What documents do I need to prepare for customs clearance of goods I sell on Kaspi.kz?

For import you typically need a commercial invoice, packing list, transport documents (bill of lading or airway bill), certificate of origin and any required permits or certificates (for example, EAC). You also need the contract and importer/recipient details. Without a complete set of documents customs may delay the cargo or refuse release.

How do I correctly determine the ТН ВЭД code for my product before shipping to Kazakhstan?

The ТН ВЭД code is determined by the product’s composition, purpose and use; classification errors change duty rates and certification requirements. Check the classifier and the product documentation; if in doubt consult a customs broker or request a written classification ruling. Accurate classification reduces the risk of additional charges and delays.

How do I calculate customs payments — duties and VAT — when importing into the RK?

Customs payments are calculated on the customs value of the goods: apply the duty rate according to the ТН ВЭД code, then charge VAT (12% in the RK) on the customs value plus duty and other taxable charges. Some goods are subject to excise or eligible for preferential tariffs. Verify the final calculation with a broker or via the customs tariff search.

What should I do to speed up customs clearance of parcels and containers?

Provide a complete and correct set of documents in advance, correctly indicate ТН ВЭД codes and country of origin, and use an experienced broker for electronic declaration. Proper marking and compliance with technical regulations (EAC) reduce inspection risks. For containers, pre-arrange documents and coordinate with the carrier.

Which customs regimes are most suitable for Kaspi.kz sellers and how do I choose the right regime?

For retail sales the release for free circulation is most common — goods are imported for sale. Customs warehouse is used for storage with deferred payment of duties; temporary import is for exhibits or repairs. Choice depends on the import purpose (sale, storage, processing) and financial needs regarding duty payment.

What common customs mistakes lead to delays, fines and cargo returns?

Common mistakes include incorrect ТН ВЭД code, absence of necessary certificates (EAC), invoice discrepancies with the actual shipment and undervaluation of customs value. These issues cause prolonged checks, additional charges, fines and even import refusal. Check documents in advance and work with a broker to minimize risks.

Customs clearance for Kaspi.kz sellers

Definition

Customs clearance is the set of actions and documents required to import or export goods across Kazakhstan’s border, including classification by the ТН ВЭД code, calculation of customs payments and obtaining permits and certificates.

How customs clearance works

The process consists of sequential stages that also apply to commercial supplies for marketplaces like Kaspi.kz.

Deal preparation: choosing delivery terms, identifying the importer, obtaining contracts and invoices.
Goods classification: assigning the ТН ВЭД code and checking requirements of technical regulations and certificates, for example EAC marking.
Cargo documentation: commercial invoice, packing list, transport documents (bill of lading, airway bill), certificates of origin and permits.
Submission of the customs declaration: a broker or the importer fills in the declaration and submits it electronically to customs.
Payment of duties and VAT: calculated based on customs value, duty rates by code and the VAT rate in the Republic of Kazakhstan, which is 12%.
Release of goods: after document checks and payment the cargo is released for free circulation or sent to a customs warehouse when using special regimes.

In practice, timing and details depend on route and transport type. Postal parcels can be held at customs from several days to several weeks due to queues and inspections. Container shipments usually clear faster if the documentation is complete and a broker is used.

Why Kaspi.kz sellers need to understand customs clearance

For a Kaspi.kz seller, customs affects cost price, delivery speed, inventory availability and platform compliance.

Controlling cost price. Customs payments are part of the final cost price of the product. Mistakes in calculation reduce margin. Example: if the purchase price is 50 USD, freight 5 USD, duty 5% of customs value, duty = 2.75 USD; VAT base = 50 + 5 + 2.75 = 57.75 USD; VAT 12% = 6.93 USD. Total duties and VAT ≈ 9.68 USD per unit.
Turnover speed and stock. Customs delays mean empty product listings on Kaspi.kz and lost sales. For electronics and seasonal items it’s critical to have a time buffer.
Compliance with Kaspi requirements. The platform may request supporting documents for warranty service and origin verification. Lack of documents can lead to blocked listings, issues with returns or refusal to fulfill orders through Kaspi services.

Practical examples for Kaspi.kz sellers

Below are simplified scenarios to illustrate how customs affects cost and logistics.

Parcel from an overseas marketplace

Small-value parcels arriving by post often go through simplified procedures, but can still be inspected. If the declared value is low, duties may be minimal or zero, but incomplete documentation or missing EAC marking for regulated goods leads to checks and delays. For small consignments intended for resale, cumulative imports may trigger more scrutiny.

Small container (LCL) with clothing

Example calculation per item: purchase price 10 USD, freight allocated per item 1 USD, duty rate 12% -> duty 1.32 USD (12% of customs value); VAT base = 10 + 1 + 1.32 = 12.32 USD; VAT 12% = 1.48 USD. Total additional cost ≈ 2.80 USD per item. Include brokerage, storage and local delivery to the Kaspi warehouse in the final landed cost.

Full container (FCL) with electronics

Electronics often require EAC certification and sometimes additional permits. Clearance time shortens when certificates and invoices match the shipment and a broker pre-declares the cargo. Missing certificates can cause long laboratory checks and prohibit release.

Practical tips and checklist for import clearance

Confirm the product’s ТН ВЭД code before shipment and keep that code in all documents.
Check whether EAC marking or other certificates are required and obtain them in advance.
Prepare a complete commercial invoice and packing list with accurate unit values, weights and HS/ТН ВЭД codes.
Indicate the correct country of origin and ensure certificates of origin are available if using preferential tariffs.
Agree delivery terms (Incoterms) clearly with your supplier so that responsibility for customs and freight is defined.
Use a licensed customs broker for electronic declaration and to speed up interaction with customs authorities.
Keep margins that account for possible customs duties, VAT and brokerage costs when pricing for Kaspi.kz.
Coordinate with Kaspi.kz requirements for warranty, labeling and document submission to avoid listing blocks.

Common costly mistakes for sellers

Wrong ТН ВЭД code — changes duty rate and may trigger reclassification and fines.
Missing required certificates (for example EAC) — leads to refusals to release goods or lengthy inspections.
Invoice not matching actual goods — discrepancies cause checks, revaluation and penalties.
Undervaluation of customs value — results in back payments and fines when detected.
Poor coordination of delivery terms — unexpected costs if the importer’s responsibilities are unclear.

About customs regimes and how to choose

Common regimes relevant to sellers:

Release for free circulation — typical for goods imported for sale on the domestic market.
Customs warehouse — storage without immediate payment of duties; suitable if you need time to sell or re-export.
Temporary import — for goods brought in for exhibitions, repair or testing and intended for re-export.
Transit — moving goods through Kazakhstan to another country under customs control.

Choose the regime based on the purpose of import (sale, storage, processing, temporary use) and cash-flow considerations related to duty payment.

Briefly on taxes and rates

Key points:

VAT in Kazakhstan is 12% and is charged on the customs value plus duties and other taxable amounts.
Duty rates depend on the ТН ВЭД code and can be ad valorem (percentage), specific (per unit) or mixed.
Some goods are subject to excise taxes (alcohol, tobacco, certain fuels) or require additional permits.
Preferential rates may apply under free trade agreements if you have valid certificates of preferential origin.

Always verify current rates in the official customs tariff and consult a broker for complex cases.

How AWW helps sellers

AWW can support sellers with:

Classification advice and assistance in identifying the correct ТН ВЭД code.
Preparing and checking the full documentation package (invoices, packing lists, certificates).
Coordinating with licensed brokers and customs representatives to speed up declaration and release.
Advising on compliance with Kaspi.kz requirements for product origin, labeling and warranty documentation.
Providing practical templates and checklists to avoid common errors.

Conclusion

Understanding customs clearance is essential for Kaspi.kz sellers to control landed cost, avoid delays and comply with platform and regulatory requirements. Proper classification, complete documentation and cooperation with experienced brokers reduce risks and speed up time to shelf.

Часто задаваемые вопросы

What documents do I need to prepare for customs clearance of goods I sell on Kaspi.kz?: For import you typically need a commercial invoice, packing list, transport documents (bill of lading or airway bill), certificate of origin and any required permits or certificates (for example, EAC). You also need the contract and importer/recipient details. Without a complete set of documents customs may delay the cargo or refuse release.
How do I correctly determine the ТН ВЭД code for my product before shipping to Kazakhstan?: The ТН ВЭД code is determined by the product’s composition, purpose and use; classification errors change duty rates and certification requirements. Check the classifier and the product documentation; if in doubt consult a customs broker or request a written classification ruling. Accurate classification reduces the risk of additional charges and delays.
How do I calculate customs payments — duties and VAT — when importing into the RK?: Customs payments are calculated on the customs value of the goods: apply the duty rate according to the ТН ВЭД code, then charge VAT (12% in the RK) on the customs value plus duty and other taxable charges. Some goods are subject to excise or eligible for preferential tariffs. Verify the final calculation with a broker or via the customs tariff search.
What should I do to speed up customs clearance of parcels and containers?: Provide a complete and correct set of documents in advance, correctly indicate ТН ВЭД codes and country of origin, and use an experienced broker for electronic declaration. Proper marking and compliance with technical regulations (EAC) reduce inspection risks. For containers, pre-arrange documents and coordinate with the carrier.
Which customs regimes are most suitable for Kaspi.kz sellers and how do I choose the right regime?: For retail sales the release for free circulation is most common — goods are imported for sale. Customs warehouse is used for storage with deferred payment of duties; temporary import is for exhibits or repairs. Choice depends on the import purpose (sale, storage, processing) and financial needs regarding duty payment.
What common customs mistakes lead to delays, fines and cargo returns?: Common mistakes include incorrect ТН ВЭД code, absence of necessary certificates (EAC), invoice discrepancies with the actual shipment and undervaluation of customs value. These issues cause prolonged checks, additional charges, fines and even import refusal. Check documents in advance and work with a broker to minimize risks.

Customs clearance