Kazakhstan's product registry flaws spark business backlash and calls for delay

Business leaders in East Kazakhstan have highlighted major flaws in the Unified Product Registry system. The current framework lacks proper NTIN codes and struggles with classifying bulk, loose, and piece goods. Entrepreneurs warn these issues could lead to financial violations if unaddressed. The Regional Chamber of Entrepreneurs has committed to passing all business feedback to central authorities. Their main demand is to delay the registry’s full implementation until January 2027. This extended period would allow time to assign NTIN codes to all goods and improve the system’s tracking algorithms.

At present, fewer than 40% of products in the National Product Catalog have NTIN codes. Retailers often receive invoices without these identifiers, forcing them to guess classifications. The system also burdens businesses by requiring individual barcodes for every item, costing 10 tenge each. Entrepreneurs argue that incorrect NTIN use could be treated as a financial offence.

During the proposed transition, the registry must cover the full range of goods. It should also ensure all invoices include NTIN codes and develop a workable method for tracking bulk, loose, and piece goods. The business community has made its concerns clear to the authorities. A longer transition period would give time to fix the registry’s gaps. Without these changes, retailers risk penalties and operational disruptions.