China’s New Requirements Disrupt Kazakhstan’s Feed Flour Exports

Kazakhstan’s feed flour producers are facing significant export disruptions to China following the introduction of new regulatory requirements by Chinese authorities. Changes in certification procedures and quality control have effectively halted shipments under a number of existing contracts.

A key factor behind the disruption is the introduction of a separate certification code specifically for feed flour. Previously, exporters used a combination of codes for wheat and barley flour, which allowed shipments without additional procedures. However, since late March 2026, China has transitioned to a new regulatory system.

According to industry participants, 66 Kazakh companies applied for the new certification code, but only 27 have been approved so far. The remaining suppliers are facing uncertainty despite having valid contracts. As a result, significant volumes of product are currently stuck in storage facilities and railway wagons ready for shipment.

An additional restriction is China’s requirement that feed flour must be produced exclusively from Kazakh-origin grain. The use of Russian raw materials is effectively prohibited, limiting procurement flexibility for domestic processors.

Stricter quality standards have also been introduced: only wheat, barley, and bran are permitted, without the addition of other components. Furthermore, China requires that exporters be the actual producers rather than intermediary trading companies.

Experts note that the new rules are aimed at improving market transparency and ensuring product quality. However, in the short term, they have already caused logistical disruptions and increased costs.

Industry participants expect that tighter regulations may lead to higher prices for Kazakh feed flour in the Chinese market, as well as impact domestic grain and processed product prices.

In the longer term, concerns are growing about the potential expansion of Chinese companies’ role in grain processing within Kazakhstan, which could affect the distribution of value-added within the sector.

Source: Eldala.kz.