Key points
- Rail via Dostyk or Altynkol suits full containers; trucks via Khorgos–Nurzhol suit urgent or part loads.
- Kazakhstan VAT on imports is 16% from 1 January 2026, not the old 12%.
- Duty follows the EAEU Common Customs Tariff and is paid once for the whole union.
- Most consumer goods need an EAC certificate or declaration held by an EAEU-registered company.
- Goods for Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan or Russia can cross Kazakhstan under customs transit, subject to compliance checks.
The main routes and border crossings
Kazakhstan shares a long land border with Xinjiang, so almost all China–Kazakhstan freight goes overland. Two rail gateways carry the bulk of it: Alashankou–Dostyk, the oldest and busiest crossing (8,165 trains in 2025), and Khorgos–Altynkol, which links to the Zhetygen–Altynkol line toward Almaty. Trucks mainly use Khorgos–Nurzhol, next to the Khorgos International Centre of Boundary Cooperation, with smaller road crossings at Bakhty, Maikapchagai and Kalzhat. Kazakhstan–China rail freight reached 18.7 million tonnes in the first half of 2026, up 9%.
| Crossing (China / Kazakhstan) | Mode | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alashankou / Dostyk | Rail and road | Containers to Almaty, Astana and the north | Busiest rail gateway; gauge change 1,435 to 1,520 mm |
| Khorgos / Altynkol | Rail | Containers to Almaty and the south; transit to Uzbekistan | Khorgos Eastern Gate dry port; gauge change |
| Khorgos / Nurzhol | Road | Trucks to Almaty, part loads, urgent cargo | Main truck crossing; queues in peak periods |
| Baketu / Bakhty | Road (rail under construction) | North-east Kazakhstan | Bakhty–Ayagoz railway targeted for 2027 |
| Dulata / Kalzhat | Road | Almaty region | Smaller crossing; capacity being expanded |
Rail vs road: which one fits your cargo
- Best for full 20' or 40' containers and heavy goods
- Typically about 7–14 days from eastern China to Almaty, 3–6 days from Urumqi
- Containers are lifted to 1,520 mm broad-gauge wagons at Dostyk or Altynkol, which takes about 1–3 days
- Rail LCL is possible but adds about 2–4 days
- Transport document: SMGS or CIM/SMGS railway bill
- Best for part loads, urgent orders and door delivery to warehouses away from rail terminals
- Typically about 8–14 days door to door from a factory in eastern China to Almaty
- Cargo is often transloaded at Khorgos from Chinese to Kazakh trucks
- LTL is often charged on a ratio such as 1 CBM = 333 kg; carriers vary
- Transport document: CMR consignment note, usually under TIR
- Rail to a Kazakh terminal, then truck to the final address
- Useful when the consignee is far from Almaty or Astana
- One customs clearance at the inland post, then free circulation
EAEU duty and 16% VAT: how the taxes work
Kazakhstan is a member of the Eurasian Economic Union with Russia, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan and Armenia. That means one Common Customs Tariff based on the 10-digit TN VED EAEU code. Most industrial goods carry 0–15% duty, and some lines have specific rates per kilogram or per unit. Duty is charged on the customs value, which is the goods plus freight and insurance to the EAEU border. Import VAT is then charged on customs value plus duty plus any excise. The EAEU also applies anti-dumping duties to some Chinese goods, such as certain steel products and tyres, so check the Eurasian Economic Commission list for your HS code. Customs fees per declaration are set nationally and your broker quotes them.
| Line (illustrative example) | Base | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Customs value (goods + freight + insurance to the EAEU border) | – | USD 50,000 |
| Import duty at an assumed 10% | USD 50,000 | USD 5,000 |
| VAT at 16% | USD 50,000 + USD 5,000 | USD 8,800 |
| Total duty and VAT | – | USD 13,800 plus national customs fees |
EAC certificates, labels and marking
- Higher-risk goods (children's products, toys, many electrical items, some machinery) need an EAC Certificate of Conformity issued after testing in an accredited lab.
- Lower-risk goods (many textiles, furniture, many electrical goods) need an EAC Declaration of Conformity registered in the national registry.
- The applicant must be a company registered in the EAEU; a Chinese factory needs an authorised representative there.
- Chemicals, cosmetics and some food-contact materials need State Registration (SGR).
- The EAC mark and labels in Russian are expected, plus Kazakh where Kazakh law requires it.
- Kazakhstan's national marking system already covers tobacco, shoes and medicines, beer and motor oils since 1 February 2026, and phases in clothing and textiles from 1 December 2026.
Documents for a Kazakhstan import
0/8Shipping step by step
- Classify the goodsAgree the 10-digit TN VED EAEU code with your broker; it sets duty, VAT, certification and marking rules.
- Arrange certificates earlyEAC certification can take 1–4 weeks, so start before the goods are ready.
- Book rail or truckChoose Dostyk, Altynkol or Nurzhol based on cargo size, urgency and final city.
- Export clearance in ChinaThe shipper files the export declaration; the container or truck is sealed.
- Advance informationThe carrier sends electronic preliminary information to Kazakh customs before arrival.
- Border and gauge changeRail containers move to broad-gauge wagons; trucks may transload to Kazakh carriers.
- Transit to inland customsGoods can travel under EAEU customs transit to a customs post near the importer, for example in Almaty.
- Declaration and paymentA licensed broker files the Declaration for Goods; duty, VAT and fees are paid and the goods are released.
Transit through Kazakhstan to other countries
Kazakhstan is also the main land bridge to Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, the Caspian ports of Aktau and Kuryk, and Russia. Goods can cross under EAEU customs transit or a TIR carnet without paying Kazakh duty, then clear in the destination country. A transit guarantee is normally needed. If you clear goods in Kazakhstan and sell them on to Kyrgyzstan or Russia, duty is not paid again, but VAT is charged in the country of sale. Goods imported at Kazakhstan's lower WTO-list rates must pay the difference before moving to another member.
Plan your load and test your knowledge
Usable space: 20GP ~25–28 CBM, 40GP ~55–58, 40HQ ~65–68.
Kazakhstan import quick check
Frequently asked questions
How long does shipping from China to Kazakhstan take?
By rail, typically about 7–14 days from eastern China to Almaty and 3–6 days from Xinjiang. By truck, about 8–14 days door to door from eastern China. Border queues, peak season and holidays can add days.
What is the VAT on imports into Kazakhstan?
16% from 1 January 2026, charged on customs value plus duty plus excise. The previous 12% rate no longer applies. Medicines have a 5% rate in 2026.
Which border crossing is best from China to Kazakhstan?
For rail containers, Alashankou–Dostyk or Khorgos–Altynkol. For trucks, Khorgos–Nurzhol. The choice depends on cargo size, final city and current queues, which our team checks when quoting.
Do I pay duty again if I sell the goods from Kazakhstan to Russia or Kyrgyzstan?
Usually not, because the EAEU is one customs territory. VAT is due in the country of sale, goods imported at Kazakhstan's lower WTO rates must pay the difference, and sanctions rules apply to anything linked to Russia.
Do I need an EAC certificate to import into Kazakhstan?
Most consumer and many industrial goods need an EAC certificate or declaration before release. It must be held by a company registered in the EAEU.
Does Golden Way ship from China to Kazakhstan?
Yes. Our China to Central Asia service by rail and road via Khorgos is running, with typical door-to-door times of 10–20 days. Our team quotes within one working day.
Sources
- Eurasian Economic Commission: Common Customs Tariff and technical regulations
- Treaty on the EAEU and Customs Code of the EAEU
- State Revenue Committee of Kazakhstan (KGD)
- KGD: Kazakhstan and China agree to increase border capacity
- Tengrinews: Tokayev signs new Tax Code with VAT hike to 16%
- Thomson Reuters ONESOURCE: VAT reform 2026, key changes Russia and Kazakhstan
- Kazakhstan Temir Zholy: Bakhty–Ayagoz railway construction timeline
- Astana Hub: Product marking in Kazakhstan
General information checked on the date shown. Rules and rates change: our team confirms the details for your shipment.