InfoHub Logo

From 1 January 2026, Kazakhstan raised the minimum retail price for cigarettes to 970 tenge per 20-pack and lifted tobacco excise under the new Tax Code—measures aimed at curbing consumption and squeezing illicit trade.

This was reported by the Infohub.kz news agency.

What changed

Under an order of the Finance Minister, the nationwide floor price is set at 970 tenge for packs of 20 cigarettes (filtered and unfiltered), papirosy, cigarillos, and heated tobacco consumables. The rule took effect on 1 January 2026 and continues amendments made in July 2025 to Order No. 196 dated 22 February 2022.

What was the previous minimum

From 1 July to 31 December 2025, the minimum retail price stood at 920 tenge per 20-pack. The new threshold is 50 tenge higher.

Excise rates through 2030

Starting in 2026, the new Tax Code increases all existing excise rates by 10%. For tobacco products, the excise is set at 18,051 tenge per 1,000 cigarettes in 2026 and is scheduled to rise progressively to 25,607 tenge by 2030.

Why it matters

Authorities expect the higher floor price and excise to limit affordability, discourage smoking, and reduce incentives for shadow-market sales. Retailers are required to comply with the floor, while consumers should not expect 20-pack prices to fall below 970 tenge.