In the first six months of 2024, Kazakhstan imported nearly 30 percent more electric cars compared to the same period last year, with 3,895 units versus 3,016. Experts attribute the growing popularity of green vehicles to their significant advantages over fuel-powered cars. Since 2023, the import of electric vehicles into Kazakhstan has been exempt from customs duties and value added tax (VAT). The recycling fee is also waived, with a zero coefficient applied instead. Under these favorable conditions, an individual is allowed to import only one electric car into the country and will only need to pay for state registration.
«To date, there are several
options for importing cars with preferential conditions. Over the last six
months, 3,590 vehicles have been imported under these terms using a passenger
customs declaration. Another option is that the importer is a Kazakh entity and
the car is imported using a goods declaration. In this case, the 15 percent VAT
is not charged, only VAT at the rate of 12 percent of the car’s cost is paid to
the budget. Also, if the cars are imported for further sale or transportation,
then a single customs tariff with a 15 percent duty and a 12 percent VAT can be
applied,» said Yerbol Arinov, Spokesperson for the Kazakh State Revenue
Committee.
Electric vehicle owners can expect additional
benefits, which are included in the amendments to the law signed by Kazakh
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. Starting September 18, they will be
exempt from parking fees as well as allowed to install charging stations
directly in parking lots. These measures will boost the development of the
electric vehicle fleet in the country, experts note.
«We are currently seeing a rise
in the import of electric vehicles, as more people are making the switch to
this type of car. I believe this trend will continue to grow annually.
Moreover, there are many brands of electric cars available now, which are
technically more advanced than traditional diesel or petrol vehicles. This
positive dynamic is really beneficial for both our environment and economy,» added
Arinov.
According to the relevant department, there are
over 350 electric vehicle charging stations in Kazakhstan, with plans to
install 200 more in the near future.
