The Association of Kazakhstan Machinery Industry held its sixth online meeting of 2026, attended by regional representatives, machine-building enterprises, and industry partners. The meeting focused on the implementation and operation of the National Goods Catalog (NGC).

Aralym Nurtayeva, NGC project manager at Kazakhtelecom JSC, delivered a presentation.

The National Product Catalog is a large-scale government project developed by JSC “Center for Electronic Finance” in collaboration with JSC “Kazakhtelecom” at the initiative of the Ministry of Trade and Integration of the Republic of Kazakhstan. It was created to standardize and unify product data used in retail and wholesale trade. The implementation of the NCT aims to establish a unified approach to product identification, improve the quality and completeness of data transmitted via online cash registers to the Unified Fiscal Data System (UFDS), simplify work with product catalogs in cash register and inventory management software, and increase trade transparency.

Since January 2026, the NCT has been operating in a pilot mode. Approximately 16 million products have already been registered in the system.

As of January 1, 2026, the National Catalog of Goods became mandatory for use. However, in order to alleviate business concerns and complete testing of the state database, administrative liability will not be applied temporarily. Until July 1, 2026, errors in the NCT field on electronic invoices will not constitute grounds for rejecting an E-Invoice and will not prevent VAT offsetting. By March 1, 2026, importers and domestic manufacturers must be the first to digitize their product lines.

Each product in the catalog is assigned a unique NTIN code, which effectively serves as the product’s “identity document.” Both individual and serialized products are subject to registration. Without specifying the NTIN code, it will be impossible to issue an electronic invoice.

Product listings are reviewed within three business days on a first-come, first-served basis. Meeting participants noted that instances of duplicate product cards for certain items had been identified during registration. As the speaker explained, the primary product cards have been identified; however, the current regulations do not provide for the removal of duplicate product cards. Domestic manufacturers are advised to regularly update the information in the catalog.

It is worth noting that in December 2025, a memorandum was signed between the Ministry of Trade and Integration of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and the Atameken National Chamber of Entrepreneurs, providing for the phased introduction of NCT requirements, taking into account the readiness of the market and state information systems. The transition period covers importers, domestic manufacturers, retail chains, as well as small and micro-enterprises, including neighborhood stores.

Thus, until July 1, 2026, errors in the NCT field on electronic invoices will not be grounds for rejecting the EIF and will not prevent VAT offsetting.

This means that businesses will be able to operate without disruption and correct data without the risk of tax penalties.

Full-scale mandatory operation of the NCT will begin in July 2026.

During the discussion, meeting participants emphasized the need for informational guidance and methodological support for machine-building enterprises during the transition to full-scale mandatory operation of the NCT, which will begin in July 2026.

The Association of Kazakhstan Machinery Industry will continue to monitor the implementation of the National Catalog of Goods and collaborate with relevant government agencies on improving the mechanisms for its implementation.