Classification
Product TypeProcessed Food
Product FormBottled (packaged) spirit
Industry PositionManufactured Beverage Product
Market
Distilled dry gin in Kazakhstan is primarily an import-led spirits category under HS 220850 (gin and geneva). Reported 2023 imports of HS 220850 were about USD 2.75 million (286,214 liters), while exports were about USD 18 thousand (2,463 liters), indicating a clear net-import position. The United Kingdom was the dominant reported import origin in 2023 by both value and volume, with smaller volumes from several European and other suppliers. Market access and distribution are strongly shaped by Kazakhstan’s alcohol control framework (resident-importer role, marking with accounting/control stamps, and related documentation).
Market RoleNet importer (HS 220850 gin and geneva)
Domestic RoleDomestic consumer market supplied mainly by imports for HS 220850
Market GrowthGrowing (2020–2023 trade trend context)Reported import value for HS 220850 increased between 2020 and 2023
Specification
Physical Attributes- Clear, juniper-forward distilled spirit; commonly sold as a sealed glass bottle for retail/on-trade use
- Label readability and durability matter because required product information must be available to consumers at point of sale
Compositional Metrics- Alcohol by volume (ABV) declaration on consumer label is a key market specification attribute for spirits
- If food additives are used, labeling rules require declaring additive purpose and name (or INS/E-number) in the ingredient list under TR TS 022/2011
Packaging- Consumer pack labeling aligned to EAEU food labeling rules (TR TS 022/2011) and alcohol-specific EAEU technical regulation framework (TR EAEU 047/2018)
- Accounting and control stamp (ACS) marking is required for many categories of alcoholic products in consumer packaging, with issuance and barcode-linked ranges managed via Kazakhstan eGov workflow
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Foreign distillery/bottler → Kazakhstan resident importer → obtain accounting and control stamps (ACS) → apply ACS to consumer packs → customs clearance and excise administration → distributor → licensed retail/on-trade
Temperature- Typically ambient logistics; primary quality risks are breakage, leakage, and label damage rather than spoilage
Shelf Life- Unopened bottled gin is generally shelf-stable; supply-chain focus is on packaging integrity and regulatory marking/label compliance
Freight IntensityMedium
Transport ModeMultimodal
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighMarket entry can be blocked if the shipment is not routed through a Kazakhstan-resident legal entity and/or if consumer-pack alcohol is not properly marked with accounting and control stamps (ACS); Kazakhstan’s alcohol regulation framework restricts alcohol import/export rights and prohibits circulation of products that require marks but are unmarked.Contract with a qualified Kazakhstan-resident importer early; align packaging/label artwork to EAEU requirements; complete ACS issuance workflow (contract + applications + excise-related obligation/security documents) before shipment arrival.
Documentation Gap MediumACS issuance and excise-related obligations rely on complete documentation (applications, foreign trade contract, and obligation/security documents); missing or mismatched paperwork can delay stamp issuance and downstream clearance/distribution.Use a pre-shipment compliance checklist tied to the eGov ACS service document list and the importer’s internal excise-stamp SOP; reconcile invoice, contract, product naming, volumes, and SKU/bottle sizes before applying for stamps.
Policy MediumKazakhstan’s government has legal authority to introduce temporary bans on the export and import of ethyl alcohol and alcoholic products, creating abrupt market-access disruption risk for alcoholic beverages.Monitor official government/legal updates and maintain alternative inventory plans (buffer stock or substitute SKUs) for regulated categories.
Logistics MediumKazakhstan is landlocked, so deliveries of bottled spirits typically depend on cross-border overland corridors; this can increase lead-time variability and cost sensitivity for glass-bottled products.Build longer lead-time buffers, use robust packaging specifications for long-haul handling, and diversify routing/forwarders where feasible.
FAQ
Is Kazakhstan mainly an importer or exporter of distilled gin?Kazakhstan is a net importer for HS 220850 (gin and geneva). In 2023, reported imports were about USD 2.75 million (286,214 liters) versus exports of about USD 18 thousand (2,463 liters).
Which origin country is the leading reported supplier of gin to Kazakhstan?For HS 220850 in 2023 reporting, the United Kingdom was the leading origin by both import value and volume for Kazakhstan.
What is a key Kazakhstan-specific compliance step that can block alcohol distribution if missed?For many alcoholic products in consumer packaging, obtaining and applying accounting and control stamps (ACS) is a critical step. The eGov process lists required applications and documents (including the foreign trade contract and obligation/security documents), and Kazakhstan’s alcohol law prohibits circulation of products that require marks but do not have them.