Why are Electric Vehicles Getting More Expensive in Kazakhstan?

The era of duty-free abundance that fueled the explosive growth of the electric vehicle (EV) fleet in Kazakhstan has officially come to a halt. For those wishing to drive "green" transport, the cost is set to rise significantly, according to reports from inbusiness.kz.

The year 2025 served as a major stress test for the preferential import mechanisms of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). As a reminder, Kazakhstan was allocated a quota for the duty-free import of 15,000 electric vehicles. However, a market fueled by high demand "swallowed" this volume ahead of schedule:
 

• October 14, 2025: The 15,000-vehicle limit was officially exhausted.
• Year-End Results: A total of 16,108 electric vehicles were imported.
• The Result: 1,108 vehicle owners who failed to clear customs before the October 14 deadline were forced to pay full tariffs.

2026 Reality: A Vacuum Instead of Quotas

According to the State Revenue Committee (SRC), no preferential quota is currently in effect. A decision regarding the extension of these benefits is still being debated at the supranational level by the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC). Until then, importers must choose from three scenarios that substantially increase the final cost of the vehicle:
 

• WTO Rates (For Internal Use): This is the most economical route, but the vehicle is restricted to Kazakhstan's territory and cannot be sold or moved to other EAEU countries (e.g., Russia).
• Unified Customs Tariff (UCT): This option maintains the vehicle's resale value across the EAEU. It requires paying a 15% customs duty + VAT.
• Simplified Procedure (Passenger Declaration): An alternative for individuals, requiring a combined customs payment of 27% of the vehicle's value.

The 2026 VAT Mystery: 12% or 16%?

As of January 1, 2026, the standard Value Added Tax (VAT) in Kazakhstan officially increased to 16%. Curiously, in its official response, the State Revenue Committee still cited a 12% rate.

Expert Opinion: This is likely either a hidden preference for the EV sector that hasn't been officially announced yet, or, more likely, a case of bureaucratic inertia—where the agency used outdated templates without adjusting for the new Tax Code changes. To be safe, buyers should factor in the 16% rate for accurate calculations.

If you are planning to purchase an electric vehicle soon, the "zero-duty" era is over for now. With new quotas still under discussion by the EEC, the cost of legalizing a "green" car has increased by at least 30% compared to previous years.