Kazakhstan Cuts Customs Clearance Time Sixfold Through Rail Transit Automation
By Dana Omirgazy in International on 5 November 2025
ASTANA — Kazakhstan has successfully reduced the customs clearance time for rail transit cargo from three hours to just 30 minutes, thanks to a pilot automation project launched on the China-Central Asia and China-Europe routes.
The initiative processed 2.5 million tons of cargo between January and October 2025, strengthening Kazakhstan’s role as a vital transport and logistics hub linking China with Europe and Central Asia, according to the State Revenue Committee of the Finance Ministry.
Since December 2023, an automated system has enabled electronic submission and issuance of transit declarations for rail cargo passing through Kazakhstan. This technology ensures transparency, speeds up customs procedures, and enhances the efficiency of train movements on key international corridors.
The committee reported 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 previous year.
"This technological upgrade is designed to ensure transparency, accelerate and simplify customs procedures, and improve the efficiency of train movements along major international routes."
Readers can receive The Astana Times stories directly by signing up on the website or subscribing via X, Facebook, Instagram, Telegram, YouTube, and TikTok.
Author's summary: Kazakhstan’s rail transit automation cut customs clearance time significantly, boosting cargo throughput and reinforcing its strategic transport position.