Kazakhstan and China Launch Digital Permits to Boost Cross-Border Shipments
Kazakhstan and China have implemented a digital foreign permit form (FPF) system to simplify cross-border cargo transportation, according to Kazakhstan’s Transport Ministry. The system, tested successfully on Nov. 27, was officially launched on Dec. 2.
Altai Ali, chair of the Committee for Automobile Transport and Transport Control, highlighted the benefits of the digital system, which replaces traditional paper permits and streamlines the transportation process. Despite criticism from the shadow market, the move is seen as a necessary modernization step to facilitate international logistics.
“Those involved in the shadow market are now attempting to generate a buzz around it, claiming it was a hasty decision. However, practice shows and figures speak for themselves that the number of forms needs to be increased, and the process of international transportation needs to be simplified as much as possible. It is important not to interfere with carriers, but to create conditions for them, including working out alternative routes and providing foreign permit forms,” Ali said.
In 2023, Kazakhstan and China exchanged a record 190,000 permit forms, including 30,000 in digital format since the system's introduction.
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