Classification
Product TypeProcessed Food
Product FormPackaged alcoholic beverage (cider)
Industry PositionFermented alcoholic beverage (consumer packaged goods)
Market
Cider in Kazakhstan is primarily supplied through imports under HS 220600 (other fermented beverages, including cider), with 2024 imports reported at $5,782.53K and 4,162,910 liters. The largest reported supplier in 2024 was the Russian Federation ($3,649.86K; 3,343,610 liters), followed by Moldova, Georgia, Italy, and Armenia. Alcohol products sold in Kazakhstan must meet national alcohol-market rules for labeling (state and Russian languages) and circulation conditions, including licensing and marking requirements. As an excisable good, imported cider is exposed to excise compliance, documentation, and enforcement risk at and after customs clearance.
Market RoleImport-dependent consumer market (net importer) for cider
Domestic RoleNiche alcoholic beverage category sold via licensed distribution and retail channels; subject to excise and alcohol-product marking/labeling rules
Specification
Physical Attributes- Product labeling for imported alcohol must include key identity and strength information in the state and Russian languages.
Compositional Metrics- Label-declared alcohol strength (ethyl alcohol by volume, %) and sugar content are explicitly required elements for alcohol product marking in Kazakhstan.
Packaging- Alcohol products must be labeled in the state (Kazakh) and Russian languages with required information (including product name, container capacity, alcohol strength, sugar content, and manufacturer/licensee details).
- Circulation of alcohol products can be prohibited if required marking/monitoring marks are missing or not identifiable (where marking is required).
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Foreign producer → Kazakhstan importer (alcohol turnover/import compliant) → customs declaration/clearance (ASTANA-1) → excise compliance and required marking → warehousing under licensed operator → distribution to licensed retail/on-trade
Temperature- Typically handled as an ambient, shelf-stable beverage; protect from extreme heat and physical shock during transport and warehousing.
Shelf Life- Shelf-life and storage conditions must be declared on-pack under applicable food labeling rules; inventory rotation should follow declared shelf life and storage conditions.
Freight IntensityHigh
Transport ModeLand
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighAlcohol products in Kazakhstan face strict circulation controls (licensing, mandatory label content in state and Russian languages, and required marks where applicable). Non-compliance can result in prohibition of circulation, seizure, or administrative penalties.Use a Kazakhstan-based importer with valid alcohol turnover licensing; run a pre-shipment label and marking compliance check (Kazakh + Russian) and ensure EAEU conformity documentation is in order before dispatch.
Illicit Trade MediumCounterfeit/illegal alcohol movement is actively enforced; cases of attempted import of counterfeit alcohol have been publicly reported by Kazakhstan’s revenue authorities.Select authorized distributors, maintain chain-of-custody documentation, and align product marking/monitoring requirements to reduce diversion and enforcement exposure.
Tax And Excise MediumExcise rates and compliance rules for excisable goods can change (including for alcoholic products), creating landed-cost volatility and compliance risk for importers.Confirm current excise rates and filing requirements with Kazakhstan’s State Revenue Committee prior to contracting and price-setting; build tax-change clauses into supply contracts.
Logistics MediumKazakhstan’s 2024 HS 220600 supply is concentrated in a few origins (especially the Russian Federation), increasing exposure to cross-border disruption, delays, and freight-cost swings for bulky packaged beverages.Diversify approved origins/suppliers where commercially feasible and keep safety stock buffers for key SKUs; validate route options (rail vs. truck) and border clearance readiness.
FAQ
Which HS code is commonly used for cider trade reporting in Kazakhstan?International trade statistics commonly report cider under HS 220600, described as “other fermented beverages (for example, cider)”.
What language requirements apply to cider labels in Kazakhstan?Imported alcohol products must carry labeling information in the state language and in Russian, and the label must include required elements such as product name, container capacity, alcohol strength, sugar content, and manufacturer/licensee details.
Which countries were the main reported suppliers of cider (HS 220600) to Kazakhstan in 2024?In 2024, the largest reported supplier was the Russian Federation, followed by Moldova, Georgia, Italy, and Armenia in the WITS/UN Comtrade partner breakdown for HS 220600.