In neighboring Kazakhstan, major changes to the rules for importing vehicles will take effect starting from October 20 of this year. Local media outlet “Tengrinews” reported the news. According to the new decision, citizens will no longer be able to import certain types of used machinery and buses into the country.
According to official information, the restrictions are being implemented based on a decision of the Eurasian Economic Commission adopted on May 23, 2025. The document introduces amendments to 74 regulations governing the import of automotive and motorcycle vehicles into Kazakhstan. The official statement notes that these changes are being introduced to improve environmental safety, technical standards, and to modernize the country’s transport system.
According to the Deputy Chairman of the Industrial Committee, Mukhammad Andakov, only legal entities and individual entrepreneurs who possess a special safety certificate will be allowed to import vehicles.
“Individuals will not be able to import special equipment or buses into the country, except for passenger cars. Such imports may only be carried out by entrepreneurs who have documents confirming compliance with safety and environmental standards,” Andakov said.
He emphasized that this restriction does not apply to passenger cars. Citizens will still be able to purchase and bring their own vehicles from abroad, but the requirements for buses and special equipment will be significantly tightened.
This decision has sparked mixed reactions among Kazakhstanis who buy cheaper cars from Russia and Armenia. In recent years, many citizens have purchased second-hand cars from these countries due to lower prices. However, some of these vehicles could not be officially registered in Kazakhstan because of differences in technical and environmental standards.
Experts note that the new regulations aim to improve road safety and reduce environmental pollution. “The restriction may cause short-term dissatisfaction, but in the long run, it will ensure that only safe and environmentally friendly vehicles operate on Kazakhstan’s roads,” economists say.
At the same time, analysts warn that the new requirements could lead to a rise in car prices on the domestic market. However, the authorities describe this process as “a step toward an innovative transportation system.”
Thus, the decision adopted by the Kazakh government not only reshapes the vehicle import system but also marks a new stage in revising environmental and technical standards across the entire region.
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