Kazakhstan Proposes Stricter Tax Rules on Fruit Wines in EAEU Overhaul
The ninth meeting of the Project Office for the Implementation of the Tax Code took place under the leadership of Kazakhstan's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy, Serik Zhumangarin. Key discussions focused on new tax regulations, legislative updates within the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), and proposed changes to alcohol safety rules.
The EAEU, which includes Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia, and Kyrgyzstan, is preparing adjustments that could impact businesses and producers across member states.
One of the main topics addressed was the draft technical regulations on alcohol safety. If approved, these rules would reclassify fruit wines made from non-grape fruits, placing them under higher excise taxes. The issue has now been listed among systemic reforms and will be tackled in a future legislative package.
The meeting also examined VAT credit timings, confirming they will be applied based on the actual payment date. Additionally, the deadline for issuing e-invoices related to non-resident VAT payments was extended from five to fifteen calendar days after a transaction.
To prevent tax evasion, stricter oversight of fruit wine production was proposed. A preliminary decision was made to apply wine-level excise rates to naturally fermented fruit wines in Kazakhstan, provided no extra alcohol is added. However, final amendments to the Tax Code will only follow after Kazakhstan formally adopts the EAEU's technical regulations.
The meeting's outcomes will shape upcoming tax policies and regulatory frameworks within the EAEU. Businesses, particularly those in the alcohol sector, may need to adjust to new compliance requirements once the proposed changes take effect. Further legislative steps will depend on Kazakhstan's formal adoption of the union's technical standards.
