Kazakhstan extends restrictions on beef exports

Tengrinews.kz – Kazakhstan has extended restrictions on the export of beef.

The Minister of Agriculture has signed an order dated 29 December 2025 “On certain issues of the export of beef from the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan.” The document entered into force on 31 December 2025.

Under the order, quantitative restrictions (quotas) are introduced for six months on the export of beef – both fresh and chilled, as well as frozen (EAEU HS codes 0201 and 0202). The total quota volume is set at 20,000 tonnes. The restrictions apply to exports both to third countries and to the member states of the Eurasian Economic Union.

How the quotas will be allocated

At the same time, the rules for distributing the quotas have been approved. No later than three working days from the date the rules take effect, the authorised body will publish on the gov.kz portal an announcement on the start of allocation. It will specify the total quota volume and the maximum quota per exporter.

The size of the quota will depend on the capacity of the feedlot. Thus, with a capacity of 5,000 head, a quota of 1,000 tonnes is provided; from 10,000 head – 2,000 tonnes; from 15,000 – 3,000 tonnes; from 20,000 – 4,000 tonnes; and with a capacity of 50,000 head – up to 10,000 tonnes. If several feedlots are available, the quota is determined based on their combined capacity.

Who can obtain the right to export

Quotas will be distributed among individuals and legal entities, including export companies, provided they meet the established requirements. These include having their own meat-processing facility and a feedlot with a capacity of at least 5,000 head, registration of the livestock in the agricultural animal identification database, as well as the presence of foreign trade contracts.

From 1 April 2026, the use of RFID tags will become mandatory. The quota volume will be calculated based on an average carcass weight of 200 kilograms per head. The quota is valid for 10 calendar days from the date of issuance and is cleared after passing veterinary control at the border.

The allocation of quotas will be carried out automatically when export licences are issued via state information systems. The authorised body will publish the results of quota distribution, indicating the recipients and quota volumes, on its official website.

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