Types of Shipments
Not all types of shipments are created equal. Shipping a television will
require different paperwork, duties, and taxes than shipping an accounting
statement, for example.
Here is a list of the most common types of shipments:
You can also skip ahead to the table containing the list of
Commonly Required Documents.
Documents Only
Kazakhstan allows the following items as document shipments:
- Airline tickets
- Bids and proposals
- Blueprints
- Cash letters
- Computer print-outs
- Diplomas
- Drawings, including sepia drawings
- Driver's licence
- Intercompany mail
- Manuscripts
- Mylars
- Passports
- Photographs
- Seismic data
- Specifications sheets
- Visa applications
Certain documents shipped to Kazakhstan have restrictions as shown
below:
| Document Type | Restriction |
|---|
| Cheques | Must be blank; all other types of cheques are prohibited |
| Event tickets (concerts, stage performances, football - soccer
- matches) | Maximum shipment weight of 5 kg and cannot be a shipment from a
printing company to an organiser or sales office of an event |
| Examination papers | Maximum shipment weight of 5 kg |
| Newsletters | Only if they are for company use |
Sources:
https://www.ups.com/ga/CountryRegs?loc=en_US
Shipping Gifts
Kazakhstan does not recognise gift shipments as a category of
shipments; therefore, all shipments of this sort will incur taxes and
duty regardless of their value.
Shipments from Individual-to-Individual
There are no exemptions for gift shipments to an individual in
Kazakhstan from an individual in Canada.
Shipments from Business-to-Business
Gift shipments to a business in Kazakhstan from a business in Canada
will incur duty and taxes no matter their value.
Shipments from Business-to-Individual
Gifts sent to an individual care of his or her business address in
Kazakhstan will be levied taxes and duty regardless of the value of
the gift.
Gift Checklist
- A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
- The words 'Gift Shipment' or 'Unsolicited Gift' are included on the
commercial invoice, even if the shipment is sent at Christmas time (see sample)
- List the items in the parcel and write the value of each
- Sending more than one gift in the parcel? Wrap and tag each one
individually.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Alikhan Bukeikhanov
44, MK-OH CAMAN-1
Almaty
Kazakhstan
Phone: +1 242-364-1567 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Personal Shipment / Gift Shipment
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 Each | Gift Shipment: LEGO Star Wars Rebel UWing Fighter, 659 piece set
| CA | $79.99 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Gifts
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $79.99
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Multiple Gifts in One Shipment
If you ship several gifts in one parcel, be sure to wrap and tag each
one separately.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Alikhan Bukeikhanov
44, MK-OH CAMAN-1
Almaty
Kazakhstan
Phone: +1 242-364-1567 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Unsolicited Gift: Consolidated Gift Package
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 Each | Gift - Roger: LEGO Star Wars Rebel UWing Fighter, 659 piece set
| CA | $39.99 |
| 1 Each | Gift - Erica: Handwoven French Canadian Catalogne Blanket
| CA | $49.99 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Gifts
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $89.98
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Sources:
https://www.ups.com/ga/CountryRegs?loc=en_US
Shipping Personal Effects
Personal effects may enter Kazakhstan from Canada exempt from duty and
taxes providing:
- They are for the use of the individual and his or her family
- They are not for commercial purposes, i.e. not for sale
- They own the goods within the shipment
Moving Temporarily
Students
There is no information at this time concerning students moving
temporarily to Kazakhstan with their personal effects in order to
study.
Non-Students
There is no information at this time regarding non-students moving
temporarily to Kazakhstan with their personal effects.
Moving Permanently
Individuals and families moving to Kazakhstan may ship their personal
effects without payment of duty and taxes.
The conditions of the importation include:
- The goods are owned by the shipper
- The items are for the use in the household of the owner(s)
- The shipment cannot be construed as commercial in nature, i.e. the
goods are not for sale
Personal Effects Checklist
- A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
- Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'Personal Effects' (see sample)
- A detailed description of each item is provided including their
monetary value
Sources:
http://adilet.zan.kz/eng/docs/K1700000123
Sample Commercial Invoice for Personal Effects
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Alikhan Bukeikhanov
44, MK-OH CAMAN-1
Almaty
Kazakhstan
Phone: +1 242-364-1567 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Personal effects being delivered to my new address.
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 5 Pairs | Personal Effects: 5 pairs of various types of shoes
| IN | $40.00 |
| 1 Each | Personal Effects: Arc'terix Winter Jacket
| CA | $478.00 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Personal Effects
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $678.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Food, Chocolate, Candies
There is limited information at this time regarding the shipment of
foodstuffs to Kazakhstan.
Senders are required to provide a safety certificate to ship
foodstuffs.
You May Ship
Do Not Ship
Food, Chocolate, Candies Checklist
- Clearly indicate 'Food' on the commercial invoice in the General Description
or Remarks section (see sample)
- Ensure that your food, chocolate, or candies may be imported into the
country
- You are not shipping commercial quantities (for any duty & tax exemption)
- Check with your carrier that they will accept food shipments
Sources:
https://www.macmap.org/
Sample Commercial Invoice for Food, Chocolate, Candies
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Alikhan Bukeikhanov
44, MK-OH CAMAN-1
Almaty
Kazakhstan
Phone: +1 242-364-1567 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Food Shipment - Assorted chocolate bars in their original manufacturer's packaging
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 Box | Nestle Chocolate Bars in original packaging expiring May 2021 (shelf life of 6 months or longer)
| CA | $20.00 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Permanent / Sold
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $20.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Samples
Commercial samples are shipped to advertise products and entice sales
of goods.
Samples shipped to Kazakhstan for the purpose of demonstration or
promotion are exempt from duty and taxes providing:
- The shipments are a temporary importation
- The samples are in single copies
Samples may not include items such as:
- Consumables
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tobacco products
- Foodstuffs
Commercial Sample Checklist
- A Commercial Invoice must be included with your shipment
- Clearly indicate 'Commercial Samples' on the commercial invoice in the
General Description & Detailed Description of Goods (see sample)
- The item shipped has tearing, perforation, slashing, defacing, or has
permanent marking clearing indicating the item as commercial sample
Sources:
http://adilet.zan.kz/eng/docs/K1700000123
Sample Commercial Invoice for Commercial Sample
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Alikhan Bukeikhanov
44, MK-OH CAMAN-1
Almaty
Kazakhstan
Phone: +1 242-364-1567 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Commercial Sample - Not for Resale
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 Box | Commercial Sample - Advanced reading copy of Dan Brown's novel.
| CA | $20.00 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Commercial Sample
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $20.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Advertising Material
Advertising material may be shipped to Kazakhstan exempt from taxes
and duty if it is a temporary import.
If the advertising in the form of a sample, then only one copy is
allowed for demonstration purposes.
Advertising Material Checklist
- Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'Promotional Material - Not for
Resale' (see sample)
- A detailed description of each item is provided
Sources:
http://adilet.zan.kz/eng/docs/K1700000123
Sample Commercial Invoice for Promotional Material
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Alikhan Bukeikhanov
44, MK-OH CAMAN-1
Almaty
Kazakhstan
Phone: +1 242-364-1567 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Promotional Material - Not for Resale
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 Each | Promotional Material: Not for Resale. Product pamphlets to hand out at trade show.
| CA | $163.00 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Promotional Material
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $163.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Repairs
Equipment shipped to Kazakhstan for repairs will be exempt from VAT on
the service charges and the cost of replacement parts.
Items Under Warranty
No GST will be charged for equipment and items under warranty that are
repaired in Kazakhstan and returned to Canada.
Items No Longer Under Warranty
GST will be charged if an item is sent to Kazakhstan for repairs and
is no longer under warranty. GST will be applied to the value of the
repair work plus any parts added for the repair, and on any duties
charged.
Sending Product for Repair to Kazakhstan
When you send equipment for repair to Kazakhstan, VAT will not be
charged for the repair nor on any parts replaced during the service.
Returning Repaired Product to Kazakhstan
Equipment repaired in Canada will be exempt from GST when returned to
Kazakhstan providing the work was done under warranty.
If the repairs were not done under a warranty, then GST will be
charged on the service charges plus any parts used to complete the
repair.
Repair Checklist
- Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'REPAIR & RETURN' under the General
Description or Remarks, and include the estimated time of return(see sample)
- Include repair contract with shipment
- Serial or product number and the cost of repairs should be indicated under
the Detailed Description of Goods section
- Include the original shipping documents or tracking number from when the
item was first exported to Kazakhstan or exported to Canada (depending on
which case applies)
- A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
Sources:
http://adilet.zan.kz/eng/docs/K080000099_
Sample Commercial Invoice for Warranty Repair
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Alikhan Bukeikhanov
44, MK-OH CAMAN-1
Almaty
Kazakhstan
Phone: +1 242-364-1567 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Repair and Return - Watch being sent for repair
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 Each | Fossil Watch being sent for repair - Model E5, serial # 789456FG7E2 - Repair Cost $76.00
| US | $163.00 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Warranty Repair
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $163.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Temporary Imports
Goods shipped to Kazakhstan from Canada as temporary imports are
exempt from duty and taxes if:
- They stay no longer than 2 years in the country
- They are unchanged aside from normal wear-and-tear
Goods often shipped as temporary imports include:
- Products for display at exhibitions and trade fairs
- Commercial samples
- Equipment to be used to test goods or in experiments
Qualifying for Duty & Tax Free Temporary Import
In order to import your goods duty and tax free into Kazakhstan, you
can pick from 1 of the 2 Temporary Import Methods listed below.
Each option has its pros and cons. Regardless, each of the following
methods requires you to complete a commercial invoice. More details
are shown in the table.
| Option # | Temporary Import Method | Risk of paying |
|---|
| 1 | Commercial Invoice Only (no other documentation is provided) | High - if broker cannot clear goods temporarily |
| 2 | Commercial Invoice + ATA Carnet | Very Low |
| 1. Complete a Commercial Invoice (CI) only
This is the simplest and quickest option.
See example.
NOTE: You should be aware that shipping using this
method doesn't guarantee that your items will be imported duty/tax
free. Not all brokers will clear goods as temporary imports (i.e. UPS,
Fedex, DHL) nor is it a guarantee that customs won't charge any duties
and taxes. 2. Commercial Invoice (CI) + an ATA Carnet
Completing an ATA Carnet is great option for items that frequently travel
in and out of the country. It's also great because once you have an ATA
Carnet, it is accepted by 176 countries worldwide making the application
process a one-time thing.
In addition to declaring your commercial invoice as a temporary
import, you can get an ATA Carnet for the items that are of temporary
nature. ATA Carnets are beyond the scope of the article however, you can find
more information here: http://www.chamber.ca/carnet/ NOTE: It is highly recommended to get an ATA Carnet
for items that frequently travel in and out of the country and
especially so when it is valued over $2,500 USD |
In addition to choosing option 1 or 2, the following conditions must
also be met in order to qualify for a duty and VAT free exemption:
- The goods arrive and leave in the same condition, i.e., they undergo
no repairs nor are they used in manufacturing
- Stay no longer than 2 years in Kazakhstan
NOTE:
- If the above conditions are not followed, duties and taxes will be
charged as though the goods have been imported permanently
- Your Customs broker can clear goods of a temporary nature (FedEx,
UPS, DHL, etc. typically cannot clear goods of
a temporary nature)
Temporary Imports Checklist
- Commercial Invoice clearly stating 'Temporary Import'. This must be written
in the General Description section and the Detailed Description of Goods. (see sample)
- The goods arrive and leave in the same condition, i.e. they undergo no
repairs nor are they used in manufacturing
- Stay no longer than the period listed above
- Include your ATA Carnet with your shipment (if applicable)
- Include the expected return date or the date that it was originally received
within the country (whichever applies)
- Any above listed items not listed in this checklist
Sources:
http://adilet.zan.kz/eng/docs/K1700000123
https://www.atacarnet.com/kazakhstan
https://atameken.kz/en/news/25566-chem-horosh-karnet-ata
Sample Commercial Invoice for Temporary Imports
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Alikhan Bukeikhanov
44, MK-OH CAMAN-1
Almaty
Kazakhstan
Phone: +1 242-364-1567 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment returning Jan 2020
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 box | Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment
| CA | $1032.00 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Temporary Imports
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $1032.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Permanent/Sold Goods
Shipments of sold goods to Kazakhstani citizens are limited to a value
of €200 (about $300 CAD) and a weight of 31 kg.
Canadian businesses that sell goods to Kazakhstan are legally required
to use a licenced customs broker in order to file customs
declarations.
Occasional Shipper
If you occasionally ship sold goods to Kazakhstani citizens from
Canada, they are allowed a duty-free shipment of no more than
€200 (about $300 CAD) provided the parcel weighs a maximum of 31
kg.
Regular Shipper
If you regularly ship sold goods to Kazakhstan from Canada, be aware
that you must do business with a licenced customs broker or other
legally recognised Kazakhstani business or entrepreneur registered
with the Kazakh government.
Sources:
https://atameken.kz/en/news/31311-normy-besposhlinnogo-vvoza-tovarov-dlya-lichnogo-pol-zovaniya-snizheny
https://santandertrade.com/en/portal/international-shipments/kazakhstan/customs-and-transportation
https://www.privacyshield.gov/article?id=Kazakhstan-Import-Requirements-and-Documentation
Sample Commercial Invoice for Permanent/Sold Goods
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Alikhan Bukeikhanov
44, MK-OH CAMAN-1
Almaty
Kazakhstan
Phone: +1 242-364-1567 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Permanent/Sold: Parts and accessories for Canon B78n camera
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 15 Each | Camera Lenses: Canon EF 50mm, Canon EF 85mm & wide-angle lenses.
| CA | $132.00 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Permanent/Sold
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $1980.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Duty &
Taxes
Duties and taxes on imports to Kazakhstan are calculated using the sum
of the customs value plus insurance charges plus freight fees. This is
known as the CIF value of a shipment.
By calculating the CIF value of a shipment, you will be able to predict
the duty and taxes owed by the recipient in Kazakhstan.
Thresholds
The threshold value of a shipment to a private individual in
Kazakhstan is €200 (about $300 CAD). Below this value, and if
the parcel weighs 31 kg or less, then no duty or taxes are incurred.
For shipments valued over €200, the customs duties will be the
greater of:
- 15% of the amount over €200; OR
- €2 per kilogram of the parcel's total weight
NOTE: Alcoholic beverages, perfumes, and eau
de toilette are always subject to VAT, duties, and excise taxes.
| Currency | Tenge (KZT) |
| Duty Exemption (De minimis Value) | €200 (about $300 CAD)
&
max parcel weight of 31 kg |
| Duty Calculation Method | CIF |
| TAX (VAT) | 12% |
Tax Exemption
(De minimis Value) | €200 (about $300 CAD)
&
max parcel weight of 31 kg |
| Tax Calculation Method | CIF |
| |
Duties on Imports
Excise Taxes
Alcoholic beverages and tobacco products incur excise taxes.
Details may be found
here.
- Candy14%, but not less than €*0.17/ kg
- Chocolate€0.2/ kg
- Spirits and WinesVariable*
- TobaccoVariable*
- Books0%
- Documents0%
- Video Games & Consoles5%
- Computers & Laptops0%
- Tablets0%
- Mobiles0%
- Cameras10%
- Accessories for Electronics0%
- Coats15%, but not less than €2/ kg
- Beauty Products & Cosmetics5%
- Jewellery5%-10%
- Shirts & Pants€1.75/ kg
- Home Appliances10%
- Toys5%
- Sports Equipment5%
*€1 is about $1.50 CAD
*Spirits: 325 Tenge/L (about $1 CAD); wine 35 Tenge/L (about 10¢ CAD)
*Cigars: 120 Tenge/ 1000 cigars (about 35¢ CAD); cigarettes 1250 Tenge/
1000 cigarettes (about $3.50 CAD)
Sources:
https://dlca.logcluster.org/download/attachments/2326606/Kazakhstan%20National%20Customs%20Legislation%20and%20Regime.docx?version=1&modificationDate=1386058599000&api=v2.
https://pe.usps.com/text/imm/il_012.htm
https://www.macmap.org/
https://adilet.zan.kz/eng/docs/K080000099_
https://taxsummaries.pwc.com/kazakhstan/corporate/other-taxes
Questions
about Shipping to Kazakhstan
Can I ship to Kazakhstan?
Shipping to Kazakhstan from Canada can take between 3-5 business days
through the fastest carriers available on the Secureship platform. More
economical services, such as Canada Post, can take up to 1-2
months to complete the delivery.
Find out
how fast the Secureship trusted carriers can get your shipment
delivered to Kazakhstan by getting a quote now.
Does UPS ship to Kazakhstan?
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How long does it take to ship from Canada to Kazakhstan?
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