Kazakhstan has received the green light to export honey to the European Union, marking a significant achievement for the nation as it hopes to widen its agricultural exports. The official resolution from the European Commission was made public on February 21, 2025, and will take effect 20 days after its publication.
This milestone was the culmination of extensive efforts by the Ministry of Agriculture of Kazakhstan, which developed and implemented the National Monitoring Plan for Residual Substances in Honey. This plan was pivotal for Kazakhstan's inclusion on the list of countries permitted to export honey to the EU.
According to the ministry, "This achievement became the result of many years of work. The ministry conducted extensive seminars, consultations, and inspections aimed at ensuring compliance with European Union requirements." This diligence emphasizes Kazakhstan's commitment to meeting stringent EU standards.
The resolution stipulates specific requirements for Kazakhstani enterprises wishing to gain approval for honey exports. The Ministry of Agriculture stated, "Enterprises must meet all EU regulatory standards to be included on the list of approved companies for export." This includes providing proof of compliance through various documents including inspection reports and guarantees from territorial veterinary inspection authorities.
Among the necessary documentation required to gain entry to the list includes veterinary inspection reports asserting compliance with EU standards and confirmation of effective production control systems. The necessary details must be submitted to the Committee for Veterinary Control and Surveillance, which will forward them through the TRACES-NT system to the European Commission.
Statistics reveal Kazakhstan's honey production has fluctuated, with only 91 tons produced from January to July 2024, compared to 132 tons during the same period the previous year. Shymkent produced the vast majority, accounting for 82 tons, with smaller quantities from Almaty and North Kazakhstan. Despite the recent production setbacks, Kazakhstan managed to sell 33,000 quintals of honey throughout 2023, which is 2.3 times more than the prior year.
Beside honey, Kazakh producers are eager to export livestock products—such as wild game meat, beef, lamb, pork, and poultry—along with honey, feed additives, and agricultural products like grains and oils. There are also plans to promote Kazakhstan's products via the Grandiose trading network in the United Arab Emirates.
With this new EU market for honey, Kazakhstan is poised not only to boost its agricultural sector but to establish itself as a reliable source of quality products within the European market. The commitment shown by the Ministry of Agriculture is expected to pave the way for even broader opportunities, potentially enabling varied agricultural exports to expand their reach globally. This progression highlights Kazakhstan's agricultural capabilities and aspirations, positioning the country as part of the global food supply network.
Overall, Kazakhstan's initiative to export honey is seen as both a triumph of regulatory progress and as part of the broader strategy to diversify its agricultural export portfolio. This development is anticipated to benefit local producers significantly, facilitating enhanced market opportunities and international partnerships.