According to Order No. 285 of the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated February 16, 2026, new restrictions are being introduced on certain export and transit routes in Kazakhstan regarding the acceptance of foreign-registered wagons for loading.
From March 1 to December 31, 2026, the acceptance and transportation of export cargo in foreign-registered gondola cars and covered wagons is prohibited through a number of border crossing points: Turksib, Saryagash, Oasis, and Bolashak. The ban applies to wagons registered in AZ, ARM, BC, RZD, CFM, GR, LDZ, LTG, and EVR when transporting export-destined cargo.
A similar ban also applies to gondola cars and covered wagons registered in UZB, TDJ, KRG, and TRK transporting export cargo through the following ISPTs: Lokot, Kudunda, Petropavlovsk, Zauralye, Kartaly, Orsk–Novy Gorod, Iletsk, Semiglavy Mar, Kigash, Aktau-Port (ferry), and Kuryk-Port (ferry).
It is worth noting that Order No. 285 of the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated February 16, 2026 has not been found in any official sources in Kazakhstan. References to this document appear only on specialized Russian industry websites.
In addition to the new restriction, Kazakhstan has extended until the end of 2026 the official ban introduced in 2025 on the acceptance of all foreign-registered wagons for freight transportation within Kazakhstan. Order No. 3145 dated December 26, 2025, issued by JSC “NC Kazakhstan Temir Zholy” (KTZ), prohibits the acceptance for transportation of foreign-registered covered wagons, gondola cars, grain hoppers, and tank cars (except food-grade, gas, and chemical tanks) destined for all stations in Kazakhstan, as well as for export through key ISPTs and ports (Dostyk–Alashankou, Altynkol–Khorgos, Aktau Port, Kuryk Port). Unlike Order No. 285, Order No. 3145 is available on official Kazakhstani websites.
Why Were the Restrictions Introduced?
The official reason is congestion on the KTZ railway network and the high share of foreign-owned wagons in the rolling stock fleet. The measures are aimed at optimizing infrastructure load and regulating international rail freight logistics.
Impact of the Restrictions on the Market
According to industry experts and market participants:
- hundreds of loaded wagons have been placed on sidings due to the bans;
- restrictions complicate the export of agricultural and industrial goods via rail corridors;
- delays, empty wagon accumulation, and reduced transit efficiency are occurring;
- shippers are expressing concern about the impact of these measures on logistics and costs.