Russia Eases Import Rules to Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan to Alleviate Border Congestion”

On 24 October 2025, the Government of the Russian Federation issued Decree No. 778, signed by President Vladimir Putin, introducing temporary measures to simplify customs procedures for goods imported from Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. The decree is aimed at alleviating severe congestion at key border crossings, where thousands of trucks had been delayed due to intensified inspections and regulatory checks. Under this decree, goods entering Russia by road from Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan are allowed to bypass certain usual documentation requirements, including the standard Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) labeling and certificates of origin, until 10 December 2025. This measure applies specifically to Russian legal entities importing commercial goods and is designed to ensure that trade continues smoothly despite logistical bottlenecks. The temporary relaxation of requirements reflects the Russian government’s recognition of the economic and operational challenges created by the congested border and represents a pragmatic step to prevent further disruptions in the cross-border freight corridor.

The decree establishes a structured process to maintain oversight while streamlining customs operations. Imported goods must be transported to temporary storage facilities, where they will be held until formal declarations can be submitted. Companies are required to complete official customs formalities by 27 December 2025, providing a clear timeline for compliance while enabling immediate movement of goods into the Russian market. The government emphasized that the decree does not compromise safety or regulatory oversight; rather, it allows authorities to manage border traffic more efficiently and reduce backlogs that were significantly slowing trade flows. By easing administrative burdens in the short term, the decree ensures that Russian businesses relying on imports from Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan can continue operations without facing major disruptions or unexpected cost spikes caused by extended delays at the border.

The implications of Decree No. 778 extend beyond short-term relief. For Russian importers, the measure mitigates operational risk and prevents additional cost pressures linked to delayed shipments. For Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, the decree demonstrates the importance of cooperative trade management and the flexibility required to maintain regional supply chains. At a broader level, the decree underscores the strategic role of the Russia–Kazakhstan border in Eurasian trade and highlights the government’s ability to respond quickly to emergent logistical challenges through regulatory adjustments. While temporary, this initiative provides valuable lessons for infrastructure and customs management, showing that targeted regulatory relief can maintain trade continuity even amid congested cross-border operations. Overall, the decree reflects a balance between operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and economic continuity, reinforcing the Russian government’s commitment to supporting regional trade and the smooth functioning of critical transport corridors.