China introduces unlimited mode for Kazakhstan carriers

Starting from 2026, the rules of international cargo transportation between Kazakhstan and China will change dramatically. Following two-day negotiations (November 5-6) held at the Khorgos International Center for Cross-Border Cooperation (ICBC), the parties reached a historic agreement on the abolition of quantitative restrictions on permit forms.

Transition to automation and electronic format

The main innovation will be full automation of the process. If earlier carriers depended on a limited number of paper forms ("permits"), then from 2026 the system will switch to digital rails. Forms will be drawn up automatically for all vehicles that are registered in the electronic queue system and sent towards the Middle Kingdom. This will eliminate the human factor and reduce corruption risks.

Conditions for getting unlimited access

Despite the removal of quantitative barriers, quality control by the PRC will increase. Unhindered entry will be guaranteed only to those carriers that have an impeccable reputation. The main criterion will be no previously recorded violations of Chinese law. This applies to both traffic rules and customs or migration regulations.

Expected impact on the economy and businesses

Experts predict that the transition to unlimited issuance of permits will bring a number of positive changes:

• Reduced downtime: Machines will no longer have to wait for quotas to be allocated.

• Reduced logistics costs: Simplification of procedures directly affects the cost of delivery of goods.

• Growth of trade turnover: Increasing the capacity will allow Kazakhstan to maximize its transit potential within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative.

Strengthening cross-border cooperation

This decision was the result of systematic work of the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Kazakhstan and their Chinese colleagues. The parties noted that modernization of infrastructure at checkpoints and implementation of IT solutions are a priority for creating a seamless logistics corridor between Europe and Asia.