Market
Skimmed milk preparation in Kazakhstan is primarily an imported dairy ingredient, commonly proxied by HS 040210 (milk and cream in solid forms of <=1.5% fat), used for further processing (e.g., reconstituted/recombined dairy and other food manufacturing). UN Comtrade data via World Bank WITS shows Kazakhstan imported about USD 48.4 million (about 20.9 thousand tonnes) of HS 040210 in 2023, with Russia and Belarus as the two largest suppliers. As an EAEU member, Kazakhstan applies EAEU dairy technical regulation TR TS 033/2013 and border veterinary control measures for HS 0402, making documentary and conformity compliance a key market-access constraint. Regulatory attention to dairy product identity and labeling (including distinctions for milk-containing products) increases compliance sensitivity for importers and downstream manufacturers.
Market RoleNet importer (import-dependent ingredient market, with sourcing concentrated in EAEU partners)
Domestic RoleIndustrial dairy ingredient used by domestic processors for reconstitution/recombination and as an input into food manufacturing
Market GrowthStable (2018–2023 trade proxy)import value for HS 040210 broadly stable around the high-40 million USD range across selected years (2018, 2019, 2023)
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighHS 0402 dairy goods are subject to EAEU veterinary control; missing or inconsistent veterinary certification and related import-authorization details (including producer establishment identification where required) can result in border holds, refusal of entry, and costly re-export or disposal outcomes.Pre-validate the CN FEA EAEU classification and product description, align invoice/packing list/conformity files with veterinary documents, and use suppliers whose producing establishments can be correctly referenced in required veterinary paperwork.
Regulatory Compliance MediumNon-compliance with EAEU technical regulations for dairy safety and labeling (TR TS 033/2013 plus TR TS 021/2011 and TR TS 022/2011) can trigger customs non-release, recalls, or administrative penalties in Kazakhstan.Obtain the correct EAC declaration (or other required conformity route) before shipment and ensure labeling/technical documentation matches the intended market placement (industrial ingredient vs retail).
Food Integrity MediumKazakhstan has highlighted stricter labeling and identity requirements for dairy and milk-containing products under TR TS 033/2013 amendments (including disclosure for vegetable oils where applicable), increasing enforcement sensitivity for misleading product identity claims in dairy supply chains.Verify product identity classification (dairy vs milk-containing where relevant), maintain formulation and test evidence, and ensure downstream labeling/claims are supportable under EAEU definitions.
Logistics MediumKazakhstan is landlocked; corridor disruptions, border congestion, and rail/truck capacity constraints can delay delivery and raise landed costs for imported dairy powders.Build lead-time buffers, diversify corridors and modes (rail vs truck) where feasible, and pre-agree Incoterms and demurrage responsibilities with counterparties.
FAQ
Which HS code is commonly used as a trade proxy for skimmed milk powder imports into Kazakhstan?A common trade proxy is HS 040210 (milk and cream in solid forms of <=1.5% fat), which is used in UN Comtrade reporting and is published for Kazakhstan on the World Bank WITS platform.
Which countries supply most of Kazakhstan’s imports for HS 040210?In 2023, the World Bank WITS (UN Comtrade) partner breakdown shows the Russian Federation and Belarus as the two largest suppliers to Kazakhstan for HS 040210 by both value and quantity.
What are the most critical compliance documents for importing HS 0402 dairy powders into Kazakhstan (EAEU)?HS 0402 goods fall under EAEU veterinary control, so a veterinary certificate is a core requirement; depending on the applicable measure, import authorization and producer-establishment identification may also be required. For products placed on the EAEU market under TR TS 033/2013, an EAC declaration of conformity may also be required at customs when the product is covered by declaration-based conformity assessment.