How to Import Changan Cars to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan
By Kate, Sales Manager, International Commercial Sales, EVtoU · Published · Updated
Ship to Kazakhstan by rail or car carrier through the Khorgos or Dostyk border crossings, and clear the cars under EAEU technical rules. Ship to Uzbekistan by rail through Kazakhstan or by road through Kyrgyzstan, and clear them under Uzbekistan's own national rules, since it is not an EAEU member. In both countries, the approval of the vehicle type is the step that takes longest, so start it before you pay a deposit.
EVtoU is an independent exporter based in Beijing and Tianjin, not Changan. We ship LHD Changan SUVs to Central Asia regularly. This guide covers routes, documents and model choice. It does not replace advice from a licensed customs broker in your country.
What is the best route from China to Kazakhstan?
Rail is the usual choice for batches, and road car carriers suit smaller or urgent orders. Both cross at the China–Kazakhstan border, mainly at Khorgos/Altynkol or Alashankou/Dostyk.
China and Kazakhstan use different track gauges, so rail cargo is transferred at the border. Cars travel in containers or on car-carrying wagons. From the border, rail runs on to Almaty, Astana, Shymkent and other cities. As an approximate range, allow about 2–4 weeks from the Chinese rail terminal to a major Kazakh city, depending on border queues and wagon supply. Add the factory lead time: 20–30 days to dispatch for CS55 PLUS and X5 PLUS stock colors, and 30–45 days for the 2026 CS75 PLUS.
How do cars reach Uzbekistan?
Most go by rail in transit through Kazakhstan, entering Uzbekistan in the south. The other main option is road through Kyrgyzstan via the Irkeshtam crossing to the Fergana Valley.
Rail through Kazakhstan is the steadier option for batches, because transit rules and wagon routing are well set. Road through Kyrgyzstan can be faster for small loads to Andijan, Fergana or Tashkent, but mountain passes and winter weather affect timing. Transit through a third country means transit documents and, in some cases, a guarantee for duties. Your forwarder arranges these. Allow roughly 3–5 weeks from China to Tashkent as an approximate range.
| Route | Best for | Border crossing | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rail to Kazakhstan | Batches of 10+ units | Khorgos/Altynkol, Dostyk | Gauge change at border; containers or car wagons |
| Road car carrier to Kazakhstan | Small or urgent orders | Khorgos | Flexible delivery to the showroom |
| Rail to Uzbekistan via Kazakhstan | Batches | Kazakhstan transit, then Uzbek border | Transit papers through Kazakhstan |
| Road via Kyrgyzstan | Small loads to eastern Uzbekistan | Irkeshtam, then Kyrgyz–Uzbek border | Weather and pass closures affect timing |
Which rules apply to cars imported into Kazakhstan?
Kazakhstan is a member of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), so new cars must meet technical regulation TR CU 018/2011 'On the safety of wheeled vehicles'. The EAEU's Eurasian Economic Commission publishes the regulation and related decisions.
Under TR CU 018/2011, cars sold in series normally need a Vehicle Type Approval, known by its Russian abbreviation OTTS. It is issued by an accredited certification body to the manufacturer or its authorized representative. Single vehicles can instead go through an individual safety certificate for the vehicle design, often called SBKTS. EAEU states have moved to electronic vehicle passports, so each car must be entered in the passport system before registration. Ask your certification body how this works for your import model. If Changan's official distributor already holds a type approval for a model, a parallel importer usually cannot use it, so check your route early.
Customs duty and fees in Kazakhstan
Duty follows the EAEU Common Customs Tariff, plus VAT, and Kazakhstan also charges a vehicle utilization (recycling) fee. These amounts are set by law and change, so check the current figures with your customs broker before you set retail prices. Duty is usually based on the customs value, which includes transport to the EAEU border.
Which rules apply to cars imported into Uzbekistan?
Uzbekistan runs its own conformity and customs rules. It is an observer to the EAEU, not a member, so EAEU approvals do not on their own clear a car there.
Imported cars need conformity certification under Uzbek national rules and customs clearance by the State Customs Committee. The committee's site, customs.uz, publishes customs procedures and tariff information. Import taxes on passenger cars in Uzbekistan have changed several times in recent years, and they can depend on engine size, age and value. Do not rely on old calculations. Ask a local broker for a current landed-cost estimate for each model before you order.
Which Changan models sell best in Central Asia?
The CS55 PLUS is the volume model, and the 2026 CS75 PLUS 2.0T is the flagship in Kazakhstan. The X5 PLUS is the entry model where price leads.
| Model | Engine / gearbox | Useful for Central Asia | Indicative FOB from |
|---|---|---|---|
| CS55 PLUS | 1.5T 192 hp / 7DCT | Heated front seats and mirrors, 190 mm clearance | US$11,900 |
| X5 PLUS | 1.5T 188 hp / 7DCT | Snow drive mode, lowest price | US$10,900 |
| CS75 PLUS | 1.5T 185 hp / 8AT | Space, 610 L boot, conventional automatic | US$14,900 |
| 2026 CS75 PLUS | 2.0T 233 hp / Aisin 8AT | Power for long highways, heated and ventilated seats | US$17,900 |
Winters in northern Kazakhstan are hard on batteries and fluids. Ask us which cold-climate items the factory fits for your batch before you confirm the order. Where the tax system steps up at 2.0 liters, the 1.5T models keep the landed cost lower.
What documents do we provide with each shipment?
We send the commercial invoice, packing list, transport document, certificate of origin and the vehicle data your certification body asks for. Your broker handles import clearance.
- Commercial invoice and packing list with VIN, engine number and color for each car.
- SMGS rail waybill or road CMR note, depending on the route.
- Certificate of origin for China.
- Factory technical data to support type approval or individual certification.
- Pre-loading inspection file: photos, VIN, build date and odometer for each unit.
Our shipping and import guide lists documents by region, and our markets page shows where we ship. For rail versus sea trade-offs, see Ro-Ro vs container shipping.
How should a new importer start?
Start with the certification question, then order a small mixed batch. That tests the paperwork and the market before you commit to volume.
- Ask a local certification body whether your chosen models can be approved for your import route, and how long it takes.
- Get a landed-cost estimate from a customs broker for each model.
- Request an FCA or CPT rail quote from us, with a load plan.
- Order a first batch mixing the CS55 PLUS and one other model.
- Scale up once registration of the first cars is complete.
Fleet buyers can plan staged rail deliveries through our fleet solutions team.
How do I get a quote to Almaty or Tashkent?
Send your city, models and quantity through the contact page, or message our WhatsApp sales team. We will quote rail and road options with current lead times and a document list for your market.