The main advantage of buying packaging in Turkmenistan for CIS companies is the zero import duty. It is not granted automatically — it requires an ST-1 certificate of origin. Here is how it works.
What ST-1 is
It is a certificate confirming that the goods were produced in a CIS country and meet the rules for determining the country of origin. For Turkmenistan the Rules approved by the Decision of the CIS Council of Heads of Government of 24 September 1993 apply — Turkmenistan is not a party to the 2011 Free Trade Area Treaty, but the duty exemption operates under bilateral agreements.
Which countries it covers
Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Armenia (EAEU), as well as Azerbaijan, Georgia, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Moldova — provided there is an ST-1 certificate and the direct-shipment condition is met.
What customs checks
- The ST-1 certificate is issued by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan for the specific consignment.
- Direct shipment — the goods are sent from Turkmenistan directly to the importer (transit through Kazakhstan is allowed if the goods were not released for free circulation there).
- A contract between residents of Turkmenistan and the importing country.
- The goods meet the sufficient processing criterion — for PP sacks and big bags made from Turkmen polypropylene this is satisfied.
Which documents the importer receives
- Contract and specification.
- Invoice and packing list.
- ST-1 certificate (original).
- CMR / rail waybill.
- Quality passport, certificate of conformity where required.
Common mistakes
- Goods bought through an intermediary in a third country — the exemption is lost.
- A different consignee in the ST-1 than in the contract.
- Certificate issued after shipment — some customs offices accept it, but it is better to issue it before dispatch.
We prepare the full set of documents for every consignment and check it with the buyer's customs broker before shipment.