Kazakhstan - World Customs Organization

The Republic of Kazakhstan has been a member of the World Customs Organization (WCO) since 30 June 1992.

The WCO plays a central role in shaping global trade practices by assisting customs administrations worldwide in facilitating legitimate trade, collecting revenue, protecting societies, and enhancing institutional effectiveness. In order to remain effective in a rapidly changing international environment, the Organization has defined its strategic priorities along four fundamental pillars:

Trade Facilitation

Customs administrations are tasked with removing unnecessary barriers while ensuring the secure and efficient movement of goods across borders. The WCO supports this function through the development of standards, best practices, and technical guidance designed to enhance the efficiency and predictability of global supply chains.

Revenue Collection

Customs duties remain an important source of revenue for many member states. The WCO’s strategic priority in this area is to ensure the fair, accurate, and efficient collection of revenue, as well as to combat fraud and tax evasion.

Security

Beyond trade and revenue, customs administrations play a vital role in protecting societies from threats such as illicit trafficking, unsafe products, and risks to public health and safety. The WCO places strong emphasis on capacity-building to enable administrations to fulfill these functions effectively.

Organizational Development

Customs administrations must continuously modernize in order to remain resilient. The WCO assists members in strengthening institutional capacity, adopting innovative technologies, and enhancing workforce skills to ensure long-term sustainability.

The overarching principle underpinning all WCO activities is the promotion of evidence-based and data-driven customs procedures, which is reflected in the motto of the WCO Strategic Plan 2025–2028. Within this framework, e-commerce, technology and innovation, and green customs have been identified as the three main thematic priorities to be integrated into the Organization’s core activities.

Kazakhstan has consistently sought to strengthen its role within the institutional structure of the WCO. Until July 2025, the country was represented on the WCO Political Commission, contributing to strategic and political discussions. Since July 2025, Kazakhstan has assumed membership in the WCO Finance Committee, which oversees key budgetary processes and financial management. This progression reflects Kazakhstan’s growing involvement in the governance of the Organization.

The State Revenue Committee of the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan (SRC) actively participates in WCO initiatives aimed at modernizing customs administration. Priority areas include the simplification of procedures, the reduction of clearance times, the improvement of control mechanisms, and the systematic application of risk management methodologies. Cooperation with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is of particular significance, as it provides methodological and technical assistance in achieving these objectives.

Digital transformation is another central element of Kazakhstan’s cooperation with the WCO. In the framework of developing «Keden» Customs information system, the SRC exchanges experience on the integration of digital technologies, including artificial intelligence and big data analytics, into customs operations.

The fight against corruption also represents a key reform area. Two WCO expert missions have already been conducted in Kazakhstan, resulting in a set of recommendations that are currently being implemented. Continued work in this field underscores Kazakhstan’s commitment to aligning its governance practices with international standards of integrity.

Capacity building and regional cooperation form important aspects of Kazakhstan’s engagement with the WCO. The Kazakhstan Training Centre has been designated a WCO Regional Training Centre, serving as a hub for professional development and knowledge-sharing across Central Asia and the Caucasus. In addition, targeted efforts are underway in 2025–2026 to secure donor funding for the establishment and technical equipping of a Customs Laboratory, with the strategic aim of achieving recognition as a regional reference centre.

Kazakhstan also takes an active part in the work of WCO technical bodies, including those addressing the Harmonized System, passenger traffic management, anti-smuggling measures, and other priority areas. This comprehensive engagement not only supports the modernization of Kazakhstan’s customs administration but also contributes to strengthening collective responses to global trade and border management challenges.

The Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the Kingdom of Belgium continues to foster active and constructive cooperation with the WCO. A number of bilateral meetings have been held to discuss issues related to enhancing Kazakhstan’s transport and transit potential and expanding the country’s role in international trade networks.

In June of the current year, on the margins of the Council of Customs Administrations of WCO member states, the Chairman of the SRC, Mr. Zhandos Duisembiev, held a bilateral meeting with the WCO Secretary General, Mr. Ian Saunders. Discussions covered a wide range of strategic topics, including the development of the Middle Corridor, the digitalization of customs procedures, the modernization of customs infrastructure, and the strengthening of regional cooperation.

Taken together, these initiatives highlight Kazakhstan’s status as an active and constructive member of the WCO. The country remains committed to deepening its cooperation across all strategic areas, thereby reinforcing its diplomatic presence and strengthening its international authority within the global customs community.