(11 January 2026 | Source: FBRC)
The editorial board of FBRC has received official clarifications from KazBeef Processing LLP regarding a recent article about the specifics of export controls on beef in Kazakhstan. After a further fact check, our editorial board considers it necessary to clarify a number of circumstances set out in the previous publication.
As a reminder, FBRC previously analysed the beef export control system and published documents on quota allocation and potential livestock transit schemes. The company KazBeef Processing, which also featured in the article, sent a detailed response to the assumptions raised.
WHAT THE COMPANY SAID ABOUT THE NATURE OF EXPORTS
KazBeef Processing LLP provided data on its production process. The company stated that it exports finished products in vacuum packaging, not live animals or unprocessed raw materials.
According to the company, the production cycle includes the slaughter of cattle from its own feedlot, deboning, trimming of cuts, deep processing, and vacuum packaging on specialised equipment.
KazBeef claims that using third-party raw materials of unknown origin is technically impossible with this technology.
It should be noted that in the previous article, the nature of KazBeef Processing's products was described inaccurately, which led to assumptions about possible substitution of transit livestock. The documents received also did not account for the specifics of finished product manufacturing.
ON THE LEGAL BASIS FOR EXPORTS FROM AUGUST TO DECEMBER 2025
KazBeef Processing explained the legal basis for its export operations between 29 August and 1 December 2025. The company cited protocol No. 121 of the Interdepartmental Commission (IDC) dated 25 August 2025.
According to the company's position, the protocol clause stipulated the right to complete shipments under previously concluded contracts — up to September 2025. KazBeef describes this measure as a standard international practice to protect legitimate businesses from losses when export regulations change.
In the previous publication, our editorial board used the term 'three-month privilege period'. The company disputes this wording and insists it was about fulfilling obligations under existing contracts, not about preferential treatment.
However, questions about the discrepancies between the Russian and Kazakh versions of IDC protocol No. 121, as previously reported, remain. These differences concerned the geographical scope of the quota — whether EAEU countries were excluded or included. This aspect requires further clarification from state authorities.
ON THE TRANSPARENCY OF SUPPLY CHAINS
The 'KazBeef' group of companies stated it maintained complete transparency of supply chains and that export volumes matched the production capacity of its own feedlot.
In the previous article, we cited documents from an anonymous source which described a scheme involving understated volumes on invoices and the transport of small consignments without submitting declarations to the database of the State Revenue Committee (SRC).
The company denies any involvement in such operations.
THE EDITORIAL BOARD'S POSITION
The editorial board of FBRC acknowledges the insufficient precision of the wording regarding the production technology of KazBeef Processing LLP.
At the same time, we consider it important to emphasise: the questions regarding IDC protocol No. 121 remain open. The discrepancies between the Russian and Kazakh versions of the document, the lack of transparency in the criteria for quota allocation, and the absence of public access to customs data — all this concerns the work of state authorities, not the integrity of the business.
Our main task is to provide a platform for discussing systemic problems and to give a voice to all parties. We do not judge; we record contradictions and put them up for public debate. Dialogue with businesses, experts, and state authorities is undoubtedly the only path to transparency.
The editorial board of FBRC thanks KazBeef Processing for its constructive response and remains open to all who are willing to discuss the industry's issues substantively. We wish the company success in its business development.