Kazakhstan Cuts Customs Clearance Time Sixfold Through Rail Transit Automation

By Dana Omirgazy | International | 5 November 2025

ASTANA — Kazakhstan has dramatically reduced the customs clearance time for rail transit cargo from three hours to just 30 minutes through a pilot automation project implemented along the China-Central Asia and China-Europe routes.

Photo credit: State Revenue Committee of the Finance Ministry

The initiative has streamlined the processing of 2.5 million tons of cargo between January and October, strengthening Kazakhstan’s role as a crucial transport and logistics hub connecting China with Europe and Central Asia, according to the State Revenue Committee of the Finance Ministry.

Automation System Enhances Efficiency

The automated system, launched in December 2023, allows the electronic submission and issuance of transit declarations for rail cargo passing through Kazakhstan. This upgrade aims to ensure transparency, speed up, and simplify customs procedures while improving train movement efficiency along key international routes.

Growth in Transit Freight Volumes

The committee reported that transit freight volumes from China through Kazakhstan to the Eurasian Economic Union countries, Europe, and Central Asia reached 11.04 million tons, marking an 11% increase compared to the same period last year.

Transit freight volumes from China through Kazakhstan to the Eurasian Economic Union, Europe, and Central Asia reached 11.04 million tons, an 11% rise compared to last year.

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Author's summary: Kazakhstan's rail transit automation project has cut customs clearance from hours to minutes, boosting cargo flow and reinforcing the country's transit hub status in Eurasia.

The Astana Times — 2025-11-06