Kazakhstan Cuts Customs Clearance Time Sixfold Through Rail Transit Automation
By Dana Omirgazy, International, 5 November 2025
ASTANA — Kazakhstan has successfully reduced customs clearance time for rail transit cargo from three hours to just 30 minutes through a pilot automation project launched on the China-Central Asia and China-Europe routes.
The initiative has streamlined processing for 2.5 million tons of cargo from January to October, strengthening Kazakhstan's role as a crucial transport and logistics hub connecting China with Europe and Central Asia, the State Revenue Committee of the Finance Ministry reported in November.
Technological Upgrade and Automation Benefits
The automated system, introduced in December 2023, allows electronic submission and issuance of transit declarations for rail cargo passing through Kazakhstan. This innovation aims to increase transparency, speed up customs procedures, and enhance the efficiency of train movement along key international routes.
Transit Freight Growth
The committee noted that transit freight volumes from China through Kazakhstan to the Eurasian Economic Union, Europe, and Central Asia reached 11.04 million tons, marking an 11% increase compared to the same period last year.
"The technological upgrade ensures transparency, accelerates and simplifies customs procedures, and improves the efficiency of train movements along major international routes."
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