What happened
The Chairman of the State Revenue Committee of the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan signed Order No. 136 dated September 9, 2026. The document introduces amendments to the order dated September 15, 2021 No. 553 "On approval of the Criteria for Categorizing Customs Representatives." Information about the document has been posted on the government agencies portal.
This concerns the rules by which customs authorities assign customs representatives to a particular category. Categorization is a tool of the risk management system: the assigned category determines how closely and how often government authorities apply customs control measures to a participant. The revision of the criteria means that the approach to evaluating customs representatives is being refined.
Who is affected
The changes primarily affect customs representatives — companies that, on behalf of and at the instruction of declarants, carry out customs operations, prepare declarations, and interact with customs authorities. It is their activities that are assessed according to the categorization criteria.
Indirectly, this topic is also important for those who use the services of customs representatives: importers, exporters, logistics and brokerage companies. The representative's category affects the speed and predictability of cargo processing, so choosing a reliable partner with a stable status has practical significance for the entire supply chain.
Why it matters
The categorization system is part of a risk-based approach to customs administration. The higher the level of trust in a customs representative, the fewer excessive inspections and the faster the processing. Conversely, falling into a less favorable category usually means closer attention from customs.
Any update to the criteria may change the set of indicators used to assess a participant, which in turn can affect the final category. Therefore, customs representatives should understand in advance which parameters they will be evaluated on and keep their activities in line with these requirements.
What to do
To avoid unexpected surprises, it is recommended to:
- Review the full text of Order No. 136 dated September 9, 2026 and compare the updated criteria with the previous version of Order No. 553.
- Assess your compliance with the updated criteria and determine which performance indicators affect the assigned category.
- Put your records and document management in order — maintain accurate reporting, fulfill customs obligations on time, and avoid violations that are typically taken into account during categorization.
- Set up internal monitoring of status and category to respond promptly to any changes.
- If necessary, seek advice from a qualified specialist or the customs authority to clarify how the new criteria are applied.
Timeline
The procedure for the entry into force of the amendments is determined by the order itself and the general rules for the enactment of regulatory acts. The exact date from which the updated criteria will apply should be verified against the official text of the document, since it determines the moment from which customs authorities will begin using the new version of the criteria for categorization.
Frequently asked questions
What is the categorization of customs representatives? — This is the assignment of a customs representative to a specific category within the risk management system. The category determines the scope and frequency of customs control measures applied to it.
Who is affected by Order No. 136 dated September 9, 2026? — Primarily customs representatives, whose activities are assessed according to the categorization criteria. Indirectly, it is also important for their clients — importers, exporters, and logistics companies.
Why was it necessary to amend Order No. 553? — To clarify and update the criteria used to assess customs representatives. This is part of the development of a risk-based approach to customs administration.
How can I find out my category and influence it? — The category is assigned by the customs authority based on established criteria. It can be influenced through the conscientious fulfillment of customs obligations, accurate reporting, and the absence of violations.
Where can I see the full text of the amendments? — The full text of the order is published on the official portal of government agencies of the Republic of Kazakhstan, in the documents section of the State Revenue Committee.