Navigation Seals for Rail Transit through Kazakhstan: New Rules from July 31

Effective July 31, 2026, changes will come into effect for transit rail shipments through Kazakhstan, Russia, and Belarus. Mandatory use of paid GPS navigation seals will be introduced for certain categories of goods.

What does this mean in practice?

Yes, this is an additional service with an estimated cost of USD 500–700 per seal. But there's a systemic logic behind this decision: the seal allows government agencies to track the actual movement of cargo and confirm its export outside the transit country. Essentially, it's a direct tool to combat gray imports and "false transit" schemes.

Why this is a benefit for bona fide businesses

With the correct HS code, a transparent package of documents, and the absence of restrictions on the goods, transportation through Kazakhstan becomes more controllable and predictable. This means the risk of additional questions and inspections at border crossings is potentially reduced—your cargo receives a "green corridor" thanks to route confirmation.

Which goods are subject to the requirement?

The list is clearly defined and includes high-security groups:

4303 — Fur products
6101–6106, 6110 — Knitwear and clothing
6401–6405 — Footwear
8517 — Telecommunications equipment
8519, 8521 — Audio and video equipment
8525–8528 — Electronic audio/video devices
2203–2208 — Alcoholic beverages
2401–2404, 2939 79 000 0, 2939 80 000 0 — Tobacco and nicotine-containing products

What remains an open question

Currently, there are no clear regulations on how the return of seals will be organized after the completion of transportation and how this procedure will work in practice for each specific route. Technical details (where to submit, who accepts them, and the deadlines) require additional clarification from operators and regulatory authorities.

Recommendation for shipping planning

If your goods are not prohibited and the documents are properly prepared, such cargo can be safely considered for shipment through Kazakhstan. The main thing is to check the TN VED code in advance to ensure it meets the list, coordinate the route with the carrier, and budget an additional $500-$700 for sealing the container. As soon as clarification regarding the return of seals becomes available, we will promptly update this information.