Kazakhstan Requests Extension of Transition Period for Customs Union Technical Regulations on Dairy Products Until 2027
Source: DairyNews.today
Kazakhstan has proposed to the Eurasian Economic Commission to extend the transition period for the Customs Union Technical Regulation "On the Safety of Milk and Dairy Products" (TR CU 033/2013). This information comes from a document obtained by Dairynews.today, sent by Kazakhstan's Deputy Prime Minister Serik Zhumangarin to the Chairman of the Eurasian Economic Commission's Board, Bakytzhan Sagintayev.
According to the document, Kazakhstan was initially scheduled to implement strict requirements regarding permissible levels of microorganisms and somatic cells in raw milk and raw cream starting January 1, 2025. However, the country is now proposing to delay the full enforcement of these standards until January 1, 2027.
The extension request is linked to the need for Kazakhstan's dairy sector to adjust to the new standards. Currently, a significant portion of milk in Kazakhstan is sourced from small household farms, which may lack the resources to comply with the new regulations. Imposing the new standards as initially planned could lead to a reduction in the number of dairy producers and a decrease in supply to processing plants.
In recent years, Kazakhstan has taken steps to support its dairy sector by introducing incentives for farmers, including subsidies, requirements for cooperatives, and training programs on veterinary and sanitary norms, the document states. Under a government program, 118 new dairy farms are planned for establishment by 2027, which is expected to significantly increase milk production and enable full utilization of processing facilities.
"Overall, the measures taken have led to some improvements in raw milk quality. However, the desired results for a comprehensive solution in the dairy processing industry have not yet been achieved," the document notes.
The decision to extend the transition period until 2027 will allow local producers and processing plants in Kazakhstan to adapt to the new standards while continuing to operate within the Eurasian Economic Union market and strengthening their position in the dairy sector.
The document outlines the Eurasian Economic Commission’s decision:
In Appendix No. 5 of the Customs Union Technical Regulation "On the Safety of Milk and Dairy Products" (TR CU 033/2013), replace the words “01.01.2025” with “01.01.2027” in the second paragraph.
"Until January 1, 2027, the Republic of Kazakhstan will not allow raw milk, raw skimmed milk, and raw cream that do not meet TR CU 033/2013 requirements for mesophilic aerobic and facultative anaerobic microorganism (MAFAnM) counts and somatic cell levels to be labeled with the common market mark of the Eurasian Economic Union member states or to issue conformity assessment documents for TR CU 033/2013. Finished dairy products made from such raw materials must be additionally labeled: 'For Sale in the Republic of Kazakhstan.'"
Kazakhstan’s Government is requested to ensure: starting from the date of entry into force of this decision, that authorized control bodies conduct state oversight of the products on the market in accordance with the laws of Kazakhstan; and by January 1, 2027, that a set of activities be carried out to ensure the unconditional transition of Kazakhstan’s dairy industry to produce and release raw milk, raw skimmed milk, and raw cream that meet TR CU 033/2013 requirements.
It is noted that the decision will take effect 10 calendar days after its official publication and will apply retroactively from January 1, 2025.
The extension request is linked to the need for Kazakhstan's dairy sector to adjust to the new standards. Currently, a significant portion of milk in Kazakhstan is sourced from small household farms, which may lack the resources to comply with the new regulations. Imposing the new standards as initially planned could lead to a reduction in the number of dairy producers and a decrease in supply to processing plants.
In recent years, Kazakhstan has taken steps to support its dairy sector by introducing incentives for farmers, including subsidies, requirements for cooperatives, and training programs on veterinary and sanitary norms, the document states. Under a government program, 118 new dairy farms are planned for establishment by 2027, which is expected to significantly increase milk production and enable full utilization of processing facilities.
"Overall, the measures taken have led to some improvements in raw milk quality. However, the desired results for a comprehensive solution in the dairy processing industry have not yet been achieved," the document notes.
The decision to extend the transition period until 2027 will allow local producers and processing plants in Kazakhstan to adapt to the new standards while continuing to operate within the Eurasian Economic Union market and strengthening their position in the dairy sector.
The document outlines the Eurasian Economic Commission’s decision:
In Appendix No. 5 of the Customs Union Technical Regulation "On the Safety of Milk and Dairy Products" (TR CU 033/2013), replace the words “01.01.2025” with “01.01.2027” in the second paragraph.
"Until January 1, 2027, the Republic of Kazakhstan will not allow raw milk, raw skimmed milk, and raw cream that do not meet TR CU 033/2013 requirements for mesophilic aerobic and facultative anaerobic microorganism (MAFAnM) counts and somatic cell levels to be labeled with the common market mark of the Eurasian Economic Union member states or to issue conformity assessment documents for TR CU 033/2013. Finished dairy products made from such raw materials must be additionally labeled: 'For Sale in the Republic of Kazakhstan.'"
Kazakhstan’s Government is requested to ensure: starting from the date of entry into force of this decision, that authorized control bodies conduct state oversight of the products on the market in accordance with the laws of Kazakhstan; and by January 1, 2027, that a set of activities be carried out to ensure the unconditional transition of Kazakhstan’s dairy industry to produce and release raw milk, raw skimmed milk, and raw cream that meet TR CU 033/2013 requirements.
It is noted that the decision will take effect 10 calendar days after its official publication and will apply retroactively from January 1, 2025.
