Importing goods

Importing goods means bringing products into Kazakhstan for subsequent sale, including preparing customs paperwork, paying duties and VAT, meeting certification requirements and preparing listings for marketplaces.

How the import process works: stages and documents

The import process can be divided into five main stages. Each stage generates specific documents and costs that directly affect the final cost price of the product on Kaspi.kz.

• Finding and negotiating with a supplier. You receive a commercial offer, a proforma invoice or a commercial invoice, agree on packaging and minimum order quantity. A practical guideline: for a first test order sellers in Kazakhstan often buy 100–500 units.
• Transport to the point of entry. The choice of transport (road, air, rail) determines cost and transit time. Examples: air — fast and expensive, suitable for electronics; road/rail — cheaper for bulky goods.
• Customs clearance. Required documents include the invoice, packing list, contract, transport documents and, if necessary, conformity certificates. Customs value is calculated on a CIF/FOB basis depending on the trade terms.
• Payment of duties and taxes. In Kazakhstan, a 12% VAT (NDS) is generally applied to imported goods. Customs duty depends on the HS (TN VED) code and can range from 0% to 20% or higher for some categories. Additionally, excise duties apply for tobacco, alcohol or fuels.
• Domestic logistics and preparation for sale. Delivery to warehouse, labeling, packaging to meet marketplace requirements, photography and creating the product card on Kaspi.kz.

Why import goods as a seller and what are the risks

Importing opens access to assortments and prices unavailable locally, but adds operational and financial risks. Evaluate expected margin and inventory turnover time before placing an order.

• Benefits: unique items, lower purchase price, the ability to introduce new brands to the market. Example: smartphone accessories imported in small batches can yield 30–50% margin after all costs.
• Risks: incorrect HS code (TN VED) — you may pay a different duty rate; missing required certificates — returns or fines; customs delays — downtime and extra storage fees.
• Financial considerations: prepayment to the supplier, currency fluctuations, broker fees and the mandatory 12% VAT make accurate cost calculations crucial before listing a price on Kaspi.kz.

Examples of cost calculation: a real scenario

Below is a simplified example to show how import costs add up. Adjust the numbers to your specific case (HS code, duty rate, transportation and insurance).

1. Goods cost (FOB): $5,000 (100 units × $50 each).
2. International freight & insurance (CIF adjustment): $700.
3. Customs value (CIF): $5,700.
4. Customs duty: assume 5% → $285.
5. Base for VAT: customs value + duty = $5,985.
6. VAT (12%): 0.12 × $5,985 = $718.20.
7. Domestic logistics, brokerage, storage, handling: $600.
8. Total landed cost: $5,000 + $700 + $285 + $718.20 + $600 = $7,303.20.
9. Cost per unit: $73.03 (if 100 units arrived and are sellable).

When pricing on Kaspi.kz, add selling fees, marketing, returns provision and desired margin. Example: to reach a 30% gross margin, the sell price per unit would be about $104 (exclude Kaspi fees and VAT recoveries when calculating final price). Always confirm the exact duty rate by HS code to avoid surprises.

Practical tips to reduce costs and speed up time to market

• Negotiate MOQ and packaging with the supplier — consolidated or custom packaging can reduce volume and damage risk.
• Choose the optimal transport based on SKU value and speed-to-market needs: sometimes paying more for air on the first test order is worth faster market entry.
• Work with a reliable customs broker who can confirm HS code and required certificates before shipment.
• Prepare certification and labeling in advance for categories that require it to avoid customs holds.
• Use consolidated shipments or partial sea/road combinations for regular replenishments to lower per-unit freight cost.
• Insure high-value shipments and consider supplier or carrier liability terms.

How to prepare a product card and what data marketplaces require

A well-prepared product card speeds up moderation and improves conversion on Kaspi.kz. Typical required fields and materials:

• Accurate product title and SKU.
• GTIN/EAN or other barcode, and country of origin.
• Complete technical specifications, included components and warranty information.
• High-quality photos that meet the marketplace's size and background requirements.
• Certificates, user manuals and safety documentation (if applicable).
• Realistic delivery times, weight and dimensions for shipping calculation.

Complying with Kaspi.kz requirements accelerates listing approval and reduces the need for corrections. Keep communication with your supplier open to obtain all necessary files and certificates.

Common seller mistakes and how to avoid them

• Wrong HS code (TN VED): confirm with a broker or customs authority; a mistake can change duty rates substantially.
• Missing or incorrect certificates: check whether certification or declaration of conformity is mandatory for your product group and prepare them before import.
• Underestimating landed costs: include duties, VAT, insurance, brokerage and domestic handling when calculating the final cost.
• Poor packaging: improper packing increases damage risk and returns; follow transport and marketplace packaging rules.
• Inadequate product data: incomplete cards slow moderation and hurt sales — provide full specs, photos and documents.

Being proactive — confirming HS codes, preparing certificates, and coordinating logistics early — reduces delays and unexpected costs when bringing goods into Kazakhstan and listing them on Kaspi.kz.