Kazakhstan Market · Last updated 2026-05-09

Korean Used Cars Export to Kazakhstan — SH GLOBAL

Kazakhstan is the largest Korean used car import market in Central Asia, with Almaty and Astana driving demand for SUVs, sedans, and commercial vehicles like the Hyundai Porter and Kia Bongo. SH GLOBAL has shipped to Kazakh buyers since 2018 via the Vladivostok-overland route — a 14-21 day transit covering EAEU customs clearance, SBKTS certification support, and final delivery to Almaty, Astana, Shymkent, or Karaganda. Most clients choose vehicles 3-5 years old (best duty/age trade-off under EAEU rules) and pay between $10,000 and $25,000 landed depending on engine size and FOB price.

Kazakhstan's largest source for premium Korean vehicles. From Hyundai and Kia to BMW and Mercedes-Benz — EAEU-compliant, left-hand drive, delivered to Almaty and Astana with full documentation.

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Why Korean Cars Dominate in Kazakhstan

Established Market

Korean brands hold over 30% of Kazakhstan's auto market. Hyundai and Kia have official dealerships nationwide, ensuring strong parts supply and resale value.

Superior Condition

Korea's mandatory biennial inspections ensure all exported vehicles are well-maintained. Average mileage is lower than European or Japanese counterparts.

Advanced Features

Korean-market vehicles come loaded with features: heated seats, smart cruise, advanced safety systems — often standard equipment rather than costly options.

Climate Compatibility

Korean and Kazakh climates share extreme temperature ranges. Vehicles are engineered for -30°C winters and +40°C summers — perfect for Kazakhstan's continental climate.

Popular Models in Kazakhstan

Hyundai Tucson / ix35

The best-selling SUV in Kazakhstan. Versatile, reliable, and available in both gasoline and diesel. Excellent resale value in the Kazakh market.

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Kia Sportage

Extremely popular across Kazakhstan. Stylish design, practical size, and strong aftermarket support. The 2.0L diesel variant is especially sought after.

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Toyota Camry

Kazakhstan's prestige sedan. The Camry enjoys legendary status for reliability and comfort. Korean-sourced Camrys offer significant savings vs. new.

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Hyundai Santa Fe

Mid-size SUV perfect for Kazakh families. Spacious 7-seater option, powerful diesel engine, and AWD capability for harsh winters.

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Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Luxury sedan in high demand among Kazakh business professionals. Korean-sourced examples offer premium quality at 40-60% below new prices.

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Importing a Car to Kazakhstan

EAEU Customs Duties

Kazakhstan applies the EAEU unified customs tariff for vehicle imports:

Vehicle AgeEngine SizeDuty Rate
Under 3 yearsAny48-54% of value
3-5 years< 1,000 ccEUR 1.5/cc
3-5 years1,000-1,500 ccEUR 1.7/cc
3-5 years1,500-1,800 ccEUR 2.5/cc
3-5 years1,800-3,000 ccEUR 2.7/cc
3-5 years> 3,000 ccEUR 3.6/cc
Over 5 years< 1,500 ccEUR 2.5-3.5/cc
Over 5 years1,500-3,000 ccEUR 4.8/cc
Over 5 years> 3,000 ccEUR 5.7/cc

Key Regulations

  • Left-hand drive only — RHD vehicles cannot be registered
  • Euro 4+ emission standard required
  • SBKTS certificate required for vehicle registration
  • VAT: 12% on customs value + duty
  • Recycling fee (utilization charge) — based on engine size and vehicle age
  • First registration tax applies upon registration in Kazakhstan

Required Documents

  • Bill of Lading (B/L)
  • Commercial invoice
  • Korean export certificate
  • Vehicle registration copy
  • Performance inspection report
  • SBKTS certificate (obtained in Kazakhstan)
  • Passport / ID of importer

Disclaimer: EAEU customs duties, MCI multipliers, recycling-fee coefficients, and SBKTS rules are reviewed periodically (most recently the 2026 utilization-fee adjustment). The figures above reflect rates as of 2026-05. Always verify current rates with your local customs broker or the Kazakhstan State Revenue Committee before shipping.

Sample Landed Cost — 2021 Hyundai Tucson 1.6T

A representative calculation for a 4-year-old SUV at the time of import — engine 1,591 cc, age band 3-5 years, route Busan → Vladivostok → Almaty:

Line itemAmount
FOB Busan$12,500
Sea freight (RoRo) + rail to Almaty$1,800
EAEU customs duty (1,591 cc × EUR 2.5/cc)~$4,250
VAT 12% (on customs value + duty)~$2,200
Recycling fee (50 MCI × passenger multiplier)~$1,100
SBKTS + brokerage + first registration~$650
Total landed in Almaty~$22,500

Numbers are illustrative and round to the nearest hundred. Real quotes vary by KRW/USD/EUR, current MCI value, port congestion, and the specific car's emission certification path. Use the calculator below for your exact spec.

Shipping to Kazakhstan

Route Options

RouteTransit TimeEst. Cost
Incheon → Vladivostok → Almaty (sea + rail) 2-3 weeks $1,200-2,200
Busan → Vladivostok → Almaty (sea + rail) 2-3 weeks $1,200-2,200
Incheon → Qingdao → Almaty (via China rail) 3-4 weeks $1,500-2,800

Most popular: Incheon/Busan → Vladivostok by RoRo (5-7 days), then rail/truck to Almaty (7-10 days). Door-to-door service available for both Almaty and Astana.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the customs duty for importing a used car to Kazakhstan?

Kazakhstan follows EAEU tariffs. For vehicles 3-5 years old, rates are EUR 1.5-3.6 per cc. For vehicles over 5 years, EUR 2.5-5.7 per cc. Additional VAT (12%) and recycling fee apply.

How long does shipping take from Korea to Almaty?

Via the Vladivostok route: 2-3 weeks total. Sea freight takes 5-7 days, rail/truck transport to Almaty takes 7-10 days.

Is there a vehicle age limit for imports to Kazakhstan?

No strict age ban, but vehicles over 7 years face significantly higher duties and recycling fees. The sweet spot is 3-5 year old vehicles for the best value.

What is the SBKTS certificate?

SBKTS is the EAEU vehicle safety certificate. It confirms the vehicle meets technical regulations. Obtained at accredited testing centers in Kazakhstan after the vehicle arrives.

Can I drive a Korean car in Kazakhstan without modification?

Yes. Korean vehicles are left-hand drive like Kazakhstan. No steering conversion needed. You only need to pass technical inspection and get SBKTS.

What is the recycling fee in Kazakhstan?

The recycling fee is based on engine size and vehicle age. For passenger cars, the base is approximately 50 MCI (around 185,000 KZT in 2026), with multipliers up to 80x for older, larger-engine vehicles.

Does SH GLOBAL deliver to Astana?

Yes. Vehicles arrive in Almaty first, with onward transport to Astana arranged. Total additional transit time to Astana is 1-2 days.

What is the typical total landed cost for a 2021 Hyundai Tucson in Kazakhstan?

A 2021 Tucson with a 1.6L turbo engine and ~50,000 km currently lands in Almaty for roughly $20,000-23,000 — that's $11,000-13,000 FOB Busan + ~$1,800 sea/rail + EAEU duty (EUR 2.5/cc) + 12% VAT + recycling fee + SBKTS. See the worked example above for the full breakdown.

How does SH GLOBAL handle payment for Kazakh buyers?

We accept SWIFT bank transfer to a registered Korean corporate account (BRN/사업자등록번호 verifiable). A 30% deposit reserves the vehicle; the balance is due before B/L release. USD, KRW, and KZT are all supported. We do not accept crypto, cash courier, or transfers to a personal account.

Are import scams common when buying Korean cars to Kazakhstan?

Most reported scams come from Telegram/WhatsApp brokers without business registration, asking for transfers to personal accounts. Verify any exporter has a Korean BRN, a real Bucheon or Incheon address, and that B/L is issued in their company name — not a personal name. SH GLOBAL Co., Ltd. operates under BRN 136-09-84466 with a registered Bucheon HQ.

Related Guides for Kazakhstan Buyers

Kazakhstan Import Guide

Step-by-step process from FOB selection in Korea to SBKTS registration in Almaty — paperwork order, common rejection reasons, and timing.

Central Asia Export Trends 2026

Volume, top models, and price trajectory across Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan.

Verify a Korean Exporter

Practical due-diligence checklist: BRN lookup, B/L verification, escrow alternatives, red flags to walk away from.

Uzbekistan Export

Compare Tashkent vs Almaty as a delivery hub — duties, route options, and re-export rules within EAEU.

Kyrgyzstan Export

Bishkek-bound buyers often source via the same Vladivostok corridor as Kazakhstan — when it makes sense to consolidate.

Best Korean Exporters 2026

What to compare when shortlisting an exporter: licensing, inspection rigor, payment safety, port access, language coverage.

Estimate Your Total Landed Cost — Kazakhstan

FOB price + ocean freight + customs duty + VAT + local fees. Get an instant ballpark estimate for any Korean vehicle imported to Kazakhstan, based on 2026 published rates. Free, no signup.

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Result includes pre-filled WhatsApp message so you can request an exact quote in one tap.

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Ready to Import Your Car?

Contact SH GLOBAL today. We handle everything from vehicle selection to delivery in Almaty or Astana.

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+82 10-5804-8504

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Email

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