Counterfeit safety certificates for a broad range of products were peddled in significant online marketplaces
Cracking Down on Shady Practices in Kazakhstan's Conformity Assessment Sphere
Cross your fingers for a safer market, folks! The Republic of Kazakhstan is getting serious about customer protection and eliminating deceptive practices in their conformity assessment sector, as announced by Vechernyaya Astana.
This crackdown focuses on certificates and declarations issued by conformity assessment bodies from EAEU countries, bypassing proper testing and skipping established procedures. Sound fishy? You're not alone.
In a bid to stamp out fake certificates lurking on the internet, 76 shady websites have been blocked since early 2024. Ouch! Official warnings have also been issued to major trading platforms Satu.kz and OLX, requesting them to toss out ads promoting these phony papers. An examination of imports based on these fabricated documents shows that the bulk of them come from our neighbors Russia (61%), Kyrgyzstan (32%), Armenia (2.5%), and Belarus (1.2%).
Beyond Kazakhstan: EAEU's Fight Against Phony Certificates
EAEU Initiatives:
- Unifying the Rules: The EAEU is working tirelessly to unify rules for determining the origin of goods exported, targeting significant changes that could improve the clarity of origin declarations. This effort aims to harmonize regulations and decrease the incidence of invalid certificates[1].
- Customs Code Harmonization: The Customs Code of the EAEU is due for full implementation this year, with Belarus being the last to sign on the dotted line. This code aims to standardize customs procedures across the EAEU, potentially leading to increased compliance and reduced use of phony certificates[5].
General Challenges:
- Conformity Certificates: Across the EAEU, including Kazakhstan, conformity certificates are necessary to guarantee compliance with technical regulations. The validity of these certificates is crucial for stopping the circulation of invalid documents[2].
- Special Permissions: Certain goods like pharmaceuticals and alcohol require special permissions. Implementing strict controls over these permissions can help in combating invalid declarations[2].
- Frequent Rule Changes: Frequent alterations in rules of origin due to trade agreements and technical updates can make compliance a headache for businesses operating within the EAEU. Keeping tabs on these changes is key[1].
Kazakhstan-Specific Initiatives:
Though specific Kazakhstan-focused initiatives are scant in the available information, it's safe to say that countries within the EAEU, including Kazakhstan, should work towards aligning with broader EAEU regulations and standards. This means ensuring that goods comply with the unified customs code and technical regulations, which can aid in lowering the circulation of counterfeit certificates.
For the latest and most precise information on Kazakhstan's regulations and initiatives, why not consult official sources or regulatory bodies within Kazakhstan? After all, knowledge is power! 💪🏼🌍✨
Sports enthusiasts can rejoice as Kazakhstan applies the same seriousness to combating shady practices in the sports sector, ensuring fair competition and consumer protection. This initiative could potentially eliminate the circulation of performance-enhancing certificates or illegitimate equipment, promoting a level playing field for all athletes within the EAEU.
In line with the EAEU's efforts to harmonize customs procedures and unify rules for determining the origin of goods, policymakers may also consider implementing stringent regulations for sports equipment and performance-enhancing substances to combat their counterfeit counterparts.
