Digitalisation, single window system to ease export-import documentation

ASTANA – The digitalisation of customs declarations and a single window principle for export-import transactions will be introduced in the country, said Vice Minister of Finance Ruslan Beketayev at an Aug. 2 press conference at the Kazakh government.

120635-preview-image

The mechanism for simplifying customs procedures is provided for in the new Customs Code. Electronic versions of documents take priority over paper documents, according to the regulations.

“Currently, the processing of documents takes an average of two hours. The customs declaration will be issued automatically getting into the green corridor with the introduction of the Astana -1 system,” said Beketayev.

According to the official, a single window principle for export-import operations is planned to be launched from the beginning of 2019.

“A participant of the foreign economic activity will receive all the necessary permits from the state bodies through the unified access point in the process of customs clearance of goods. Business people will no longer need to provide paper documents to the customs office,” he noted.

It will be possible to apply and receive all required permits and certificates as a certificate of conformity in electronic form through the information website. Participants of the foreign economic activities will be able to receive a month’s delay on customs duties and taxes, and for certain categories of goods – up to six months.

Kazakhstan will also introduce the Postfactum, a customs clearance regime, next year.

“Postfactum is an opportunity for all participants of foreign economic activity to use the goods immediately after crossing the border. The customs declaration can be filled within 10-40 days after the import of the goods,” he said.

The Ministry of Finance will launch the Virtual Warehouse project in October.

“In this case, sales of goods will not be possible without posting goods at the warehouse. This allows avoiding fraudulent operations and false e-invoices,” he said.


Get The Astana Times stories sent directly to you! Sign up via the website or subscribe to our Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Telegram, YouTube and Tiktok!