Kazakhstan bans transfer of duty-free imported electric vehicles to Russians

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Kazakh authorities have imposed restrictions on transferring electric vehicles imported into the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) under customs benefits to Russian citizens and individuals permanently residing in Russia, TASS reports.

According to the Mangystau Regional Department of State Revenues, the new rules apply to electric vehicles imported from March 2022 through the end of 2025 with exemption from import customs duties and taxes.

Owners of such vehicles are prohibited from transferring them to Russian citizens or individuals with permanent residence in Russia for a period of three years from the date of release into free circulation or until all customs duties and taxes are fully paid.

The measure aims to prevent the use of preferential import regimes for subsequent transfer of vehicles to countries that do not qualify for such benefits.

Earlier, the Eurasian Economic Commission announced the continuation of tariff benefits for electric vehicle imports in 2026 for several EEU member states. Armenia, Belarus, and Kyrgyzstan received these benefits.

Belarus will be able to import up to 20,000 fully electric vehicles duty-free, while Armenia and Kyrgyzstan will each be allowed to import 15,000 electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids. However, these benefits are only available to citizens permanently residing in these countries.

Additionally, there is a ban on transferring such vehicles to Russian and Kazakh citizens and permanent residents until the established period expires or all customs obligations are fulfilled.