Kazakhstan has officially clarified the procedure for importing cars by individuals: starting September 28, 2026, restrictions on vehicle age and import method will apply when issuing an electronic vehicle passport (EPTS) and a vehicle design safety certificate (SBKTS). Authorities emphasize that most requirements already existed, but are now being consolidated into a unified system, according to infohub.kz.
Under the new rules, EPTS and SBKTS for individuals will be issued only for vehicles no older than five years imported under a passenger customs declaration. In addition, the Ministry of Transport announced an environmental class requirement — Euro-5 or higher. It is planned to be applied during the initial admission of imported cars.
There is also a restriction on EPTS issuance: one individual may obtain it for only one vehicle per year. The owner's data will be cross-checked against the declarant listed in the passenger customs declaration.
Customs clearance depends on the purpose of import. If a car is imported for personal use, a passenger customs declaration applies, and payments are calculated at the unified rates of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). For vehicles no older than three years, the rate depends on value; for older ones, it depends on engine displacement and age.
For commercial imports, a goods declaration is used. In this case, customs duty, import duty, and a 16% value-added tax (VAT) are paid, and for some cars with engine displacement over 3 liters, an excise tax is also levied.
The calculation mechanism for the recycling fee has not changed. However, as of September 22, individuals must obtain a certificate of payment before the vehicle is released into free circulation, i.e., before customs clearance is completed.
For individual entrepreneurs and legal entities, the procedure remains the same: the certificate is required before the initial registration of the vehicle, and if it is sold earlier, before the sale.
Authorities explain the changes as necessary to streamline imports, renew the vehicle fleet, and increase transparency in vehicle registration. The Kazakhstan Automobile Union believes the new procedure will allow for advance verification of origin, history, and legal cleanliness of vehicles.
However, importers and dealers who buy and drive cars from abroad disagree with the changes. The day before, they sent an open letter to the president demanding the cancellation of the procedure and pointing to high rates on imported used cars.
Earlier, Kursiv Auto reported what private importers think about combating "gray" imports. And here you can find out how much customs clearance of cars will cost under the new rules.