Attempted smuggling of forms bearing symbols of the Interior Ministry across the border
Customs agents at Kazakhstan's Khorgos border checkpoint nabbed a massive haul of police uniforms adorned with the Republic of Kazakhstan's internal affairs department insignia, Polisia, as per reports from Liter.kz.
During a vehicle inspection transporting Chinese tourists' luggage heading to Kazakhstan, the uniforms were uncovered.
Here's the lowdown on these restricted items: According to the current rules, visitors transiting MCC "Khorgos" can surrender their purchases to a delivery carrier who moves them across the border. However, products deemed subject to import restrictions, like uniforms with official insignia, were spotted in this instance. These items aren't classified as personal belongings and necessitate a special import procedure. It's important to note that Decision No. 107 of the Eurasian Economic Commission, dated 20.12.2017, outlines the types, weight, and value categories of personal belongings allowed for duty-free transportation.
Presently, the seized uniforms are safely stored in a temporary warehouse, and the appropriate course of action consistent with Kazakhstan's laws and the Customs Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan is being undertaken.
When it comes to uniforms with official insignia, customs regulations at Kazakhstan's Khorgos border checkpoint have zero tolerance, and special authorization is required for import.
Key points from recent enforcement actions:
- Unauthorized Personal Imports: Uniforms bearing official insignia are forbidden from personal item categories and necessitate special permits[1][2].
- Large-Scale Shipments: A recent confiscation totaled approximately 1,775 kg (almost 2 tons) of police uniforms packed in 71 parcels, demonstrating that significant shipments undergo heightened scrutiny[1][2].
Legal basis for these stringent regulations includes:
- Specialized Procedures: Importing such uniforms demands adherence to government-managed processes, likely involving coordination with the Ministry of Internal Affairs or authorized entities[1][2].
- Policy Enforcement Context: The seizure correlates with parliamentary concerns about unauthorized sales of police uniforms, which have been used in public pranks, leading to stricter border controls[2].
At this China-Kazakhstan border hub, customs authorities meticulously inspect cross-border vehicles, particularly those transferring goods from visitors' purchases to third-party carriers[2]. Additionally, confiscated items are held in temporary storage while authorities verify their legality[1][2].
The intention behind these regulations revolves around preventing misuse of official symbols and preserving control over state-affiliated apparel.
- The seized police uniforms in Kazakhstan's Khorgos border checkpoint, weighing almost 2 tons, were uncovered during a vehicle inspection transporting Chinese tourists' luggage.
- The regulations at Kazakhstan's border checkpoint have zero tolerance for uniforms with official insignia, and special authorization is required for import due to potential misuse of official symbols and state-affiliated apparel control.
- Uniforms bearing official insignia are forbidden from personal item categories and necessitate special permits, as demonstrated by the recent confiscation of 1,775 kg of police uniforms packed in 71 parcels.
- The stringent regulations for importing uniforms with official insignia include adherence to government-managed procedures and cooperation with the Ministry of Internal Affairs or authorized entities, in the context of recent parliamentary concerns about unauthorized sales of these uniforms leading to stricter border controls.
