Definition
Product certification is the confirmation that goods meet the requirements of technical regulations and normative documents for admission to sale in Kazakhstan and the EAEU. Confirmation methods include mandatory certification, declaration of conformity, and separate registration procedures for specific categories.
How product certification works
The certification process consists of a set of sequential steps. For different categories and schemes it may vary in the scope of testing, timelines and cost, but the general logic is similar:
- Identification of the regulation: determine the applicable EAEU technical regulation (TR EAEU) or national standards. For example: for consumer electronics — requirements for electrical safety and electromagnetic compatibility.
- Choice of confirmation scheme: mandatory certification (certificate of conformity) or declaration of conformity. For many product groups a declaration is allowed, while for others only a certificate is acceptable.
- Sample selection and testing: samples are sent to an accredited laboratory in Kazakhstan or elsewhere in the EAEU. Testing periods typically range from 5 to 30 working days, but for complex equipment or chemicals timelines can be longer.
- Issuance of the document: based on test results, the certification body issues a certificate or registers a declaration in the registry. Documents specify model, article, batch series or general conditions of product circulation.
- Marking and document storage: if required, the product is marked with the EAEU conformity mark and test reports are attached in paper or electronic form. Documents must be kept by the seller and presented to marketplaces, control authorities and customs.
Note: some products require additional registration — for example, dietary supplements and cosmetics may be subject to sanitary-epidemiological rules or registration with the Ministry of Health.
Why it matters for a seller on Kaspi.kz
For a seller on Kaspi.kz certification is not a formality but an operational necessity with concrete effects:
- Listing moderation: when uploading products, in most categories Kaspi requires copies of certificates or declarations. Without them the listing may be rejected or temporarily blocked.
- Reducing the risk of blocks and returns: when buyers complain or authorities carry out checks, missing documents increase the chance of delisting and fines.
- Trust and conversion: listings with a full set of documents get more views and have lower refusal rates at delivery, especially in health, children's goods and food categories.
- Customs clearance and logistics: customs often request certificates/declarations during import. Having correctly issued documents speeds up clearance and avoids storage fees or fines.
Examples of category requirements on Kaspi.kz
Below are typical requirements by category. These are examples — final requirements depend on the applicable technical regulation and Kaspi's current rules.
- Electronics and appliances: electrical safety and electromagnetic compatibility tests; certificate or declaration specifying model and technical parameters; test reports from an accredited lab.
- Children's products and toys: safety standards for materials, small parts, flammability; often require certificates and hygienic conclusions. Documentation must clearly reference age range and model.
- Cosmetics and personal care: sanitary registration or notification, ingredient lists and safety assessments; some products require additional labelling and registration with health authorities.
- Food and dietary supplements: sanitary-epidemiological documents, registration for certain categories, composition and shelf-life data; certificates of analysis are often requested.
- Medical devices and PPE: stricter regulatory pathways, often mandatory certification and/or state registration; timelines and testing are longer and more complex.
Practical tips and a seller checklist
Checklist to prepare before importing or listing goods on Kaspi.kz:
- Classify the product (HS/TN VED or OKPD code) to find applicable TR EAEU and national requirements.
- Decide on the confirmation scheme (certificate vs declaration) with a certification body.
- Prepare samples representative of the series you intend to sell.
- Send samples to an accredited lab and request protocols; allow extra time for re-testing if needed.
- Ensure documents list correct model numbers, articles and batches that match Kaspi.kz listings.
- Scan/photograph documents in readable quality; translate into Russian or Kazakh if Kaspi requires it.
- Keep originals and electronic copies available for platform moderation, authorities and customs.
- Estimate costs in advance (lab fees, certification body fees, translations, courier) and factor them into pricing.
- Work with a trusted certification body and, if necessary, an experienced customs broker.
Estimated costs and timing (very approximate): lab tests — from a few hundred to several thousand USD depending on scope; certification registration fees — variable; total time — from 2 weeks for simple declarations to several months for complex registrations.
Common seller mistakes and real cases
- Wrong product classification: an incorrect HS/OKPD code leads to applying the wrong regulation and having documents rejected. Real case: a seller used a generic code for chargers and had certificates that did not cover EMC tests — listing blocked and shipment held at customs.
- Mismatched model/serial numbers: the certificate lists model A but the listing and box show model A v2 — Kaspi can refuse moderation. Always ensure exact match.
- Poor-quality scans: unreadable or cropped scans lead to manual rejections. Provide full-page, legible scans showing number and validity dates.
- Relying on foreign-only test reports: some Kazakh or EAEU schemes require testing in an accredited local/EAEU lab; foreign-only reports may be insufficient.
- Expired documents: certificates and declarations must be valid on the date of sale/import. Case: seller listed goods with an expired declaration, resulting in listing suspension and extra costs to re-certify.
Conclusion and a practical tip
Certification and declarations are a necessary part of doing business on Kaspi.kz and in Kazakhstan. Plan certification early in the sourcing and import process: correct classification, timely testing in accredited labs, and accurate documentation reduce delays, fines and lost sales.
Practical tip: before the first large shipment, run a pilot — certify a small batch, upload the listing to Kaspi.kz and resolve any moderation or customs issues. It costs less than correcting problems after a full container arrives.
Часто задаваемые вопросы
- How can I determine whether my product falls under mandatory certification under TR EAEU?
- You need to match the product to the applicable technical regulations by its HS/TN VED or OKPD code; it is useful to request classification from an accredited certification body or a customs broker. You can also check public registries of regulations and the requirements for the specific product group — some categories have exceptions or additional national rules. If in doubt, order a preliminary expert review from a lab or certification body.
- What documents and formats does Kaspi.kz require when uploading a product that needs a certificate?
- The platform usually requests a scan/photo of the certificate of conformity or a registered declaration with number and validity dates, and test reports if needed. Documents should be legible, in Russian or Kazakh (translate if necessary), and correspond to the model/article listed in the product card. Specific requirements depend on the category, so check Kaspi.kz seller instructions before uploading.
- How long does it take to obtain a certificate of conformity and what determines the timeline?
- Typical testing and document issuance takes from 5 to 30 working days, but for complex equipment, chemicals or medical devices the process can extend to several months. Time depends on sample availability, workloads of accredited labs, the need for additional tests and resolving non-conformities. Expedited procedures are possible but usually cost more.
- What should I do if customs detained a shipment due to missing certificates?
- First, get the detention reason and required documents in writing from customs or your broker, then promptly prepare the missing certificates, declarations or test reports. If documents are still being processed, discuss temporary storage, document completion options or returning the shipment; if necessary, file an appeal and fix the violations. In such cases it helps to involve an accredited certification body and an experienced customs broker to speed up the process.
- Can I use a declaration of conformity instead of a certificate for goods imported from China?
- Whether a declaration is allowed is determined by the applicable technical regulation and the product group, not by the country of origin: for many items a declaration is acceptable, while for some only a certificate is permitted. Check the TR EAEU lists and national rules and agree the scheme with a certification body. In any case, samples for testing and registration of the document in the registry will be required.
