On November 5, the Ministry of Trade of Kazakhstan submitted an official appeal to the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC). The agency stated that barriers exist which create unequal conditions for Kazakhstani and Russian companies manufacturing power transformers.
The essence of the environmental fee claims
According to EEC data, exporting power transformers from Kazakhstan to the Russian Federation results in additional financial and administrative obligations. While Russian manufacturers of similar equipment are exempt from these payments, Kazakhstani companies are forced to pay an environmental fee and provide relevant reporting.
"Regarding Kazakhstani power transformers supplied to the territory of the Russian Federation, obligations to pay an environmental fee and submit corresponding reports are established, whereas manufacturers of similar Russian products are exempt from said payments"
This appeal was submitted under a mechanism that allows EAEU member states to request the commission to audit regulations in neighboring countries. The purpose of the procedure is to identify and eliminate barriers within the union's internal market.
Context
The Eurasian Economic Commission is the body regulating integration issues within the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), which is headquartered in Moscow.
