Understanding auto import duties is crucial when shipping a vehicle.
Importing vehicles into Kazakhstan mandates several payment obligations, detailed below:
- Customs clearance fee - the charge amounts to 6 MCI (equivalent to 22,152 tenge in 2025).
- Import custom duty - these fees are determined as per the Unified Customs Tariff of the Eurasian Economic Union, with rates fluctuating based on the vehicle's year of manufacturing, engine volume, and type, spanning from 0% to 18%, or fixed depending on the unit of measurement.
- Excise tax - levied on passenger cars and other motor vehicles with engine capacities exceeding 3,000 cubic centimeters, at a rate of 100 tenge per 1 cubic centimeter.
- Value Added Tax (VAT) - accounting for 12% of the taxable import value.
It's worth noting that, under Kazakhstan's World Trade Organization (WTO) accession commitments, reduced import custom duty rates may apply. Nevertheless, vehicles imported at lower duty rates cannot be exported beyond Kazakhstan's borders.
The State Revenue Committee urges participants in foreign economic activities to abide by the established regulations and pay mandatory fees as soon as vehicles are imported.
Regarding Kazakhstan’s vehicle import duties related to WTO accession, it is important to note that upon joining the WTO in 2015, Kazakhstan agreed to binding its maximum customs duty rates on motor vehicles. These bound tariff rates typically fall within a certain range that adheres to non-discrimination and gradual tariff reduction principles. As a result, import duties on vehicles are usually applied close to or within this bound range to protect the domestic industry while complying with WTO rules. Kazakhstan also applies value-added tax (VAT) and other applicable taxes on top of customs duties. Unlike some countries that have introduced high import tariffs on vehicles, Kazakhstan’s tariffs remain consistent with its WTO commitments and have not witnessed abrupt hikes or additional tariffs beyond those agreed-upon bindings.
For precise, numeric, or detailed tariff schedules, consult Kazakhstan’s Customs Committee or the official WTO tariff schedules for Kazakhstan.
- Upon joining the World Trade Organization in 2015, I understood that Kazakhstan agreed to bind its maximum customs duty rates on motor vehicles, such as those in the automotive industry, to protect the domestic industry while complying with WTO rules.
- As I navigate the process of importing a vehicle into Kazakhstan, I am aware that I will be responsible for paying not only the customs clearance fee and customs duty, but also excise tax on passenger cars with engine capacities exceeding 3,000 cubic centimeters, value-added tax, and other applicable taxes, which are all significant aspects of the transportation and finance industries.
