into force in Kazakhstan. The changes affect the number of documents issued, vehicle age, and a number of technical requirements, reports infohub.kz.
Under the new rules, an individual may obtain a vehicle design safety certificate (SBKTS) no more than once per calendar year. This restriction applies to passenger cars, minibuses, and light trucks imported from third countries for personal use.
Along with the vehicle, it is permitted to import one trailer with a gross weight of up to 3.5 tonnes inclusive, as well as a "house-trailer" for living or auto-tourism. An exception is a trailer for transporting cars.
In 2024, Kazakhstan already adopted amendments limiting vehicle import opportunities. Individuals could import cars only with an SBKTS at a customs rate for personal use starting from 48% or from 1.5 euros per cubic centimeter as a combined payment. Legal entities required a vehicle type approval (OTTS) document. These measures were aimed at combating gray imports.
As noted in the source, at the end of September the limit was additionally stipulated in another regulatory act and supplemented with stricter requirements. "From September 26, 2024, changes to the rules for issuing vehicle design safety certificates (SBKTS) came into force in Kazakhstan. According to the document published by the Ministry of Trade, an SBKTS for a passenger car, minibus, or light truck imported by an individual from third countries for personal use is now issued no more than once per calendar year," the source reports.
The new rules also establish a list of vehicles for which SBKTS issuance is prohibited. This includes vehicles imported not for personal use (not under a passenger customs declaration); vehicles that do not meet permissible parameters (Euro-4 standard, which may be replaced by Euro-5); vehicles older than 5 years imported by an individual from EAEU countries (electronic passports are not issued for such vehicles); and vehicles converted from right-hand drive to left-hand drive.
Thus, individuals will not be able to import vehicles meeting these criteria into Kazakhstan.
In addition, the updated rules tighten the registration procedure. "The updated rules establish that when issuing an SBKTS, the VIN code (Vehicle Identification Number) applied to the body (frame), the manufacturer's identification plate, as well as additional VIN marking under the windshield (if present) must be recorded. The process of inspecting the vehicle in a testing laboratory, including checking the SOS button functionality, must be recorded on video from four sides. Inspection materials are stored for at least 3 years from the date of issuance of the safety certificate," reports Kolesa.kz.
Recall that earlier Almaty residents were advised to retrieve cars towed to impound lots before October 4 — from that date new tariffs come into effect. It was also reported that cars in Kazakhstan became cheaper, and at the end of September rates for auto-leasing programs were approved.