The enforcement deadline for a requirement that all products sold in Kazakhstan be labeled in both the Russian and Kazakh languages has been delayed until early next year. As of February 1, 2000, the import of goods without dual language labeling will be prohibited. Distribution of goods not correctly labeled within Kazakhstan is to be prohibited as of April 1, 2000. The Kazakhstan Government order on dual language labeling, originally set to go into effect on October 1, 1999, implements the 1997 Law on Languages. The responsible government agency is the Ministry of Energy, Industry and Trade (MEIT). The enforcement bodies are the Customs Committee and the Committee on Standards, Metrology and Certification.
MEIT is currently drafting a regulation, “On Requirements for Product Information in Kazakh and Russian Languages on Labels,” that incorporates the suggestions and amendments of importers into Kazakhstan and Kazakhstani producers. These groups had expressed concerns and requests on the labeling requirement’s provisions.
The contents of the original government order have not changed. The U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service in Almaty analyzed the order when it was passed in May. It noted that the new labeling regulations required all goods subject to compulsory certification under Kazakhstan’s certification law to be labeled in both the Kazakh and Russian languages. The labels must contain the following information: (1) name of goods and ingredients, (2) country of origin, (3) producer, (4) production date, (5) expiration date, (6) storage directions, (7) directions for usage, and (8) nutrition information (for food products only). The information must be printed on the original label or packaging, included in accompanying leaflets or directions for use (one per unit), or attached in any other way depending on the type of good and in accordance with corresponding standards and laws.
The new labeling requirements need to be implemented by producers, importers (organizations and individuals), or the sellers of the imported goods. Delivery of imported goods and supply contracts must contain provisions for labeling in accordance with the new regulations.
To contact the Kazakhstan State Committee on Standardization, Metrology and Certification in Almaty, tel: +7 (3272) 21-65-41 or fax: +7 (3272) 28-56-55. To contact the Kazakhstan Customs Committee in Astana, tel: +7 (3172) 75-04-47 or fax: +7 (3172) 75-30-16.
For more information, contact the U.S. Commercial Service-Almaty at tel: +7 (3272) 58-79-16, fax: 58-79-22, email: almaty.office.box@mail.doc.gov, or visit www.usis.kz/csalmaty or BISNIS Online at www.bisnis.doc.gov/bisnis/isa/isa-cert.htm.