The State Revenue Committee of the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan took part in the second meeting of the Working Group under the EEC Consultative Committee on Customs Regulation (with the participation of representatives of Armenia, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Kazakhstan, as well as the invited party – the Republic of Uzbekistan), where joint measures to counteract the illegal import and distribution of tobacco and nicotine-containing products within the Union countries were discussed.

       The Kazakhstani side presented updated information on the situation at the borders and key results of the SRC’s efforts to suppress illegal supplies of tobacco products. It was noted that strengthened control, the introduction of electronic accompanying invoices, and the use of a risk management system make it possible to timely detect attempts of unlawful movement of high-risk goods and reduce the scale of the shadow market.

       During the meeting, representatives of the customs services of the EAEU member states exchanged data on detected violations and control tools proven effective. The discussions also covered issues of harmonizing procedures, improving information exchange, and using digital solutions to enhance transparency of goods flows.

       The importance of uniting the efforts of the Union countries was emphasized, and readiness to continue participation in developing practical mechanisms aimed at reducing the illegal turnover of tobacco products and protecting bona fide businesses was confirmed.

       The SRC will continue active work to improve control at external and internal borders, develop digital tools, and strengthen coordination with the EAEU member states.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kgd/press/news/details/1123287?lang=kk