Starting April 1, Kazakhstan will strengthen its border controls on goods traded with member states by mandating waybills, known as CNT, for mutual trade. The plan comes from the Ministry of Finance and the State Revenue Committee, with Kadyr Ismagulov, head of the Administrative Department, outlining the strategy to DEA News. The objective is to curb informal trade and seal gaps that enable value-added tax losses across cross-border transactions within the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). (DEA News)
Ismagulov stressed that the CNT requirement is aimed at reducing shadow turnover and narrowing VAT gaps tied to cross-border commerce. The move builds on a previous pilot phase that ran on a voluntary basis starting in December 2020, designed to test and refine the electronic documentation process before full-scale deployment. The experience from the pilot informed the design of the electronic CNT system and set expectations for smoother future operations. (DEA News)
According to the plan, CNT registration will be completed electronically, using an electronic digital signature and secure data exchange prior to goods crossing the border. This digital framework is intended to deter fraudulent activity, including fake buyers or senders, bankrupt entities, or other schemes that complicate customs and tax administration. The automated system is designed to streamline border checks, improve the reliability of information on goods moving into and out of the country, and reduce delays at points of entry while strengthening enforcement. (DEA News)
In recent weeks, there has been heightened activity among Russian firms seeking Kazakh assistance to navigate around Western sanctions and to secure critical imports. These developments have raised attention to how the region’s trade and regulatory frameworks adapt to external pressures and evolving geopolitical realities. Kazakhstan’s policymakers have signaled a clear stance on sanctions regimes, aligning with international expectations while preserving regulatory integrity and economic interests. (DEA News)
Mukhtar Tleuberdi, who previously served as Deputy Prime Minister and led Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, commented on the country’s approach to sanctions. He stated that Kazakhstan does not intend to impose sanctions on Russia unilaterally beyond what is required by international norms, but it will not assist Moscow in circumventing Western measures. This balanced position reflects Kazakhstan’s broader strategy to protect economic ties and regional influence without becoming entangled in broader confrontations. As the CNT cross-border system takes effect, stakeholders will closely monitor how these policy choices interact with evolving sanctions landscapes and the practicalities of regional commerce. (DEA News)